A Checklist for IT Professionals in Securing an Interview
Have you have determined the position you want to apply for and the company you want to work at? Before you click on that “apply” button, this checklist can help you secure an interview.
UPDATE YOUR RESUME
Updating your resume may seem basic and a common practice for any job seeker, but for an IT professional, it’s one of the most important steps.
Remove unrelated and outdated skills that does not pertain to the job you are applying.
Update, remove or minimize the use of acronyms and industry jargons in your resume. If you decide to keep unrelated acronyms and jargons, ask yourself how it is related to the position and if you can provide examples when interviewed.
Have a clear objective. The term “IT” is a broad range to describe anything related to using technology and management of information. IT positions ranges from an IT Consultant, Web Developer, to Cloud Architects. Stating a clear and related objective to the position also sends a clear message that you understand how technology affects the business.
Update your references and speak to them directly to verify that their contacts information is up to date. It is recommended to have at least one personal and two professional references.
Keep in mind many organizations receive hundreds of resumes a day and to help pre-filter resumes, many use application tracking systems (ATS) sending only the highest qualified resumes to the hiring managers for review. The goal of a resume is to get your foot in the door to secure that face-to-face interview.
UPDATE ALL YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILE
Before applying, be sure to update your social media profile to present what you want to your future employers to see. Your LinkedIn profile is your digital resume and a tool for recruiters seeking candidates, so it is a good habit to update your profile whenever you update your resume.
RESEARCH THE COMPANY
Again, basic and common practice for job seekers, but the challenge is going beyond the “about us” section from the company’s website. The internet offers a wealth of resources, do a thorough research of the company, the key people, their locations, their competitors, and the industry. Your knowledge gives you an understanding of the company’s direction, there culture, and possibly future career opportunities. An experienced HR interviewer can quickly identify who has done their homework prior to an interview.
CONTACT THE COMPANY
When you contact the company, you will likely be transferred to either the hiring manager or HR manager directly. Ask about their company’s hiring process and follow their recommendations. It is important to keep there contact information for future communication.
More information on IT Jobs: Vacatures ICT
