Research

Do Some Research, So You Can Ask Questions:

Just this week, a client said he didn’t hire a programmer because the individual, when asked what questions he had for the interviewer, had none. Bad mistake. You have to show interest. Interest begins with research.

Come prepared with questions that you want to ask – about their technology or their company – have them written down; don’t rely on your memory. Make sure you’ve visited the firm’s web site, explored recent news (new partner alliances, top level hires, contracts signed, product development, etc.) I try and get data on the person with whom you will interview by doing a search on the Internet to see what I can find.

At the least, you should always have a quick and comprehensive answer to: What do you know about our company?

Asking intelligent, in-depth questions about the technology underpinning the firm shows that you care, that you’ve done your homework, that YOU are intelligent. It pre-supposes familiarity with the technology with which you may soon be working.

Besides technology, you also should, if appropriate, be asking business questions, so you’re not pigeon holed as just a Techie.