New year, new life? If you have been contemplating a career change or eyeing a position at an international IT company, the start of a new year is the perfect time to turn those thoughts into action. With over 15 years of operating experience, SOFTSWISS boasts extensive technology expertise and industry knowledge, making it an ideal environment for ambitious professionals. The journey to a new job often begins with the interview process. It is a multi-stage challenge designed to showcase your expertise, soft and hard skills, and even complete specific test tasks.
Fear not, for you are more than capable of excelling in these challenges! In our ‘Talent Insights’ series, Natalia Perkowska, Co-Chief HR Officer at SOFTSWISS, wants to arm you with key strategies and reminders to prepare effectively for what lies ahead. Let’s dive in.
If your goal is to become part of an international team, fluent English is a must.
Having a robust grasp of English is crucial, not just for informal chats and emails with colleagues but also for formal interactions with clients and partners. This necessity varies depending on the position you are looking for.
Pro Tips for Success at IT Job Interviews | SOFTSWISS Careers Pro Tips for Success at IT Job Interviews | SOFTSWISS CareersStudy all the information about the company that is freely available.
What are the core principles driving the company? Who is the founder, and how did the brand appear on the market? What commitments does the company broadcast on its digital platforms? What do the media and employees write about it on LinkedIn?
The answers to these questions will help you understand the atmosphere, the so-called vibe of the office and the team that you can become a part of. This will also be a good test for you. I recommend not making your job decision based purely on salary considerations. Seek that spark within you, a signal that you are not just excited about the company’s business model or how they treat their employees. Look for that genuine eagerness to be part of a team of experts and their innovative projects. So, think twice: do you share the values of your desired employer, or did you consider them based on other criteria?
Highlight your expertise through real cases!
Be prepared to share real cases from your experience where you were able to prove yourself as a true professional. Arm yourself with a handful of success stories that highlight your capabilities. You can prepare a story using the STAR method:
- Situation: sketch a specific scenario you encountered;
- Task: outline your responsibilities;
- Action: detail the measures you implemented;
- Result: explain the outcomes your efforts yielded.
Please ask questions!
Do not treat the interview as a strict interrogation where you have nothing to say. It is your chance to stand out, showcasing not just your expertise but also your ability to communicate and your passion for the workplace. Demonstrate that you are not only skilled but also a vibrant person who cares deeply about your work environment and colleagues.
International companies appreciate proactive people who consider not only what they can gain from the company but also genuinely focus on how they can contribute and enhance their team of experts. Therefore, do not wait for the phrase: ‘Do you have any questions?’ at the end of the meeting. Be the one to initiate insightful questions throughout the dialogue.
The interview will most likely be held online via video conference.
This is a usual practice that has remained with us since the pandemic. Moreover, in many companies, the ability to work remotely is one of the serious competitive advantages. Our SOFTSWISS employees also independently choose how they work more comfortably – in the office, from home, or in a hybrid format.
Therefore, take care of a high-quality picture. Select the location from where you will connect. Check the connection. What will be visible in your background? Is the lighting in the room good enough? If you doubt whether everything looks worthy of your desired position, video call a person you trust and, let them evaluate it and give their comments. Have a glass of water, a notebook for notes, and a pen nearby so you don’t jump up from your seat in search of some items during the conversation.