The software market is growing. The opportunities for people wanting an employment in this field are also growing but the main concern of employers now is the employability of the candidates. Here are some tips to make your self employable and crack the interview to your dream job.
With the businesses becoming more technology focussed, the software development market is growing everyday. This calls for more and more people to be employed in this industry. So, the opportunities for people wanting to work in a software profession are growing but at the same time growing is the concern of recruiters over the employability of the candidates.
Whether you are a fresh candidate or someone with experience, it is extremely important that you should be able to impress the recruiter. The recruiters get a number of applications from people seeking the employment for every position they advertise. So, if you have already received an interview call, make sure that you are able to prove your metal in the first round of interview to make it to the second round.
Here’s a list of 10 things which will help you in doing just that:
1. Prepare yourself for aptitude tests, skill tests, on the spot programming:
The interview process at most of the places these days comprises of a test to check your aptitude, vocabulary, technical skills etc. You may also be required to do some on the spot programming. Most of the people get eliminated in this round itself for lack of preparation. If you want to really get the job, you need to prepare yourself well to clear this round of interview.
2. Show your communication skills:
One of the most important qualities recruiters look for in candidates is their ability to communicate clearly. This means – how good is the candidate at explaining and understanding things. Software development is more of a team work wherein you are required to interact regularly with your team and people from client’s team. So, it is extremely important that you know the common language well – which in most cases is English. So, ensure that you work on your English by regularly reading the newspapers and other good books. Also, make sure that you are well prepared to take up a vocabulary or grammar test if the need arises during the interview.
3. Be confident and humble:
Show your enthusiasm and confidence during the interview but since you will be required to work in a team it is extremely important to be humble and pleasant to work with. This is one of the qualities recruiters would definitely want to see in a candidate.
4. Exhibit your knowledge about various facets of software development:
On most of the occasions, you will be interviewed only for one position - developer, team lead, project manager or tester for example. It will work in your favour if you exhibit your knowledge about other related facets of the position too. For e.g. if you are appearing for a developer’s position, it would help if you also discuss about leading the team, managing the project, testing the software or developing other people in your team. This will make you a stronger candidate for the position as most of the people would just discuss what they have been called for and go back. So, you can get a cutting edge here.5. Research the company and the domain:
It is extremely important to research the company, gain some know how about its business and the technologies it works on. Going unprepared demonstrates your lack of interest in the position.6. Prepare well for the HR interview
More than 50% candidates flunk it. So, you did well during your technical test? You think the job is yours? No. You still have HR interview to face and more than 50% candidates flunk the HR interview. HR interviews are conducted to understand the character of the person and see if he would fit into the corporate culture. So, make sure that you are able to understand the reason behind each question that is thrown at you and take a correct approach to answer it.7. Looking to turn you down:
As discussed earlier, many people apply to every job opening that is advertised. So, interview is basically the process to eliminate unsuitable candidates. Make sure that you do not provide any additional information which is not asked for. For e.g. a candidate just discussed about her migraine problem while appearing for a sales job interview. The interview went well but the additional information she provided worked as a reason for her elimination. Don’t lie; but you have the right to remain silent.8. Talk positive and be enthusiastic:
Avoid talking negative things about your last job or boss in the interview. Talking badly about the previous employer reflects badly on your attitude. Make sure that you show your enthusiasm for the position you are being interviewed for and that you are really interested in working here. If you stay dull, the employer will take it as lack of interest and eliminate you for being a misfit.It is important to make a list of your strengths and achievements in the last positions you have held. They give you the confidence and help you in demonstrating yourself as a strong contender for the position.
