Interviewing Tips for IT Consulting Positions:
1. The one thing that can overcome a lack of experience is enthusiasm. There are many ways to demonstrate enthusiasm. If you don't have a naturally bubbly personality - you can show a great level of interest by the types of questions you ask.
2. Build rapport with the interviewers. They want someone they want to work with. There have been studies done that show that you can build rapport quickly by being like the person you are with. If they talk fast - you talk fast - if they are very laid back and you have a tendency to speak loud and fast - slow it down!!! If they lean forward - you lean forward; if they lean back - you lean back. Try to use the same terms they use - (e.g. if they call their users clients - do the same).
3. Stress the positive. Don't offer information about things you don't have experience with. At the same time - be honest. If they ask you if you've done something and you haven't - then tell them so - but immediately try to relate it to something you have done.
4. Check yourself out - are you the type who needs to elaborate on your answers (rather than just giving a yes or no) or do you talk excessively? Ask a colleague which type you are and find the middle ground. Watch the face of the interviewer - if they are checking their watch or reading your resume instead of listening to you, you've lost them. Feel free to ask if you've answered their question.
5. Bear in mind that FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT. If, halfway through the interview you realize you really don't want the assignment - don't let on your lack of interest (verbally or non-verbally). It could lock you out of the account that would mean missing out on some other excellent opportunities. Tell us immediately after the interview and we will gracefully get you out of it.
6. Show that you're a good analyst. Ask good questions. Don't rely on us to find out all the details of the project. Please don't come out of an interview with a lot of unanswered questions about what they are doing or what they would expect of you. The ball is in your court.
7. Show initiative. Let the interviewer lead the discussion but feel free to break in and relate your experience to what they are discussing. You also don't want to come out of an interview thinking, "I never got a chance to tell them ____".
8. Note taking. While this is a personal preference - bear in mind that many clients feel that you have already started working for them and that you are confident you got the assignment if you take notes during the interview.
9. Focus on those areas of your experience that pertain to what they are doing. Watch that you don't go off on unrelated tangents.
10. If you really want the assignment - take advantage of the question "anything else?" This is your chance to summarize why you are suited to this engagement, and to fit in any other selling point as to why they should select you.