As a leading  IT recruitment agency, we are often asked to give interview tips and advice. Getting your dream IT career isn’t just about having the right skills and experience for the job ­– it’s also important to ace the interview.

Interview skills are something you can learn, and we can help you with that if you feel your interview technique is letting you down.

One of the best ways you can prepare for an interview is by practising your answers to common interview questions. It’s not possible to know in advance exactly what the interviewer is going to ask you, but there’s a good chance that at least a few of these common IT job interview questions will come up.

1. “TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF.”

Many interviews start with this simple query from the interviewer. This is your chance to make a great first impression. Remember, the interviewer already knows about your career history from your application. You should expand on this information by talking about the skills you needed for each job and why you decided to apply for this position.

2. “HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR SKILLS UP TO DATE?”

IT is a rapidly moving industry, and qualifications quickly become out of date. The interviewer will be looking for evidence that you’re proactive in keeping your skills current and updating your knowledge by being active in forums, reading blogs, taking online courses, and attending workshops, conferences, and hackathons.

3. “WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN WORKING FOR US?”

The company will be looking for a candidate who is a great fit for their organisation. Don’t mention salary. Instead, talk about how the position is a perfect fit for your skills and experience and how you believe in the mission and the values of the company.

4. “WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE FACED IN YOUR CAREER?”

Problem-solving skills are valuable for any career, but particularly so in the IT industry. In advance of the interview, think of a challenge you’ve had to overcome at work and how you tackled it. This gives the interviewer insight into your logical thinking skills and how you cope under pressure.