IT interview - Mistakes to avoid

After an IT interview, we do sometimes come back with a huge feeling that it has been the most successful interview we have ever had. After a while waiting for a call or an email, we quickly realise that we missed the mark. The competition may have been fierce or simply that we made a mistake somewhere along the line that has been decisive.

Here are a series of mistakes that might cost you your next IT job in the current highly competitive IT market.


-  Don't negotiate your salary too early

For any manager, questions about salary in the first interview from anyone other than an IT contract candidate always bother. At the exception of contract jobs, if you are not out there just for the financial aspects, poping this question from the very beginning will make any other questions you ask sound conniving and insincere. Unless the subject comes up, don't mention money in the first interview. You will have many occasions to go through that after you impress the employer enough for a second interview.


- Speak “techies to techies” language only

Do not hesitate to discuss what you master, but keep in mind that: If you are addressing yourself  to a nontechnical hiring manager or HR specialist, you will not impress with techie talk.

Answer questions about your career shortly and keep the technical talk to a minimum. Once you know about the company history and who is involved in the recruitment process.


- Keep your IT preferences to yourself

As everyone does not have the same technical philosophy, these divergences of opinion can ruin your success to the interview. Chances are that you will sometimes work on products or systems you do not particularly affectionate and you do not want your recruiter to think you might refuse a job for this reason. You can express yourself on how you feel about an x product, but be moderate.


-  Don't ask for progression from the first interview

an element that recruiters do not particularly like is to hear: "How quickly can I get rid of this position?" Do not ask about opportunities for progression until the 2nd or 3rd interview. If indeed you are interested in this job just to move to your next, do keep it to yourself except if it is already known that you'll be progressing rapidly.


-  Avoid the dreadful phone disruption

You can forget about any job opportunity if you interrupt an interview to take a call.


-  Never leave without thanking your host
In the current fierce competition for a limited number of jobs, it's vital that you follow up in writing. If the manager is taking time to hire, your thank-you note can help reminding him about you and that you are still interested in the opportunity.

Right after your interview; write down anything addressed in the interview and mention it in your thank you note. This can absolutely make the difference!


- Focus on what you know best

Always keep in mind that that what you don't discuss in an interview can make you succeed or fail. So be natural and focus on your talents and skills. That is the way to be sure to impress rather than charm. That's when you get the job.