interview – Resolution Technologies

Smart Interview Tips to Land That Perfect IT Job

October 26, 2016/in Career Guide /by Resolution Technologies

Every professional knows that submitting a quality resume is only the beginning. Once you are contacted for an interview, you are presented with an opportunity to allow more than your skills and experience do the talking. If you want to give yourself the best chance of landing your perfect IT job, consider the following tips to make your interview memorable for all of the right reasons.

Dress Appropriately, but with a Hint of Personality

While everyone knows that dressing properly for an interview is critical, many professionals assume this means that you must adhere to generic standards in every choice. Instead of blending in with the interviewing masses, express your personality in a subtle, tasteful way. Consider a unique lapel pin, an interesting (but appropriate) tie, or a subtle earring that pays homage to something close to your heart.

Not only can this provide a natural conversation starter, it can help you be seen as a whole person and not just an automaton there to perform.

Tell the Story of How You Ended Up in the Interview Seat

When faced with the inevitable, “Tell me about yourself,” at the beginning of the interview, consider it an opportunity to do more than recite your resume. Include a brief explanation of what piqued your interest in the field, if there was a particular event or person who helped you decide to take this path, and what led you to believe this job is ideal for you.

While you don’t need to cover every detail of your childhood, explaining the origin of your interest in the field can indicate your level of passion for the work. It also provides an indication as to what continues to drive you to move forward in your career.

Your Greatest Weakness Should Include an Action Plan

When asked about your greatest weakness, many candidates end the conversation after identifying the issue. Instead of leaving your weakness hanging awkwardly hanging in the air, immediately follow it up with an action plan.

In this context, the action plan should be a brief overview of any steps you have taken, or plan to take, to turn this weakness into a strength or, at least, a non-issue. For example, if you are not comfortable speaking in front of large groups, you may include information about how you are intending to take a public speaking course from a local college or university, or have decided to join an organization that helps professionals learn to speak more comfortably in front of groups. While the answer to the question is covered, you have also demonstrated that this is not a weakness you intend to keep.

If You Don’t Have an Answer, Explain How You Would Find It

It is not uncommon for technical interviews to ask you about your understanding of specific terms or procedures. If you are faced with a question that you do not know the answer to, do not be afraid to admit that you don’t know.

Often, it can be more beneficial to admit a lack of knowledge in a specific area than try to fake your way through an answer (and possibly be completely off base).

With that, stating your lack of understanding should not be the end. Instead, explain what steps you would take to find the answer should the specified issue arise during the flow of a normal workday. Not only can this show your humility, it also demonstrates how you tackle issues for which you do not already have an answer.

Are you looking for you next job?

If you are looking for more tips to help you excel in your next IT interview, or are interested in finding a new position, the professionals at Resolution Technologies can help get your career in gear. Contact Resolution Technologies today to see their experience can work for you.

How To Ask Questions in an Interview

June 8, 2016/in Career Guide /by Resolution Technologies

Imagine you’ve just applied for a new job. You’ve sent in your resume and gotten the call about going in for an interview. After preparing for all the questions they could ask you, picking out a professional outfit to wow them and doing your research on the company, you feel ready. But one thing you may have forgotten to consider is thinking of some good questions YOU should ask your interviewer.

Typically, a good interviewer will ask you at the end of the interview if you have any questions about the job. This can be a key part of the interviewing process that is often overlooked. To stand out from other candidates, it is important to have a few thoughtful questions ready. This shows that you really care about the job and have thought critically about the position prior to the interview.

Don’t ask yes or no questions.

You want to create dialogue with the interviewer and establish a conversation. The more thought-provoking your questions are, the better the answers you will receive and the more intriguing you will look to the interviewer. Don’t ask questions just to ask something. If you get to the end of the interview and genuinely can’t think of anything worthy to ask, don’t blunder around with pointless questions. If you get tripped up and ask a silly question by mistake, take a second to recover and then continue with your prepared questions.

Force your interviewer to think.

If you planned a question to ask but it was already answered for you, skip it unless you need more clarification. Specify this by saying “I know you already talked about this, but could you explain a little more about ______?” That way your interviewer knows you were paying attention. You should have already done some research about the job, so if you ask a question you would have known the answer to by looking at the website, you will seem like you didn’t care about the position. A better idea is to ask the interviewer questions such as what they think are some of the keys to being successful in the position, or where they see the company going in the future.

Use this time to your advantage!

Not only will asking questions help you stand out to potential employers, it is a genuine way to get to know the job better and figure out if it is a good fit for you. You’re interviewing them too, and it is important to clear up any questions you may have about the work you will be doing. Sometimes you will learn that a job you wanted isn’t actually be a good fit for you, and it’s better to come to this conclusion sooner rather than later.

Remember, the hard part is over. You’ve already answered all their questions; this is your chance to put your interviewer in the hot seat and get some answers you need. Interviewing is a two-way street, and you want to do your part to make the process as successful as possible.

Preparing for an interview? Make sure to check out our post “How To: Dress for Interview Success” to look your best!

Click here to visit our IT and business job board.

Here at Resolution Technologies, we understand that serving our clients and consultants is what matters most and promise to never lose sight of that! We take the time to understand your individual needs through face-to-face interaction and strive to always make sure your objectives are met. Resolution Technologies is a full-service Information Technology Staffing firm offering flexible solutions for our clients ranging from contract, contract-to-perm, and direct perm placements. Whatever your needs are, we promise to provide unrivaled quality and service.

5 Tips for Beginning Your Job Search

August 4, 2015/in Career Guide /by Resolution Technologies

Looking to make a career move? Maybe it’s been a while since you last searched for a job, or you’re looking for a new way to tackle the search for your next opportunity. We believe in equipping you with the best tools to make you successful. In this post, we’ll outline our suggestions and tips for your job search. It’s important to equip yourself with the best knowledge in order to ensure a successful search.

Set goals.

Rather than jumping in and looking for any and every position available in your desired field, you should set specific goals for what jobs you’re looking for. Do you want to take a step up from your current position or look for the same position at a different company? Is there a certain geographic location you’re looking in? By narrowing your search with important details, you’ll make it easier to find a position that’s a perfect fit for you. Setting goals will slim down your search and make good use of your time.

Update your resume.

Before submitting your resume to a potential employer, make sure your resume is up-to-date with your most recent and relevant skills and experience. Upload your most current resume to career sites like Monster, CareerBuilder and Dice so recruiters and companies can find you based on the most accurate information. For more information about perfecting your resume, view our blog post “6 Things You Shouldn’t Put on Your Resume.”

Tune up your LinkedIn.

At the same time you update your resume, you should also check your LinkedIn to make sure you have all of your skills and jobs listed. Much of the job search has gone social, so recruiters and hiring managers are also looking for top talent on LinkedIn. Much like search engine optimization (SEO) for websites, having the right keywords on your profile will ensure that your profile comes up when decision-makers are searching on LinkedIn. We’ve got more tips for your LinkedIn profile here.

Conduct a self-assessment.

Required skills for a job may have changed since you last applied. Especially in an age of ever-changing technology, needs are always changing. Is there any additional training you’ll need for the job you desire?

Another thing that falls under self-assessment is your energy and passion for what you do. You’re likely to get asked during an interview who you are and what you’re about. They may also be wondering why you’re choosing to make a move to their company. Be ready to answer these questions so potential employers can learn more about why you’re a good fit for their company.

Brush up on your interview skills.

It’s not enough to just look great on paper. You may do a great job of selling yourself on your resume or LinkedIn profile, but in order to land the job, you’ve got to nail it in the interview. Example interview questions can be found online from credible sources. You can even find top questions related to your position or industry. Still not comfortable? Find a friend to ask you questions to make sure you’re prepared with the best possible answers.

The Bottom Line

Don’t waste your time by being unprepared. Treat your job search almost as if it were like another job itself. By getting yourself organized and setting proper goals, you’ll be ready to tackle your search effectively.

Once you’re ready for your first face-to-face interview, check out our post “How To: Dress for Interview Success” to learn how to put your best foot forward.

Click here to view our IT and business job board.

Here at Resolution Technologies, we understand that serving our clients and consultants is what matters most and promise to never lose sight of that! We take the time to understand your individual needs through face-to-face interaction and strive to always make sure your objectives are met. Resolution Technologies is a full-service Information Technology Staffing firm offering flexible solutions for our clients ranging from contract, contract-to-perm, and direct perm placements. Whatever your needs are, we promise to provide unrivaled quality and service.

How To: Dress For Interview Success

July 1, 2015/in Career Guide /by Resolution Technologies

You’ve landed an interview and now you’re struggling to decide what to wear. The old saying is true — perception is reality. Your first impression to a recruiter or employer can occur the moment you walk in the room. What you’re wearing can tell a lot about who you are, so it’s important to dress your best and present yourself appropriately.

Tips to dress your best

It’s always best to be overdressed than too casual. A well-fitting business suit is your safest and best bet.
Make sure you have your clothes cleaned and pressed.
Prepare your outfit the night before so you don’t waste valuable time the day of. Don’t be late!
Wear makeup and jewelry that are appropriate.
Avoid wearing strong perfume or cologne.
Make sure any facial hair is well-groomed — get a haircut if you need one.

Men’s Interview Attire

Suit (solid color – navy or dark grey)
Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit)
Belt (that matches your shoe color)
Tie
Dark socks, conservative leather shoes

Women’s Interview Attire

Suit (solid color – navy or dark grey)
The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably.
Coordinated blouse
Conservative shoes

Dress smart, get hired

A sharp suit alone isn’t going to get you the job, but your chances of getting a job are higher if you dress to impress. Having a well-prepared interview outfit shows that you care about yourself and can even reflect your job performance.

Paying attention to the little details can not only reflect your personality in your outfit, but can also transfer to how you handle tasks at work. You want the recruiter or hiring manager to take you seriously, so take the steps to take yourself seriously. Best of luck in your next interview! Have confidence, dress sharp, and adequately prepare yourself in order to get you to the next round.

Looking at connecting with recruiters or employers on LinkedIn? View our blog post, How To: Create the Most Effective LinkedIn Profile to revamp your profile before you connect.

Here at Resolution Technologies, we understand that serving our clients and consultants is what matters most and promise to never lose sight of that! We take the time to understand your individual needs through face-to-face interaction and strive to always make sure your objectives are met. Resolution Technologies is a full-service Information Technology Staffing firm offering flexible solutions for our clients ranging from contract, contract-to-perm, and direct perm placements. Whatever your needs are, we promise to provide unrivaled quality and service.

5 Tips for Your Next Phone Interview

June 15, 2015/in Career Guide /by Resolution Technologies

You’ve successfully made it through the resume submission, and now the company is interested in taking the next step by setting up a phone interview with you. A lot of people think that an interview over the phone is easier than face-to-face, but it’s important to take this step seriously in order to make it to the next round of the interview process. Below, we’ll outline 5 tips to help you be successful during your phone interview from start to finish.

1. Research the company and the interviewer

By looking at the company’s website and checking out your interviewer’s LinkedIn profile, you can be knowledgeable about recent happenings, latest awards, the company’s culture, and more. If you have a better understanding of how the company operates and performs, you’ll be able to better connect during your interview and show that you’re interested in joining their team. Spend an hour or so before your interview to familiarize yourself. Since it’s a phone interview, you can keep your laptop open in front of you to reference the company website or an interesting article.

2. Be ready to take the call

Plan to be ready for the call at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time in case the interviewer calls early. You don’t want to be caught off guard if you’re not in a private area. To make sure you have optimum reception, you may even consider taking the call from a landline instead of your cell phone.

3. Have the proper materials

Make sure to have a copy of your resume in front of you, as well as the job description and any notes and questions you have about the position. Your interviewer will have your resume and may ask you to walk them through your prior experience. By having your resume on hand, you’ll be able to answer questions with specific experiences that relate to the job you’re interviewing for.

4. Sell yourself in the best light

The last thing an employer wants to do is hire someone with a negative attitude. It’s important to avoid negative comments about a former job or an employer. The past is the past, so it’s important not to dwell in a bad experience or job.

Also, be sure to not exaggerate any of your technical experience. It’s important to be open and honest about your abilities or lack thereof. You could say, “I know what that is and know what it does, but I don’t have work experience with it. I would love the opportunity to learn it and have the ability to pick up new skills quickly.”

5. Ask the important questions

Allow the interviewer to run the interview and save your questions for the end. Don’t ask anything that you already know — salary, location, etc. Make sure you have a list of thoughtful questions about the position or the company. By asking questions that make your interviewer think, you show that you’re serious about your job search and finding a position that’s the best fit for you.

You’re ready!

Now that you have a few tips for your interview, you’ll be able to make a positive impression and move on to the next step of the interview process. Next steps typically include a face-to-face interview, technical aptitude screening, or even an offer if they think you’re the right fit for the job. Be prepared, keep a positive attitude, and answer every question to the best of your ability, and you could be on your way to a new position!

Here at Resolution Technologies, we understand that serving our clients and consultants is what matters most and promise to never lose sight of that! We take the time to understand your individual needs through face-to-face interaction and strive to always make sure your objectives are met. Resolution Technologies is a full-service Information Technology Staffing firm offering flexible solutions for our clients ranging from contract, contract-to-perm, and direct perm placements. Whatever your needs are, we promise to provide unrivaled quality and service.