IT Job Interview

They are asking you to say some negative things about your former company or boss, but don’t say it!

Sample Answers:

“I honestly can’t think of anything about my last job that I disliked.  I really enjoy working with people there.  If they had more career advancement opportunities, I would like to stay  with them.”

Or you may say something that is no significant, and not on people:

“I’d say it was their lack of a training program. I enjoyed working there and understand they have severe budget restrictions which limited their training opportunities. That’s one of the reasons I’m so eager to work for your company. I know you have an excellent training program here. I’m always looking to improve my skills and make myself more useful.”

This question is often asked by HR people.  They are more interested in your ambition than you skills.  They want to know your willingness and ability to set long-term goals, and your desire to succeed.  Even if you are just taking life and your career one day at a time, you still need to pretend you have given some serious thought to your future.

But don’t show too much ambition, which make some people feel uncomfortable.  You do not want to be perceived as arrogant.  Also, don’t try to be funny or demonstrate your assertiveness by saying “To be running this company.”

There are many acceptable goals you can demo:  move one or two levels up from your current position, jump from technical to management position, get a higher degree.  You should mention that your career advancement is based on hard work and achieving company goals.

Sample Answer: (more…)

This is usually the last question for you in the interviewer.  It is almost over.  Don’t simply answer “No.”  You should prepare a list of make-sense questions before interview.  This is your last chance to impress the interviewers.

Don’t ask questions that were answered already during the interview, unless you’re requesting clarification or additional information. Otherwise, it’ll look like you were not paying attention.

Ask about the company, the position, the project, the products and services, and the technology implemented with the company.

Do not ask about questions of your concern, — salary, vacation time, or any other personal benefits at this point.

Here’s a list of questions you may ask interviewers: (more…)

Obviously, the right answer is “Yes.” But don’t answer a question with just one word.  Say you interact well with all of the key people, — your team members, your mangers, and your clients.

Sample Answer:

“Yes. I’m very friendly and enjoy being around people. I get along well with all kinds of people with all types of personalities.  In my current job, I really enjoy working work my co-worker, the management team, and our customers.”

It’s a question to test your character and your attitude.  With a position attitude as you should have, you don’t dislike people.  It may be true that you’ve met a lot of jerks, but here you need to resist the temptation to give your opinion about why your formal boss was such a jerk.   Deny it, and don’t blame anyone.

A good answer is to say a lot of good things of your formal bosses, then point out a little thing which is no significant that you wish could be improved.

Sample Answers:

“I’ve honestly never had a boss that I disliked.  In my previous jobs, I worked really well with the management teams, they were very supportive.  I had one boss a few years ago, he was a nice guy, but he didn’t interact with our team often.  I wished that he could give us more feedback about our performance and kept us informed about what was going on in the company. “

Here’s what career experts would often suggest, — answering the question with a positive trait disguised as a weakness, for example:

“I work too hard.”
“I’m a perfectionist.”
“I am workaholic.”

But that’s not what interviewers want to hear. They want you to tell your real weakness. They are smart enough to see the trick. So, a good answer is to tell your true weakness. (more…)

If they ask when you can start, you almost get the job.  They like you background and is in a hurry to get someone on board.  If you are currently employed, the standard is to give 2-week notice.  In this case your answer could be:

“I would love to start immediately, but feel its important to give proper notice with my current employer. I would be able to begin working for you within two weeks of accepting your offer.”

If you believe you are a very strong candidate for this position, then make yourself a hot commodity.  Tell them you are interviewing with other firms and considering other offers, that would encourage a faster decision from this hiring manager.  Still, you need to explain that you want to work for their company the most..

Sample Answer:

“I have been interviewing with other companies, but my goal is to work for your company. I feel that I’m a great fit for your organization and I would love the opportunity to help your team to reach its goals. There’s no other company I would rather work for.”

It goes up and down.  When in down turn, employers take the advantage.  To cut cost, companies let their high-paid IT workers go.  Many of them may not be able to find a new job on the same salary level.  They may have to take whatever they can get.  It’s life.  Depending on how badly you need the job, your answer could be different.

“Yes. Salary is not my top priority. If your company offers advancement opportunities and other forms of compensation, I would be willing to consider a lesser salary.”

“I’m afraid not. I’ve worked extremely hard to achieve the level I’m at now, and I wouldn’t want to take a step backwards. I feel that, based on my experience and qualifications, my stated salary range is reasonable and in line with industry standards.”

It’s more likely a HR or manager question.  They want to find out what type of management style you like.  It is a good time to show your generosity to give credits to your favorite boss.   Say a lot of good words for your boss, which makes you look like a great person.

Sample Answer:

“Fortunately I had a quite some good bosses, they were very supportive and helped a lot in my career.  One of my favorite boss David mentored me and made me a better employee by offering great feedback on my performance, training me in areas where I needed improvement, and encouraging me to always do my best. He gave me opportunities to prove myself and asked for my opinions on important projects. He made me feel like a valuable member of the team.”