Common Technical Interview Questions

When you are interviewing for an Information Technology (IT) job, you will be asked focused and specific technical questions about your education, skills, certifications, languages and tools you have expertise in.

The best approach when answering is to give specific examples whenever possible. Providing details and experience will tell the interviewer that you have handled projects and situations in the past, deeming you more qualified for the job.

Here are some of the questions you may come across with in an interview. Review this list and prepare your responses based on your qualifications and the nature of the job.

• What are your technical certifications?
• How do you maintain your certifications?
• What development tools have you used?
• Which all programming languages have you worked in?
• How do you handle multiple deadlines?
• How do you troubleshoot IT issues?
• Tell me about the most recent project you worked on. What were your responsibilities?
• Tell me about the project you are most proud of, and what your contribution was.
• What is the biggest IT challenge you have faced and how did you handle it?
• If you know you aren't going to make a project deadline what will you tell your manager and/or the client?

These are just a few, but most common, of the questions that might be asked. They are enough to give you an idea of what to expect during an interview, but do keep in mind that different positions and companies have different requirements, so questions will vary. But your answers should reflect that you are well-experienced and well-informed about the position that they are looking for.

When preparing for a technical interview, you should review basic structures and algorithms within programming. Mastery of these topics will give you necessary knowledge to tackle the problems during the technical interview. Also, review the specific areas for which you're interviewing. E.g. if you're interviewing for a systems programming job, review the differences between threads and processes, OS scheduling algorithms, and memory allocation. Some companies do publish their technical interview questions either on blogs or on their websites. Do spend time in researching on questions asked by a specific employer for the position you are applying for.

If possible, make it a point to carry documentation of any project that you have worked for. This will give the interviewer a better idea about your skills and talents. However, the basic premise of such interview questions is searching for a person who is technically adept as well as professionally good to get along; a managerial attitude is much preferred.

Demonstrate your interest in the position, your drive to excel in the role and the fact that you have done some homework. Ultimately, the more prepared you are for what you will encounter, the more successful you will be. 

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Online IT Courses - How to Choose the Right One?

Getting certified is the safest way to advance your career in the IT industry. Whether you work for an enterprise, or a small business or government that employs IT professionals, your best bet for career advancement is to validate your skills and knowledge through a carefully chosen combination of certifications.

However, the biggest challenge when it comes to earning a professional certification is often determining which one or ones to pursue. There are so many courses and certifications available. You first have to see what do you enjoy and then consider what job you ultimately see yourself in that matches your skill set.  This will help you in the long term to achieve your end goals – a job that you want, a job that challenges you and a job you enjoy doing! 

Studying for specific certifications within your current job role will demonstrate willingness to take responsibility for your own progression within your company and will show your employer that you are serious about promotion. Often, companies are willing to invest heavily in their staff’s development so you may even find that they will fund the course for you.

Degree Programs

Earning a degree, rather than a certification, is beneficial for a long-term career in the IT industry. Generally, it takes longer to earn an online IT degree than it does an online certificate. Degree programs typically include general education requirements and emphasize critical thinking and writing. Systems Analysis and Design, Database Management, Networking and Telecommunications, IT Project Management etc. are examples of some of the courses offered within degree programs. 

Certificate Programs

IT online certificates require fewer classes than degrees do and focus on the field or a more specific topic within it. Many reputed universities in the US offer online graduate certificate in information technology, computer science, telecommunications, computer forensics and information security.

IT Training and Boot Camps

IT training institutes offer a variety of online training courses. These range from software training such as a specific module of SAP or Oracle to PMP, Microsoft or Cisco Network  program with classes that last five or six weeks and meet twice a week, to OnDemand, a self-paced program. 

Before enrolling into any online course or certification program, visualise your end goal and take responsibility for your own development and progression and you will quickly be able to identify where to take your studies. 

Take the decision wisely before you spend your time and money on an online course/certification. When you are ready with it, please register yourself with TheGongzuo.com to find the suitable job as per your skills and knowledge and apply for free.

Cover Letters for Information Technology (IT) Jobs

When you are writing cover letters for information technology positions, make sure that your letters include the specific experience and skills you have that correlate to what the employer is seeking in a candidate. Your cover letter will not only establish that you are formally applying, but it also allows you to show your employer that you are the right person for the job.

It's extra work, but take the time to write a customized cover letter for each job you're applying for. A generic cover letter, taken directly from free samples available on internet, especially for a job requiring technical skills, isn't going to help get your application noticed. A well-written cover letter that offers the employer all the credentials they are seeking will help you secure a job interview.

Many IT professionals send online job applications without a cover letter. Don’t commit such mistakes! Your resume should always accompany a well-drafted cover letter that shows your passion and interest. Be concise, while writing cover letters. Busy hiring managers don’t have time to read your life’s story. Highlight your technical skills, certifications etc. to grab their attention. 

What to include in your cover letter?

For tech jobs, it's important to show that you have the credentials that employers are seeking in their next new hire. Your goal is to show the employer how good a match you are for the position, either by itemizing your qualifications in a bulleted list or incorporating them in paragraph form in your letters.

If you are using an IT cover letter template that invites you to fill in information into pre-prepared fields to automatically create a letter containing your information beware. Such a cover letter won’t convince the hiring manager why he/she should invite you for an interview. If you are applying for the specific position, for example, IT job description, which asks for 5 years of experience with VB .NET or skills with HTML, Java scripts, your cover letter should specify which qualifications you have. If you have related certifications and education, mention them as well.

In addition, be sure that your resume includes all your related qualifications. Highlight them in your "Skills" section or in a resume summary statement. You should customize your letters for each job application, explaining how your qualifications relate to the criteria listed in the job posting.

Stand out from the crowd with an impressive cover letter and start your job search today at TheGongzuo.com. Register on our website for free to get access to the top tech jobs.