| The Technical interview is a given if you are | | | | show how you'll perform when given a challenge. |
| interviewing for a technical position. It won't usually get | | | | Frequently the interviewer is more interested in the |
| you the job but it will definitely get you eliminated if you | | | | way you logically arrive at your result than in the |
| don't demonstrate the level of knowledge that the | | | | answer itself. |
| interviewer knows is necessary for the position. | | | | The interviewer is probably also looking at how honest |
| However, the technical interview may also happen to | | | | you are and whether you are able to say that you |
| check out your professional acumen in any career | | | | don't know an answer if you don't. Of course, if you |
| field. | | | | also add how you would go about finding the |
| All professions have aspects that can be considered | | | | information, that may be more important than the |
| "technical" - particularly if there is a certification in the | | | | information itself. |
| field. These certifications abound in many professions - | | | | Probably the interviewer will be a technical specialist, |
| in information technology (MSCE, CME, A+, etc.) in | | | | not usually the decision maker. However, this person |
| project management (PMP) and even in areas like | | | | frequently has veto power. This type of interview is |
| public relations (APR) and human resources (SPHR). | | | | common in individual contributor positions and much |
| Any of these fields could possibly require a technical | | | | less frequent in management areas. The best way to |
| interview. If you have these skills on your resume, be | | | | prepare for the technical interview is to review your |
| prepared to answer questions and possibly even take | | | | area of technical expertise and make sure you are on |
| a test. And,don't forget that any publications, society | | | | top of the newest developments. Background |
| memberships, or conference participation can be to | | | | research on the organization's goals and directions can |
| your advantage. | | | | be invaluable. Find their web site and read about the |
| Key aspects of any technical interview include a | | | | products and services, the management, and don't |
| demonstration of your technical knowledge (software, | | | | forget the current openings. |
| law, policy, best practices, etc.), your thought processes | | | | In all interviews, it is important to remember that you |
| (logic, reasoning), and your ability to innovate | | | | don't have to be correct to be right, the bottom line is |
| (problem-solving skills). Technical interview questions | | | | chemistry. If they like you they will overlook all sorts of |
| may not have "correct" answers. Some questions can | | | | deficits but if they don't you could walk on water and |
| be brainteasers or riddles. These are often intended to | | | | they wouldn't care. |