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14 Sep 09 Preparing For An IT Interview

Preparing for an interview in information technology can be a little bit different than your standard interview in a few ways.  So preparation is key so that you may excel in the interview, and be ready for anything you are not expecting.  Make sure you start things off with the standard professional demeanor.  Stay positive, smile, dress for success, and make sure you have your firm steady hand shake carried with you.

You need confidence in an IT interview, while this is true of any interview, for IT it’s especially important.  Information technology is a field that’s in constant flux, so your confidence in your ability to keep on top of that ever changing mountain is vital.  Part of IT is having very good organizational skills, so show that by having prepared questions with you at the interview.  Also, take a few notes about the important aspects of the job, and the answers to your questions.  This will show that you have a real interest in what’s going on, and the position available.

Be prepared for the questions you are going to be asked, and make sure you don’t fumble for an answer.  You should be expected to be asked basic questions about basic computer networking, as well as the more advanced.  So make sure you know your stuff, and that all of your knowledge is absolutely current.  Nothing will look worse than struggling to answer a question, or having an answer that’s out of date.

Finally, make sure you develop good informed questions, that are specific to the company to which you are applying.  Try a few challenging ones specific to the field, or discussing new technology, or techniques.  Anything that helps you look informed, as well as interested in the company.  You want to appear interested in working for this employer, and you want to showcase your knowledge and value.  Good questions do that better than you would believe.

Tags: Basic Computer Networking, Basic Questions, , Constant Flux, Dress For Success, , Fumble, Good Organizational Skills, Important Information, , , , , Preparing For An Interview, Professional Demeanor, , , Steady Hand

04 Jul 09 5 Tips To Motivate Your Team

Increasing productivity means keeping the people you manage motivated to stay positive and accomplish their goals in a timely fashion.  The perfect employee team is a cohesive unit with a good morale about wanting to accomplish tasks quickly, and to the best of their abilities.  Sometimes, especially during an economic recession like this, it’s hard to keep your people properly motivated, and that’s bad for them and for the work that needs to be done.  A team with low morale is unlikely to meet deadlines on target, or is more likely to produce sub-par work.  You’ll find motivating your team is a constant battle, but one that you need to win, and in doing so remember these tips:

  1. Communication
  2. Involvement
  3. Setting Goals
  4. Manage Poor Performances
  5. Celebrating Performances

Communication is an essential element to any employee team, as it’s the most important aspect of working together to complete a project.  Keep communication channels open through team meetings, email, and conference calls.  This way everyone’s voice is heard, and nobody will feel as though they can’t get through if something is frustrating them.  Proper support will help that morale stay on the up.

Involve everyone as much as possible with every aspect of the project.  Listen to your team, and let them communicate ideas and suggestions into the development of your projects.  This way they stay motivated to always strive to be successful, as they know you’ll listen to their ideas for innovations.

Set lofty goals that your team can be proud to shoot for.  Don’t set them ridiculously high obviously, but find a comfortable middle ground above the standard, but not impossible to achieve.  This way you’re keeping your team motivated to be better and better, but not overworking them to the point they lose the faith.

Manage your poorer performers.  Not everyone on your team can excel like you would want them to, and some people will turn in a substandard performance from time to time.  But that’s where you take the time to personally manage them.  Work with them to help resolve any issues reflected in their performance, this way you can get them going on producing the quality of work you want them too, and their attitude will get better as they receive the help they need to achieve the goals you set.

And finally, celebrating individual and team achievement is crucial.  One of the oldest archetypes throughout nature, is doing work for a reward.  Yes your team receives a paycheck for their effort, yes technically this is their reward for their hard work, but that’s no reason not to throw in a thank you here and there.  Recognize your top performers, and make sure to congratulate your team when they work together the way you would like them to, as this will keep them upbeat, and motivated to keep your compliments true to their ability.

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