These are our eight top tips a good interviewer would give to a candidate attending a blockchain technology job interview.
Getting a job in blockchain is not easy, the demand for the right skills is high, for every one developer there are at least 14 jobs out there. So, how do you make sure you get the one you really want? After spending almost 20 years in recruitment talking to interviewers, I thought I would compile a list of what advice they would offer blockchain technology job candidates in order to avoid making basic mistakes.
1) Be conscious of your likeability
Seemingly obvious, but vital. We all want to work with people we like. Smile, make eye contact, sit forward in your chair and be enthusiastic. Show that you are really interested in making a connection and be responsive.
2) Stand out from the crowd
It is so important that you make a lasting impression, as sometimes there can be up to a dozen candidates being interviewed for one role. What are you going to do to make sure that you stand out from the crowd? Get some ‘hooks’ – something that makes you memorable. Are you the “guy that raised money for charity” or “the lady that ran a triathlon” or “the one that spoke three languages”?
3) Absolutely avoid negativity
This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in an interview. You simply must not be negative about your previous employer, current situation or people you work with. Whining and moaning will make you an instant ‘no’.
4) Ask well thought out questions
How can anyone expect you to take a job if you have not asked some relevant questions? It may be disconcerting to the employer if you are willing to take a job without really expressing an interest in the company – its culture, who works there and what they like best about it. Be prepared and ensure your questions are targeted to show you are taking the interview seriously.
5) Do not ask self-serving questions
Your questions should not be all about how many holidays you will get, if there is a flexible hours policy, or what bonuses are on offer.
6) Bring examples of your work if possible
Showing an interviewer that you have put some real thought and effort into trying to get this job will enhance your position. Bringing in examples of your work/projects/portfolio are an excellent way to demonstrate that you are really interested and keen to show how you approach your work.
7) At the end, interviewers want to know if you want the job
Hopefully, by the end of the interview you will know whether this job is for you and whether it is something you are keen to progress with. If the answer is yes then say so. Express your interest to the interviewer, make your position known. This may be your last opportunity to tell the person who makes the decision that this is the job for you.
8) Follow up
Sending an email, even if it is through your recruitment consultant, can genuinely make a significant difference. Letting your interviewer know that you are really keen after the process has finished will again bring you to the forefront of their mind.
Though a lot of this is common sense, over the past 20 years I have heard of some extraordinary examples of how the basics are often forgotten during the pressure of the interview. Preparation is the key to success. Prepare well and you should enjoy success at your blockchain technology job interview.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author should not be considered as financial advice. We do not give advice on financial products.