Job Interview Questions & Answers For An IT Assistant

By Selipha Kihagi

As an IT Assistant, your major function is to assist in the day to day operations of the IT department and making sure that all systems are functioning properly. Part of your responsibilities will include configuration and maintenance of equipment such as computers, printers, scanners, CCTV, and other technical equipment. You will also assist in handling IT vendors and providers, helping staff with IT related issues and generally ensuring that all systems are running smoothly.

Now that we are clear on some of the major responsibilities, how do you stand out from other applicants and get the job? The number one step is picking a job you are well qualified and applying with your most recent and updated professional CV. This is what gets you to the interview stage, where you confirm your suitability through answering several questions from the interviewer or recruitment manager.

To pass the interview, you will need to be well prepared and part of that preparation is going through interview questions to expect and rehearsing their answers. To help you on this, below are 5 questions you can expect in an IT Assistant job.

Job Interview Questions & Answers for an IT Assistant

1. Tell me about yourself
This is one question you will probably not miss in your next job interview. It helps the interviewer or recruiter establish a baseline for the interview and evaluate how familiar you are with the job in question. An example answer to this question would be this;

“My name is Naomi Kanja. I have been in the IT industry for 2 years now. In my most recent position as an IT Officer at company X, I was involved with installation, maintenance and updating of various software and attending to any technical complaints from staff. One reason I enjoy being in the IT profession is the chance to help people by solving problems and seeing a tech-savvy organization run smoothly. I am now seeking an opportunity in a company that values the benefits of latest technologies, where I can join a dedicated team and leverage my skills.”

A trick to always getting this question right in any interview you walk in is to remember that the employer or recruiter is looking to know more about your professional life, not personal.

2. Why do you think you are the best candidate for this job?
This is one of those questions that recruiters will ask when they have a pool of suitably qualified candidates but want to make a smart hire. How you answer this question will either blow your chances before even the interview is done or impress enough to warrant you a second interview.

An ideal answer would be; “I believe that I am the best candidate for this position because of my existing IT experience and ability to easily adapt to different situations. I also have a passion for success and willingness to learn, which keep me motivated to accomplish set tasks within and before deadlines. Also, with my great interpersonal skills, I can work well with others which I believe is crucial in this role.”

3. What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
When an interviewer poses this question, they are trying to identify your strengths and weaknesses but don’t want to ask that common question that is now becoming cliché. So, take a few seconds to collect your thoughts and focus on a challenge that does not discredit you as a skilled IT professional and then give that as your example.

As an IT Assistant and considering your major responsibilities that we mentioned above, which is one skill will impress your employer beyond your technical expertise. It could be how you assisted a difficult co-worker with an IT problem or how you proposed changes to the existing IT systems and succeeded to see implementation, even though your direct boss and company staff were against it. This shows initiative and confirms your passion to succeed. You can learn more about this question in this video.

4. What salary are you expecting for this job?
The salary question will hardly miss in your next IT Assistant job interview, even when the employer clearly has a set budget for the position. To ensure you do not lose out on a chance for the job when the interview was going well, make sure you do not overstate or understate the amount.

Do your research if you do not have a figure in mind to know the range to quote. Then you can answer that question this way; “According to the research I have done and duties listed in this particular job, similar positions pay a salary of X to Z. With my skills and past experience, I expect a salary ranging between Y and Z”

Do you have any queries on job interviews? Leave a comment below.

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14 Comments

  1. That was so helpful to everybody. would you mind giving the same example but this time of an accountant interview questions

  2. Thanks for the above Q&A which i belief is of much help to every person reading. I may have lost a job or 2 for not giving the appropriate answer as expected.

    My questions are, how can i answer the following,
    1. what are your strengths and weaknesses?
    2. Given the job, where do you find yourself in 5 years? please me on how to answer those to questions.

  3. Is there a difference between the responsibilities of an IT Assistant and perhaps a Telecommunications Engineer or Technician? Please feature the Interview questions that may be a sked a Telcoms engineering personnel and even a sample CV format for its jobs.

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