Interview tips

If you make it to our shortlist of candidates, you're ready to enter the next phase - the interview. This is your chance to shine. You'll need to be familiar with IBM and be honest and confident about yourself. Most of all, demonstrating the right attitude will get you far. Look for ways to illustrate the values that we hold dear.

There are no fixed questions in our interviews. Much will depend on the type of job you've applied for, the interviewer and how the interview unfolds. The interview is also a chance for you to find out more about IBM, so do prepare some questions of your own.

Here are more tips to help you along:

• Assess
  Study the position for which you’ve applied. What strengths will make you effective on the job? Do you have an understanding of your weaknesses?
• Prepare
  Research IBM and the business units you might want to join. The IBM website is a great place to start. Think about questions you might want to ask during the interview. And don’t forget the outfit – choose something that presents you well and reflects the position you hope to fill. Note details about the interviewing venue (date, time) and the interviewer (e.g. name and job role), so that you can prepare suitably. We will usually have a copy of your resume but bring one with you, just in case.
• Rehearse
  Run through a mock interview session with a trusted friend. We’ll want to learn more about you, so be prepared to share some information about yourself and your career. Questions will range from the objective (e.g. how many people did you manage) to the subjective (e.g. how could you add value to IBM if you got this job).
  

The day of the interview - Rest, arrive, perform.

• Rest
  Interviews can be nerve wrecking, but make sure you get enough rest the night before. You’ll want to be mentally alert.
• Arrive
  Plan to be at the interviewing venue at least half an hour ahead of time. This will allow you to collect your thoughts and appear cool and confident in front of us.
• Perform
  You can now put all that practice and preparation to work. We’re looking for people who can think well in a high-stress situation (like an interview!). Take your time to answer and don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat a question. A pause between thoughts is better than a garbled response.

  Above all, relax and be calmly confident of your abilities. It’s all right to be nervous, but we hope your personality and passion will still shine through. This is a time to connect with us and show why you’re the right fit for IBM.