First impressions are everything

Most hiring managers would tell you that first impressions are important, but the CIO of the New York Times, puts it a little more bluntly: Don't blow it.

Joseph Seibert points out that attitude and personality count for a lot. While many outside of IT assume the field doesn't require much pressure to be social, Seibert disagrees. He likes to hire those who push themselves and their company to be better in the IT space, and if you have the attitude of an underdog, you're hired, reports CIO.com. That may be because the odds are against many in IT--with tight IT budgets and serious pressure to deliver security. When IT employees can make it work, despite the obstacles is invaluable.

"You have to understand where the business is going, the business's demands for technology, and how the technology organization is going to most effectively support and lead that," Seibert tells CIO.com.

But Seibert also points out that the CIO or the person interviewing a candidate is not the only one who has to be impressed. He admits he would never hire a prospective IT manager who he liked, but his colleagues hated.

"I think technology is a service organization. I believe in a collaborative approach. I think you build a better team by doing that in any size company. It is very important to hire people who have the right technical skills and the right social skills-the ability to be part of the culture, fit into the company and work well with others here."

For more on this CIO's perspective:
- read the CIO.com article

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