What To Do (And Not Do) To Rock Your Next IT Interview

Are you ready to get that IT job offer? If so, there is no better time than the present to get your interviewing skills sharpened and ready for your first test as a potential employee. Trust us, they already like your skills and think you have something to bring to the table, or they wouldn’t have called you from your resume. So now it is time to wow them and make sure they know they can’t be successful without you on their team. Here are the things you should, and shouldn’t, do on your next interview.

A background in technology isn’t the only experience that will make a person successful as an IT manager. There are a variety of skills that are necessary for someone to succeed in a leadership role. Before you decide to advance your career into the management arena, here are some personal skills you need to cultivate.

Technology is touching every industry today. Even finance and accounting has its own aspect of technology, often referred to as FinTech. Experts believe there will be big changes in FinTech and the way money is exchanged throughout 2016. Familiar online money transfer sites like PayPal began the FinTech revolution and the industry will only continue to grow. Here are some of the trends that are expected this year.

Are you in the market for a new tech job in 2016? Thinking outside the box can help you find an opportunity that is perfectly suited to your background and career goals. There are many potential ways to help you achieve your goals this year, and not all of them are what you think of as traditional IT jobs. Here are the 8 top industries that are hiring IT professionals this year.

If you’ve been in the IT industry for any amount of time, or you’re just thinking about joining up, there are a few things that will help you advance your career. Certifications have been the cornerstone of the ever-evolving field of technology since the very beginning. If you want to earn more money or get that next promotion consider these IT certifications that can help you stay on top of your competition.

Are you considering a career in information technology? Maybe you’re in college figuring out your major, or maybe you’ve been in the workforce but are looking to learn new skills and make a change. Before you take another step, it is important that you understand the biggest misconceptions about the IT industry. Let’s take a quick look.

Changing careers can be a daunting task especially if you’re leaving one industry for another. By that token, it seems that switching specialties within the information technology field should be a much easier transition. As it turns out, this requires some career gymnastics as well. Before you decide to change lanes within IT, here are some things you should know about changing your specialty.

Are you a consultant or a contractor? Do you get paid by the employer or an agency? Do you work for yourself? Are you responsible for your own taxes? If you’ve ever considered becoming an IT consultant these are probably some of the questions you’ve been asking. Before you decide whether or not consulting is right for you, here are some of the answers to the most common questions.

People have a lot of preconceived ideas about the information technology industry. When you’re applying for jobs you often have to sell yourself to someone who doesn’t have a background in IT. So how can you avoid be pigeon-holed if you apply for jobs that aren’t a carbon copy of your experience? Before you send your next resume here are some tips to help you think outside the box.

Career transitions can be exciting but they can also create anxiety when making a major change. Are you considering a move from a small IT firm to a large corporation? This can sometimes be the best thing for your career but it is important to know how to approach the new job. Before you decide to make this transition here are some things you should keep in mind. What is the new corporate cult...

When deciding the path for your IT career how do you know what is right for you? Specialization will allow you to narrowly focus while generalization gives you an opportunity to touch a variety of aspects of information technology. Before to start looking for your first job you need to decide your ultimate goals and how these jobs can get you on the right track. Here is a closer look at generalist versus specialist work and what they mean for you.

Where do you see your information technology career in the future? Some people are more interested in the programming aspect while others see themselves in management roles. As an IT manager you will need skills beyond your technological experience. So how can you be successful in this role? Let’s take a look at some of the traits that IT managers need to become great leaders in the industry. ...

Entering the world of Information Technology as a beginner can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing a few tricks of the trade and insider information before you start your first job can be invaluable. If you’re just starting out in IT, here are some things that other professionals wish they had known before their first job. It pays to be ahead of the curve. Own your specializ...

  Far too often new job candidates are told that they need 1 to 5 years’ experience for even an entry level job. But how can it be possible to get experience if no one will hire you without experience? This process can be infuriating for job seekers who just want to be given a chance to show what they can do in a real job environment. One of the most overlooked ways to gain experience whil...

When did computer science become an industry that would change history? Was it was Alan Turing and his Turing Machine during World War II? Was it with the establishment of The International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) which made computers essential for industry? While we think of the domination of IBM starting around the 1980s the history of the company goes back as far as 1911. As an IT p...

There is still a significant disproportion between the sexes in the workplace when it comes to STEM based jobs. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. While more young women are being encouraged to join STEM programing in high school and college there are still relatively few entering the field when compared to men. This does not mean, however, that there isn’t a grea...

When working in IT do you think it is valuable to get a Master’s in Business administration? This is a tough question to answer it much of it depends on your previous experience, your current work, and your future goals. We wanted to break down the pros and cons of getting this degree in conjunction with your IT career so you can decide if it is right for you. If you answer yes to the following...

Do you ever think that you would love to know more about how technology works but are afraid of being the oldest person in a crowd of young 20-somethings? It is truly never too late to start your career in technology but there may be different ways to approach it that will work better for your learning style and expectations. Here are some things you should keep in mind if you want to get started ...

Not all career paths are the same. While many young professionals follow the same general avenues to go to college, get a degree, and join the workforce there are dozens of reasons why this may not be the case for everyone. The technology industry changes so quickly that there are multiple ways that a competent professional can find a job in the field without the degree to back them up. Here are s...

Do you want to be on the career path toward becoming a Chief Information Officer (CIO)? This role goes way beyond technical skills. Before you can start on climbing the ladder to the executive suite it is important to have a clear career plan that can take you there. Here are the five best career tips for aspiring CIOs. Learn leadership skills. While most IT jobs are focused on the technology, a...

A career in IT is not a static thing. The industry is changing rapidly and the skills of just five years ago aren't as necessary as those of today. In order to stay competitive in the job market it is essential that you continue to develop your IT skills. If you have your doubts, consider these reasons to keep learning new IT skills to stay relevant. The competition won't have a leg up. This fir...

"The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of indecision." – Maimonides Risk taking is an art and it is important to know which risks are worth it and which are not. When you're considering your career in Information Technology, how do you know what risks will be beneficial for you. The last thing you want to do is jeopardize your career with the wrong choices. So how do you miti...

It is no secret that information technology is an ever evolving industry. Many recent graduates have found that the specialization they had in college is no longer applicable to the business world so they must reinvent their career before it even starts. On the other hand, because it is constantly changing the IT industry is an exciting place to be to experience innovation and career satisfaction....

Information Technology is still a great industry to break into. Technology changes so quickly that people with the most up to date skills are considered quickly for jobs. However, without any real world experience some job seekers find that they are not being hired for these opportunities. So, how can you break into IT with beginner's experience? Here are some ideas to get you started with your IT...

Are you worried that your IT career is at a standstill? Perhaps you need to shake things up a bit. IT experts offer lots of advice for individuals starting their career or those who are ready to take it to the next level. What can you do to get out of a rut and pursue the IT career of your dreams? Here is some top notch advice from other successful industry professionals. Prove yourself for a pr...

Are you looking for a new position in IT? What skills should be on your resume to make you the most marketable candidate and stand out among your competition? The IT industry has changed so significantly over the last several years that incoming candidates have an advantage over those who have been in the workforce for some time. Let’s take a look at the top IT skills that companies are looking ...

While you'll almost always be asked the interview questions such as, "tell me about yourself," and "why did you leave your last job?" an IT professional should also expect industry related questions. Of course, it is important to recognize that some questions will be job specific. If you're interviewing for internet security you aren't likely to be asked about programming or help desk. You should ...

According to a report by Forbes in 2013, 39% of employees waste at least 1 hour each day. 44% of American workers waste time on the job surfing the internet? 6.8% even use employer work hours to conduct their own side business. 1% waste company time by being late to their jobs. These astounding figures are costing U.S. businesses to lost billions of dollars each year. As an IT professional how ca...

If you're in the market for an Information Technology job there may be some big changes in the hiring process that can make a big difference in your search. Many of these new trends are fundamentally altering the hiring process. How are recruiters and hiring managers selecting candidates? What roles will be big in 2015? Here is a closer look. Social media: More and more recruiters are turning to...

Generation X practically invented Information Technology. Now the next generation is entering the workforce and these incoming millennials have never known a time without computers. They are changing the face of the IT industry but not without the help of the professionals who paved the way. When IT World Magazine asked current IT managers and experts about their best advice for current graduates ...

Chief Information Officer: it is just another title in a long line of C-Level executive titles? Executives have an important role in the success of any organization and that has never been more true of the CIO. Over the next few months and years their role is going to continue to evolve based on the advancements of technology which are already changing the way American corporations do business. Le...

In the late 1990s it seemed as though Information Technology, specifically the Internet, could do no wrong. The Dot Com Bubble led to wild speculation and the ultimate end to some big name internet commerce companies by the end of 1999. The added panic surrounding Y2K certainly didn't help matters. It was in the early 2000s that IT switched roles companies viewed it as less of a driver of innovati...

Information Technology is not an insulated industry. In today's hyper connected world, IT departments need to work in partnership with other aspects of 21st century businesses to provide the best services internally and for clients. We want to look at the relationship between IT and Marketing and how they interact to drive business. Calculated reserve versus full speed ahead Business stereot...

Our 21st century world is defined by data. The internet made it possible for everyone to have access to information at the touch of a button which is now leading to bigger and better innovations in the digital age. Lately, experts have been talking about both big data and fast data. What do these terms mean and how will be they affect the information technology industry moving forward? Big Data...

Back in the 1990s who would have thought that technology would have come so far? Even after the dot com bubble and Y2K so much has changed and evolved in the information technology industry. This inevitably begs the question "what is the future of IT?" Children today are interacting with technology in ways we've never seen before. Kids as young as 2 years old are actively engaging with tablets ...

We are certain you've heard all the craziest interview questions before. They range from the absolutely absurd to the completely caught off guard. Before going into an interview it is extremely important to understand that these questions aren't designed to be answered correctly but rather test you on your ability to think quickly and not get flustered. Answering them is an art form and even if yo...

Are you just getting started on your first job search in information technology? You may have recently graduated school or you may have worked in another industry and are looking for a change. There are many reasons someone might be looking for work in IT. It is important to know how to get ahead and how to differentiate yourself from your competition. Here are 7 tips to get you started. Go to...

Have you been feeling sluggish with your IT career? While looking for a new job can help advance your experience there are also some things you can do right now to change your situation at your current job and take it to the next level. Even if you begin job search while you are currently working try the following tips to give yourself an advantage in the workplace. Assess your personal skills...

Technology is changing at a lightning fast pace and it is important for anyone interested in a career in IT to stay as up to date as possible. Regardless of your focus or experience, knowing where the industry is leading the workplace is essential. How can you stay up to date with information technology and use that information to keep one step ahead of your competition in the job market? Here are...

Not everyone will stay in the career they started with directly out of school. Life circumstances and interests can change over time and lead you into a new direction. Have you thought about becoming a programmer but were afraid that it might be too late to start? It is never too late to make a career change; you just need to know the right way to go about it. Here are a few ways you can start shi...

Information Technology has been at the forefront of American industry for the last 30 years. Since the "Dot Com" bubble burst and the Y2K scare there has been an evolution of IT jobs. Silicon Valley is still producing jobs and new ideas that are leading the industry into the future. IBM just announced that by 2020 silicon computer chips may be entirely replaced by their nanotube transistor technol...

Something happened over the last few years and cover letters seemed to disappear from the job search lexicon. However, they are making a comeback and individuals who can master the art of the cover letter have an advantage in the marketplace. The cover letter is intended to provide a snapshot of you as a candidate and should include things that your resume doesn’t specifically highlight. Here ar...

Information Technology is hopping right now. Individuals with advanced tech skills are being sought after in a number of different fields to help companies progress into the digital and information business age. Here are three hot IT jobs you should consider when deciding how to focus your skills and your career. Business Intelligence Designers. There is a lot of complicated tech speak when it...

Are you in the market for a new information technology job? While there is a lot of specialized information IT professionals need to provide in their resume there are a few simple steps you can follow to create a document interesting to the hiring professionals who guard the gates of employment. Here are 4 easy steps to creating a killer IT resume that will get noticed. Concentrate on your...

Are you concerned about your job search? Do you need something to give it a kick start? It is easy to become frustrated while looking for a new job and not hearing back from interviews can make you want to give up. Before you throw in the towel, here are a few ideas to kick start your IT job search. Reevaluate and reinvigorate. While IT is hot, the job market is also highly competitive. With a...