Landing a high-tech job is different from getting any other job. For one thing, it’s imperative that you keep up on new developments. This is a job in itself. But thanks to the high demand for qualified people, finding a position in this field is a lot easier today then it was a few years ago.
We spoke to a dozen people who were offered good high-tech jobs this year. Their stories were different, but they all agreed on one thing: not only is the interview process very different from other jobs, but it keeps changing every year. Here are their top three rules on how to come prepared:
-Know the company. You’d be surprised at how many people aren’t up-to-date on the latest information on the company they want to work for. If you’re going to interview at Intel today and you don’t know that the company got slapped with an antitrust suit two days ago, it will seem like your head is in the clouds. Mergers and acquisitions in the high-tech business happen frequently. Do an Internet search on the company the day you go in for the interview.
-Know where you fit in. Too many people show up at interviews having memorized their resume, but they don’t consider how their skills can benefit the company. Don’t go in with the attitude, “I’m a great programmer”; go in with the attitude, “I’m a great programmer and here’s why I’m the right programmer for you.”
-Know the industry. Skim the headlines of the latest trade papers (or online equivalents, like news.com or TechWeb). Don’t drop knowledge like you’re dropping names. Make it clear that you know how the company fits into the industry and where the industry is headed. For example, emphasize your Java and C++ skills, but don’t go on about your COBOL training unless you’re being considered for a Year 2000 project. Oh, and keep your WordStar customization skills to yourself.
