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A Guide from A to Z: How to Prepare for an IT Interview and Succeed

Are You Preparing for an IT Interview and Feeling a Little Nervous? You’re not alone. Looking for a new job or project is always a challenge. Whether you have just a few minutes for quick preparation or several hours to dive deep into all possible questions, this guide provides everything you need. We’ll walk you through potential interview questions, offer tips on how to shine during your presentation, and help you stay calm to make a great first impression. Prepare step by step with us and increase your chances of success in the IT world!

Quick Tips

If you’re sitting outside the interview room or just about to join an online meeting, here’s something for you:

 

5 Useful Tips for a Successful IT Interview When You’re in a Rush

  1. Smile and actively listen.
  2. Speak about your work experience in the first person (“My responsibility was...” or “I was in charge of...”) rather than using "we" (“We developed...”, “We tested...”).
  3. Show what you know about the company and explain what attracted you to it and why you chose it.
  4. Use the opportunity to ask questions. This shows interest and helps you gather all the necessary information.
  5. Send a thank-you message after the interview to show appreciation for their time and the meeting.

 

If you have more than a few minutes to prepare, keep reading. 😊

Interested in the IT field and looking for IT job opportunities? Whether you're a programmer, developer, tester, analyst, or software architect, contact us and we'll find an IT project tailored to you from our IT job offers. Check out the current IT job vacancies. We'll help you find new challenges and opportunities. We look forward to working with you!

We recommend starting your preparation well in advance, ideally setting aside several hours. Yes, it’s a lot, but much of this preparation will also be useful for future interviews. Let’s dive in step by step, with tips to boost your chances of success.

What’s in This Guide:

  1. The structure of an IT interview.
  2. What to Prepare in Advance for an IT Interview
  3. Questions You Might Face in an IT Interview
  4. How to Handle Online IT Interviews
  5. How to Make a Great First Impression

1. Structure of an IT Interview

What might an interview look like? What can you expect?

Ice-Breaking

An interview is essentially a business meeting between two parties. Like any such meeting, it often begins with informal small talk to create a friendly atmosphere.

As a candidate, it’s a good idea to thank the other party for taking the time to meet with you. Whether you engage in further ice-breaking depends on your creativity and confidence.

Introduction of the Position, Company, and Team

The manager typically starts by briefly describing the position, project, and company. As a candidate, you’ll want to understand what the manager expects from you (i.e., their needs). It’s a good idea to ask open-ended questions to get them talking and gather additional insights beyond what’s in the job description.

For example, a manager looking to strengthen a team responsible for developing internet banking might expect faster responses to competition and more stable release cycles.

Questions you might ask:

  • What does the ideal candidate for this position look like?
  • What does the team expect from a new member?
  • What initial tasks might I work on?
  • How will you evaluate successful collaboration?

Ask 2-3 key questions initially, then let the manager continue. You can ask more detailed questions later in the interview.

Presenting Yourself as a Candidate

When introducing yourself, focus on what is truly important to the manager and what their needs indicate. For example, you can skip mentioning your education or even your current experience if the relevant information the manager is seeking is from a previous role. Of course, in other situations, it might be appropriate to highlight your education—it depends on the context.  

Concentrate on what is key for the other party. If the manager wants additional details, they will ask for them.  

Your introduction should take about 10 minutes. Naturally, if the manager has follow-up questions, this part of the interview might take longer.

Tip: Avoid using “we” when describing past projects. Instead, say, “My responsibility was...” or “I was in charge of...” to clarify your personal contribution.

Evaluating Technical Knowledge

Be ready for questions about general technologies and specific use cases. The interviewer may ask how you would handle a particular situation or solve a problem. For development roles, you might review source code or address scenarios relevant to the job.

Answer honestly and avoid overstating your expertise.

Asking Follow-Up Questions

At the end of the interview, you’ll usually have the opportunity to ask questions. Take advantage of this to demonstrate interest in the position and gather any remaining information.

Topics to explore:

  • How the team and company operate.
  • Details about the position (e.g., onboarding process, daily responsibilities, plans for the role).
  • Company benefits.
  • Salary and contract terms.
  • Work mode (onsite vs. remote).
  • Recent project successes.

Agreement on Collaboration

Once both parties agree on the terms, clarify when you can expect feedback. If you have deadlines, such as a notice period at your current job, communicate them clearly.

After the interview, send a follow-up message thanking the interviewer for their time and the meeting.

Extra Tip: Consider sending a personalized LinkedIn connection request to the interviewer. This can help you stand out, especially if they’re considering multiple candidates.

2. What to Prepare in Advance for an IT Interview

Ideally, you would have the opportunity to dedicate your entire day to preparing for the interview. Allow yourself enough time, avoid activities that might unsettle or stress you unnecessarily.

  • Find out in advance how to get to the location calmly, allow for a time buffer, and arrive early so you have time to catch your breath.
  • Have a contact ready for the recruiter or the person you’ve been coordinating with about the interview, so you can inform them in case of delays or unforeseen circumstances.

Type of Contract

You should have clarity about your preferred type of contract before the interview begins. Do you prefer full-time employment (HPP) or freelance (IČO)? If you have experience with both, you can present your terms to the manager and let them decide which option is better for the company.

For more guidance on this topic, you might find these two articles helpful in deciding which form is best for you:

Main employment or work based on trade certificate: how to work as an IT specialist?

Research the Company

Find out as much information as possible about the company, including any interesting details. (For example, look into the company’s founding story, significant milestones, or even activities beyond business—does the company plant trees or engage in similar initiatives?)  

If possible, explore the company’s product or service and, ideally, try it out for yourself.  

If you know who will be interviewing you, check their profiles on LinkedIn. Review their posts if they’re active on the platform. Knowing a bit about the people you’ll be speaking with can help you feel more at ease.  

Review Relevant Technologies

Practice the technologies listed in the job description. If you’re asked to present a portfolio or work sample, start preparing well in advance.