Recruitment in IT – how to make a good impression?

The right clothes, a colourful CV or perhaps a photo that stands out? Regardless of whether we are dealing with the so-called “employer’s market” or “employee’s market”, the recruitment meeting is a stage you can’t get around if you wish to start working in a given place. There is no perfect recipe for making the best impression during such a meeting. Usually, the best solution is “not to overdo it”. Below you will find several tips that you might find helpful when getting ready for a job interview.

1. Be confident about what you want

“I am just scouting the market, I’m happy with my current job. I wanted to take part in the process because I wanted to see how I would do” – recruiters do not like hearing such statements; which is why using this tactic to negotiate better conditions is usually not the greatest idea. Instead of strengthening your negotiating position, such statements will only undermine it. Every manager wants to hire employees, who care… And if you do care, you would be better off if you…

2. …Show your motivation

Clearly justify why you find working in a given position/company interesting. By analysing your CV and career path, the recruiter will wonder whether hiring you makes sense – not only from the employer’s perspective, but also from yours. Be specific – when asked about the reasons for their job hunt, most candidates answer with “I want to grow”. Stand out – specify what exactly you could learn in a new place. In what way is it the next, logical step in your career? Will it give you the opportunity to work with a new, interesting tool? Does a certain industry appeal to you? Is using English important to you? Tell the recruiter about it in a way that will make him understand that this change is reasonable.

Check out what it is like to work as developer in FinTech: Combining software development with business analysis

3. Do not take part in many recruitment processes at the same time

Even if you need a job “asap”, taking part in too many job interviews might turn out to be a bad move. Focus on the positions that you find particularly interesting; these are the recruitments to which you should devote the most time. Having too many options might leave you with too little time to prepare for interviews or will simply make you weary. Sometimes candidates mix up information they got from different recruiters which, as you might imagine, does not make a good impression.

4. Be honest and do not come up with excuses

You have scheduled interviews but a new project just came up or you have just accepted a job offer – sounds familiar? Inform the recruiters you are in touch with about the situation, especially if you have any meetings planned. Recruitment experts are in charge of many candidates and processes – they are used to such situations. While they might be disappointed, they will surely appreciate you being honest with them. “Ghosting” them, i.e. trying to prevent the meeting from happening, is the worst thing you can do. It will be perceived as unprofessional and you might get black-listed in a given company. It is better to spend a moment on writing an email than to burn bridges.

5. Do your research before the recruitment meeting

The times of the “employer’s market” are long gone, especially when it comes to the IT sector. However, it is worth spending fifteen-or-so minutes on reading about the company you want to work for. Make sure you know what the position of the person you are having the interview with is to adjust your answers and the way you speak appropriately. If you “do your homework”, the recruiter will think that you will be diligent and professional about your duties also as an employee, not just as a candidate.

6. “Financial expectations? You took me by surprise…”

Recruiters sometimes hear this coming even from candidates that are actively job hunting. However, this question should come as no surprise. In most cases, the question about the preferred salary comes up in the first recruitment stage to make sure no one’s time is wasted. Recruiters are aware that salaries depend on numerous factors. If you do not know all of them or are not sure, give them a range, the so-called “brackets”. It will give you room for negotiations and make them easier in the further stages of the process.

Of course, there are some exceptions. No two companies are the same; managers and head-hunters have various standards and methods. However, statistically, applying these tips will better your chances of getting your dream offer. Even if you do not land the job, it is always good to present yourself successfully. The IT market is very absorptive and recruiters often like to return to good candidates. Do not burn the bridges you pass and always leave a good impression; that way you will definitely benefit from it in the long run. Explore ITDS current jobs opportunities here.