Entry Level I.T. Interview Tips

[@brandonkellum7882]

As a manager the things that come across the most in interviews to me is personality, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm about the job. Experience and knowledge is a plus, but it's not everything. Give me someone I can teach that's reliable and has a great personality.

[@empressashaya]

I watch your videos right before my interview and I landed a tech support job super excited. Think you for helping me feel more confident!

[@rdumiak]

Here's a suggestion around dress code (I know this is likely to cause some blowback) - for an entry level job, come looking "clean and neat", comb hair, clean face (smile and look people in the eye, try not to look nervous). For men, shirt with a collar, kahaki pants (with a belt), leather shoes (black or brown). For women, blouse, skirt or pants (not jeans), leather shoes (flats are best). Someone once said "if your dress/look like a professional you'll act like one" which is the impression you want to leave people with. If the job has a dress code that allowstees, jeans and gym shoes you can always dress that way if they ask you back. BTW - here's the "why" - hiring managers and HR folks want to ensure that should you need to speak to customers or management as part of your role that you can look professional and credible when you need to.

[@chonicvalium]

I just got hired for my first IT job, it's help desk, $16/hr. He wasn't wrong, but one thing he didn't cover was how to get the interview. This is what I did: 1. Applied to staffing agencies specifically for tech jobs 2. Wrote a cover letter 3. Called and checked the status every 3 days, took about 2 weeks to get the interview.

[@dericmederos1514]

My interview is over zoom next week. Any tips for someone who has no work experience and only a CompTIA A+ certification?

[@davei2938]

@@dericmederos1514 how did it go

[@dericmederos1514]

@@davei2938 Passed. Been a week since i got hired. It's a pretty chill environment. They are taking it slow with me to learn the ins and outs.

[@davei2938]

@@dericmederos1514 so cool bro I have my interview tommorow pay is 17 an hour I’m so nervous

[@crimsoncountess3]

No matter the industry, I politely inquire about the company dress code from the Receptionist or HR. I have yet to encounter anyone taking issue with asking. I gauge from there and dress a step up from that for interviews. Designate one outfit as your interview "uniform" that you can count on to look good and be comfortable.

[@NIC_Pineiro]

Hey man, thanks so much for the care you put in your content. Im currently studying for A+ and I have a video conference interview for an entry level role coming up real soon. This interview tips video came right on time for me. Your videos keep me inspired and motivated and I always look forward to what you have to say. Thanks so much!

[@rdumiak]

Just as an FYI - some tips for a video interview (beyond what Zach already mentioned): 1. Check the lighting (position lighting in front of you, not behind) 2. Position camera as close as possible to eye level 3. Check your surroundings (no messy backgrounds) 4. Wear solid colors (no prints/patterns) 5. Do a test run and check your tech before the interview - good PC (don't use phone unless you are on wi-fi and have to), check audio levels and make sure it's a good internet connection. 6. Close all your other software (last thing you want is a pop-up message during the interview). Do these things and someday you might even be a KZbin star (like Zach) !!!! ;-)

[@NIC_Pineiro]

@@rdumiak Thanks!

[@christiancole7574]

I’ve been in IT 30+ years and have done pretty much everything. These videos are spot on and I am sending them to my Son who wants to break into the field. Thanks for doing these!

[@WeAreBrianToo]

How about making a video on writing resumes for IT entry level

[@jimmysale417]

I need help with this

[@ibrahimandong1572]

being honest costed me like so many jobs honestly

[@richardpanini971]

Thanks for putting this videos out man, i truly appreciate it

[@Yuspliff]

Too bad they'll always choose someone with IT experience over you.

[@OwenRona]

Kamelot a manager looking for someone in entry level really wants entry level. They know that when someone over qualified applying for the job, they’ll just leave for a better role in the near future because they can get those. The video is real life. It’s your personality fit with their culture. Coming from a former tech recruiter for Fortune 500 companies.

[@Ravage017]

@@OwenRona so how come every entry level position I see wants 2-3 yrs experience?

[@brianh2447]

not in government contracting. Apply as a government contractor. Avoid MSPs unless you like mandatory work meetings at 1AM

[@alldetected3106]

@@Ravage017 I feel like they're looking for someone who's taken an online course or two, gotten a certification, or is somewhat tech savy(as it shows commitment and competence to learning IT).

[@uknow2908]

Exactly. And that's why employers embrace lying. They won't appreciate honesty if they have claim of job experience in front of them.

[@tonybailey89]

How about a video for entry level networking positions to gain experience to towards Net Admin, Arch, Eng, or eventually network security?

[@davidstelly8101]

Merry Christmas Zach. Great job as usual. Thanks.

[@twin_rks4717]

I'm on interview number 7 now and still haven't landed a job lol getting into a IT System specialist position is very hard even with a degree and job experience as a IT technician

[@dkgnew]

This is so true! I have learned, they want someone who is an EXPERT in at least two things (have at least 2 certs!!!)

[@sethmishne]

I don't care about entry level it interview tips as I am more concerned about how to get the interviews as I haven't landed a single interview anywhere I have applied to so I went back to school to get my associates degree.

[@jaanThemaan]

Same here, not a single interview.

[@sethmishne]

@@jaanThemaan might be due to my disability.

[@nopedefinitelynotnahthatsnotme]

Resume. I don't have any degrees. Leverage any experience you have into stepping up into the next experience. No experience? Internship. Internship? Entry level? I wouldn't bother doing the best buy geek squad thing companies dont really value that

[@rdumiak]

Have you guys posted resumes with online job sites? - www.thebalancecareers.com/top-best-job-websites-2064080

[@TheDashingRogue]

How about higher level jobs

[@techsupport2633]

Hey zack can you do a video on help desk ticketing system types and softwares ?

[@macasas8133]

for the dresscode, what you can advice, is that is always better to go well or overdressed than underdressed ...

[@patrickcullen2887]

How do you study for certain IT certifications and how long will they usually take to complete based on a beginner experience level? Let’s say for instance a college student who has intermediate computer knowledge. Also what types of pay ranges should you be expecting for mid-to-entry level positions being virtually honest.

[@dannyjimenez2597]

No

[@salpappalardo7104]

I have my first interview tomorrow

[@Raven.1234]

Thank you for the info! I have my first interview today and this video has helped me calm my nerves lol

[@Raven.1234]

I got the job. I started two days ago 🎉

[@Arrchurro12]

@@Raven.1234congratulations! Did you find this video helpful to get the job?

[@glee540]

Guys, I recently graduated from Cybersecurity, and I used to be a chef for 5 years, I had my FIRST IT support specialist interview, and it was a DISSASTER, if I would have seen this video before things would have been different. They asked me at the right beginning of the interview WHAT IS NTP!!!... dude, I was ready for TCP/IP, NAT, UDP etc, but NTP???... my hand started shakinggggggggg.... then they asked me "What would you do if the customer calls you and tells you "my computer is not getting emails" guys I wnanted to jump from my balcony, I was under the impression that they wanted a TECHNICAL answere, and I said "Well, make sure there is internet connectivity, check the setting and maybe the email has been compromised"... I was getting more and more nervous after the questions, question I knew how to answered I wasnt able to, my brain BLOCKED!!... So, you know what? follow the advise this guy just made, he is very right and next tme I will apply his tips, we dont need to know everything.

[@bluejay3140]

Thanks so much for this video! I have an interview tomorrow for a pretty great company and I appreciate the advice given (Will update if I get it, fingers crossed)

[@jimmysale417]

your awesome dude, wish me luck , i"M preparing for the interveiw and watching videos on your channel

[@patrickcuneta]

I really appreciate all the help man! I've been watching your videos for a while now. I'm currently working in sales at AT&T but I definitely don't enjoy it. Looking to migrate into the IT field which definitely fits me better. Your videos really help! Keep up the great work.

[@adriendunn530]

That’s exactly what I’m doing right now😃

[@GreenMarketTrades]

Crazy how I came across this comment considering I just watched your video the other day about how you got your first IT job and moved to New York!! I know it’s been a while now since you got the job but good work man congratulations!!

[@agnomymous]

Now I’m working in sales at AT&T, not enjoying it and looking to migrate 😂

[@Shadowninja1200]

I have a question here: Do you have any tips for those who are hearing impaired? Is there a way I can signal that either a face to face interaction or going on skype and typing everything out would work better for me? I find that phone screens are the main barrier for me in finding pretty much any jobs. I can talk on the phone but it's much easier for me to understand things with some kind of visual cues.

[@Tonybaloney6969]

This comment is a year old but i would definitely recommend explaining in an email to an HR dept or the interviewer that you are hearing impaired and ask (politely) if they could accommodate for you

[@petraexe]

Watching this 3 minutes before a phone interview

[@srlllk]

I’m on the second part of the interview today. Watching this video 2 hour before it… nervous. Also did you get it ?

[@edgardmounguengui8020]

You are great 👍 thanks for what you are doing

[@djahyeahh]

Thank you!

[@patrickcuneta]

I also have a question: I have a strong technical background, currently working on my CompTIA A+, and would love to move from sales to IT as soon as possible. My main goal is to eventually become a software developer, but that will probably take a lot of time to develop the necessary skills / portfolio. Do you think a Help Desk / IT Specialist role would be a good stepping stone to eventually move into software development?

[@Drew-fn6rq]

yes

[@MystyXsoul]

This is an awesome vid!

[@lyndseymeagenwalker3057]

Is there a specific job position title that would involve being a mediator between higher level IT Professionals and End Users?

[@artilleryisbetter]

sys admin

[@evanmiles7252]

As my IT instructor says, Google and KZbin is like your backboard, throw it inside the box and see what you get.

[@TheDashingRogue]

How about high level positions besides entry level

[@neeko8845]

Want to learn want to help people!!! Thats so big

[@zyzzuschrist3410]

Video quality looks nicer than usual

[@gauravbanerjee7891]

Hi jack, i m from india... Looking for a career transition from BPO to IT. i am 30. Is there any way out???? Please guide me if possible.. I m in great need.. Plzzz guide me how to get into IT

[@rdumiak]

There are a number of things you can start working on in your current role if you;re in Business Process Outsourcing), especially around "automation" of repeatative tasks. Latch on to whomever in your group is creating scripts or routines in languages like Python. AND check out Zach's playlist - How to Get Started in I.T. - Information Technology kzbin.info/aero/PLNftqnrunKiHaMkMcQ8lS6Rkkje8Zsufa

[@derrickdudley9437]

If you have a physical disability yet you still function and have the will and some cert behind you. How would you advise me about getting a job in IT.

[@vladimir854]

What about understanding behavioral questions that can help entry level jobs so it can be easier to people to get jobs

[@OwenRona]

Vlad Krpina I’ve recently seen several Career Advice videos here in Yt helping with those questions. I don’t have a link for each but feel free to search. For any entry level, the typical interview questions are usually asked. All the best in your interviews!

[@FirdavsiGameDev]

What's the point of tech and info if people can't make sense/ use of it? That's probably where it guy with clients come in

[@Lukas-mu2tw]

I wonder if this guy is sponsored by Practice Labs

[@Itcareerquestions]

I wish I was. They did send me some sweet swag though.

[@Lukas-mu2tw]

I.T. Career Questions definitely man. Looking good. Appreciate all the videos by the way. I’ve been subscribed for a while and they help keep me motivated

[@FirdavsiGameDev]

Is there a chance for a self taught?

[@Nwrathburn]

Yes. I have no degree and self taught myself the A+ and finished it in July. It took about 40 applications 3 months and i got a job with the 4th company that interviewed me. I do have over a decade of customer service. So far CS it's the most important skill I have used in my new role.

[@sillygoosinator]

i just watched a vid 3 years older than this and he still got the same crooked glasses lol

[@Itcareerquestions]

I have a crooked head actually.

[@professorjack2099]

You look like the dude from unbox therapy

[@bassam_salim]

It is the beard

[@uknow2908]

I'm sorry, but honesty about lack of experience just doesn't work. They will decline you like it's nothing and hire someone who has real exp or lies to them.

[@twin_rks4717]

Facts

[@GHOSTEDFPV]

AM I ONLY ONE WHO'S THINKING THIS IS SETH ROGAN?

[@Itcareerquestions]

Nope, I screen shot these comments and send them to the real Seth Rogan in hopes he'll come on the channel for a cameo.

[@TalePop117]

i think they will tell me go google another job lol

[@SakuraWulf]

Don't waste everyone's time with the dress code questions. Dress to impress, nothing less.

[@trier4952]

Despite what the company dress code is, always dress professionally unless you're told otherwise.