4 useful IT interview questions for non-tech employers

HR Insight

Struggling to fill a tech vacancy as you’re far from a techie? Ask these 4 IT interview questions to smooth your way now!

If you frequently hire IT positions, it makes sense to get some 101 IT lessons and scrutinize this field. But what if you’re covering all functions within your company, and IT jobs only come once in a blue moon? Now with little to no understanding of the tech world, do you have any idea of how to verify their competencies? Or which IT interview questions you should ask?

Sounds too stressful? Don’t panic, we’re here to help you out!

Note down our IT interview questions below and use them in your coming discussions to find the right-fit with ease:

Do you subscribe to any tech newsletter or follow the relevant website/blog?

IT interview questions about website or newsletter

You’re hiring an IT role to stay up to speed with modern technology, right?

If so, find a lifelong learner who always hungers for exploring the latest innovations. After all, IT is a fast-paced world where certifications from years ago might not be enough. An ideal candidate should know what’s new out there to timely change gear and anticipate new techniques. This is for their – also your – future success.

Websites and newsletters are common resources to keep updated with this shifting area. Some might turn to social media communities, publications, or online courses. To ensure they’re telling the truth, use follow-up questions - such as what they found most interested in those resources, or some cool things they’ve learned from them.

Can you describe the biggest project you’ve worked on recently?

This tech interview question works in many ways.

First, you’ll see how they define “a big project”- same phrase, but different meaning at a small business and a large MNC. If their biggest one isn't that huge compared to your current plans, you likely need more candidate assessment tools to evaluate their potential.

What’s more, you’re letting them showcase their strengths. An ideal answer will walk you through each step of the progress and their ways to overcome obstacles. And with that, you’ll notice a mix of technical skills - like network security or database management – and soft skills – e.g. teamwork, problem-solving, etc.

How will you solve a problem that you don’t know?

IT interview questions about problem solving skill

Even the top-notch isn’t a know-it-all. They get stuck sometimes. What matters is how they deal with these headaches.

You might need an independent problem-solver who can self-manage and search for solutions before reaching out for help. Alternatively, you expect them to speak up whenever they spot a bug.

To determine the best-fit types of problem solver, look into your IT team’s working style. Are they working together and always put heads together when errors arise? Or they’re working independently on separate tasks?

Make sure you understand your current team before placing any new hires.

How will you define a technical issue for non-tech people?

Do they keep repeating tech terms that you rarely know in the previous question? Ask this!

It’s a tricky IT interview question that directly assesses how well they can communicate with non-tech colleagues. Simply ask about anything that seems mysterious to you, for example, how the internet works.

Probably they will use an easy-to-understand metaphor – “It’s just like how you go to a post office to send letters and get responses in no time”. Or they’ll go deeper with the explanation of DNS server, domain, LAN, IP address - and you can learn something from that.

Now, are they comfortable talking without using jargon? Are they patient to clarify all of your “silly” questions? And do you truly understand what they just said?

Hope all are “yes”!

Wrap up

These 4 IT interview questions not only uncover the candidates’ expertise, but also helps to smooth your gut-wrenching interviews, and eventually shorten the whole hiring process. So, make sure you don’t skip these!

In case you’re worried about their commitment, we have 5 additional questions to determine if they’ll stick around. Plus 7 must-ask questions for senior candidates. Check them out before your best talents falling through the cracks!

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