Common job interview mistakes (and how to avoid them)

No one likes a job interview, but new research shows 40% of the UK workforce are planning to change jobs this year, and there are signs across the country that interview prep is imminent. Masu.

18-34 year olds are 56% more likely to want to get a new job than any other age group, so it's wise to make sure your interviewing skills are top-notch.

The reasons why Brits want pastures new are not so surprising, including flexible working, with 29% wanting better working conditions.

Of course, pay remains the biggest carrot of all, with 45% citing it as their top reason for looking for a new job. If that's what's most important to you, you can improve your chances by looking for a new job in a high-paying industry.

In the UK, that's the technology sector. Research shows that starting salaries in the UK are over 60% higher than the national average. In fact, the average starting salary in the tech industry in 2021 was at least 64% higher than the median salary of £25,971.

Sounds good. There are also plenty of jobs for non-technical people, with opportunities in the industry for jobs in design, event coordination, marketing, business development, and more.

Importantly, jobs in the UK tech industry are not just for computer professionals. However, if you're applying for a job at a technology company, you'll quickly notice that the interview process is quite different.

Here's what you should expect to avoid common pitfalls and successfully land a bright new job this year.

Not giving enough time to the process

The average job interview process includes two to three interviews. But technology companies like to be a little more thorough.

You'll be expected to participate in a number of interviews, from conversations with hiring managers to meetings with your team, HR leaders, and even legal representatives. And depending on everyone's availability and time zone, these interviews can last for months.

In fact, it can take up to six months to land a new technical role. So the important thing is to keep at it and be patient.

Don't take the first phone call seriously

At tech companies, it's very common for recruiters to contact you by phone before your first “real” interview. It would be a big mistake to not take this call as seriously as any other interview.

Because if you don't make a good impression on the hiring manager, you won't be able to move on to the next interview stage. So be sharp, polite, and show enthusiasm for your responses and work.

Not marketing yourself properly

Poor communication can ruin any interview scenario, but technical interviews require concise answers to common questions. For example, if your interviewer asks you to talk about yourself, digressing about how much you enjoy the latest TV fads won't help matters.

Instead, provide an elevator pitch about your work and experience and why it's a great fit for you. Similarly, if you're asked if you have experience in a particular field, don't give a one-word answer. Explain in detail how your experience is relevant and tell the interviewer about the results obtained and her KPIs achieved.

If your answer is too short or doesn't provide enough detail, it will give the interviewer the impression that you are simply not enthusiastic about the job and lack communication skills.

Ready to apply for a new tech job today? Good news: Metro Job Board is a great place to start. Check out the top three jobs below.

Tech Returner – Business Analyst and Principal Business Analyst, Aviva, Norwich

Aviva's Tech Returner program is now in its third year and is open to people who have taken an extended career break of two years or more as of January 2024. Customized He is a six-month program with an expectation of transition to permanent employment. Aviva is currently recruiting Business Analysts, regardless of industry, who have previously worked in a similar role. Positions are available in Bristol, Norwich and York. See all details here.

Software Development Manager, Autodesk, Birmingham

Autodesk Fusion Manufacturing is seeking an experienced Software Development Manager to lead a team of smart and motivated software engineers supporting, enhancing, and delivering CAM post kernels. Must have a deep understanding of the role of an agile “servant leader” and be able to balance being a manager with encouraging teams towards a culture of self-organization and ownership of work and processes It will look like this. See more now.

Data Security Manager – Data Control, AXA, London

AXA's Innovation and Data Analytics function (IDA) is focused on driving innovation by optimizing how data is leveraged to drive strategies and create new business models to disrupt insurance markets. I am putting The Data Security Manager works in a matrix organization and ensures the implementation of appropriate data security controls that meet information security and data policy requirements for strategic data and analytics assets. Apply for the job now.

Start your technology job search today with Metro Job Board

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