Frightening IT Interviews
There is no doubt that knowledge is to IT what water is to the fishing industry. The term Information Technology itself refers to an industry that is obsessed with tracking, storing and processing information. The more the better , just ask google. But that is where our fishing metaphor ends. Unlike the resources in the fishing industry our knowledge base is ever increasing and so is the complexity of the systems that are custodian to this information.
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As the stakes get higher so does the need for a competent and well educated Information Technology workforce. Burnt by mistakes of the past, employers seek new ways to identify genuine talent in IT interviews.
It is ironic that the very knowledge that the industry holds so precious can be used by job applicants to distort their performances during their IT interviews. Interview questions can be studied and responses can by memorised without a real appreciation of the meaning behind the words. It is an evolutionary struggle between employers and job applicants.
Frightening IT interviews are a direct result of the need to identify genuine talent. You may feel that open ended interview questions may expose your lack of depth in a subject or perhaps a probing question may highlight a concealed personal weakness? It is this insecurity that frightening interview questions bring to light.
No one will argue that it is difficult to put your best foot forward in a pressure situation. It is unlikely, however, that the panel is waiting to hear your precise technical definition of an abstract notion that they have put before you. The mark of a class performer in the information technology industry lies in the understanding of the relationships between functions. Risk assessment and mitigation, knowledge and understanding of change management practices and so on.
If there was ever a good reason to visualise an outer body experience, a frightening interview question is it. An outstanding response relies on the demonstration of the awareness of the groups around you. After all, somebody has already perused your resume. You have been invited to attend the interview based on your documented skills and experience so there is no need to further impress with the same knowledge that has succeeded for you once already.
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Describe your experiences from different perspectives. Don’t try to dazzle them with technical magic, impress them with a vision. Provide an insight into your understanding of the role as it relates to the ‘core’ business.
How would you respond if you were asked; “Give me a reason why I should not hire you.” First and foremost don’t panic! Here lies an opportunity because most of your competition will surely stumble.
Response; “Sir, one good reason not to hire me for this position is because I may well be as effective in the Service Delivery department where I may assist to develop performance metrics. Or perhaps in the Security Policy section where I can interface between technical and business units to develop effective policy management. But most of all, my passion lies with this offered position so I would be most comfortable assisting this department to build those relationships instead.”
As you can see, the response entailed an understanding of the relationships between units. It is a form of business empathy if you will. Remember, every frightening interview question is knocking out more of the competition. If your interview is easy, where is your opportunity to shine? How will you distinguish yourself from the crowd.
