Career Conversations: MSPs vs Internal IT
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Career Conversations: Why the Right Answer Isn't Always Enough in an Interview
23 Jul, 20265 minutes
A common misconception is that preparing for a technical interview means focusing entirely on studying or, for some, endlessly grinding LeetCode.
They revise networking concepts, memorise commands, practise coding challenges or review troubleshooting scenarios, believing the interview is designed to test how much technical knowledge they can recall.
While technical ability certainly matters, it's only one part of the conversation.
An interview isn't simply about arriving at the correct answer because it's also about demonstrating how you approach problems, communicate your ideas and work through unfamiliar situations.
Why do we associate interviews with technical knowledge?
It's understandable why so many candidates focus on technical preparation.
Technical interviews often involve practical scenarios, technical questions or real-world problems, making it easy to assume that success depends entirely on having the correct answer.
This can create unnecessary pressure, particularly when candidates feel they need to know everything before walking into the interview room.
However, most employers rarely expect perfection. They understand that technology evolves quickly and that no one has every answer.
Employers want to understand how you think
Technical interviews are often designed to reveal far more than what you know.
When you're presented with a problem, employers aren't only evaluating whether you reach the correct solution. They're observing how you approach the challenge, the questions you ask and how you adapt when faced with uncertainty.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that standing out means answering every question perfectly. When in reality, interviewers rarely expect candidates to know everything. Even experienced technology professionals encounter unfamiliar problems, and employers understand that.
What often sets candidates apart is their willingness to think aloud, explain their reasoning and remain composed when working through uncertainty. A candidate who can clearly communicate their thought process, acknowledge what they don't know and describe how they would find a solution often leaves a stronger impression than someone who simply arrives at the correct answer.
This is because many technical roles involve solving unfamiliar problems, collaborating with others and making informed decisions, not simply recalling information from memory.
Communication is a technical skill
One of the biggest themes throughout the Career Conversations series is that technical expertise isn't just about what you know, it's also about how effectively you communicate that knowledge.
Technology professionals spend a significant amount of time explaining issues to colleagues, documenting solutions, collaborating with teams and discussing technical concepts with people who may have different levels of technical knowledge.
An interview is often the first opportunity for employers to see these skills in action. Explaining why you've chosen a particular approach, talking through your decision-making and remaining engaged throughout the conversation demonstrates confidence, critical thinking and professionalism.
The strongest candidates aren't always those who know the most. They're often the ones who can communicate clearly, remain curious and work through challenges in a structured way.
You can also read more about how you can stand out in an interview here
What this means for interview preparation
It's equally important to practise explaining your reasoning out loud, talking through troubleshooting steps and describing how you would approach a problem, even if you don't immediately know the answer.
Just as importantly, remember that an interview is a two-way conversation. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates curiosity, genuine interest in the role and a willingness to learn, all of which leave a lasting impression. It also gives you the opportunity to better understand the organisation, the team and whether the role is the right fit for you. If you're unsure what to ask, we've put together a guide on 16 Questions You Can Ask at the End of an Interview.
Rather than trying to memorise every possible scenario, focus on demonstrating how you think. Employers aren't looking for someone who never gets stuck. They're looking for someone who can approach problems logically, communicate effectively and continue working towards a solution when faced with uncertainty.
If you're preparing for a networking interview, our guide to 30 Network Engineer Interview Questions to Prep You for Success can also help you build confidence while practising how to communicate your technical knowledge effectively.
Technical knowledge may help you secure an interview, but it's rarely the only thing that determines the outcome. An interview is an opportunity to demonstrate not only what you've learned, but how you think, communicate and solve problems.
Ultimately, the strongest candidates aren't always those who know the most. They're often the ones who can confidently explain their thinking, remain adaptable and show a willingness to learn, even when they don't have every answer.
FAQ:
How should I prepare for a technical interview?
- Effective technical interview preparation involves more than revising technical concepts. Alongside studying networking, coding or troubleshooting topics, practise explaining your thought process, solving problems out loud and discussing why you've chosen a particular approach. Technical interviews often assess both your knowledge and how you communicate it.
Why do interviewers ask technical questions?
- Technical questions help employers assess more than your knowledge. They provide insight into your problem-solving ability, critical thinking, communication skills and how you approach unfamiliar situations. Many interviewers are interested in understanding your reasoning as much as your final answer.
Should I explain my thinking during a technical interview?
- Yes. Talking through your reasoning helps interviewers understand your approach to solving problems. Explaining your assumptions, troubleshooting steps and decision-making process demonstrates communication skills and gives employers a better understanding of how you work.
What should I do if I don't know the answer to a technical interview question?
- It's perfectly acceptable to admit when you don't know something. Instead of guessing, explain how you would investigate the problem, what information you would look for and the steps you would take to find a solution. This demonstrates honesty, logical thinking and a willingness to learn.
Why are communication skills important in technical interviews?
- Technology professionals regularly explain technical concepts to colleagues, customers and stakeholders with different levels of technical knowledge. Employers therefore look for candidates who can communicate clearly, structure their thoughts and collaborate effectively, alongside demonstrating technical ability.
How can I improve my confidence before a technical interview?
- Practise answering technical questions out loud, work through troubleshooting scenarios, conduct mock interviews and review projects you've completed so you can explain your decisions confidently. Confidence often comes from becoming comfortable communicating your knowledge, rather than trying to memorise every possible answer.
How Hamilton Barnes Can Help
Preparing for a technical interview involves more than revising technical concepts, it's about developing the confidence to communicate your knowledge and demonstrate how you solve problems.
At Hamilton Barnes, we support technology professionals at every stage of their careers. Whether you're looking for your first opportunity, considering a change in direction or exploring new specialisms, our consultants can provide market insights, career guidance and access to opportunities across networking, cloud, cybersecurity, telecoms and more.
We offer:
- Interview preparation
- Mock interview sessions
- Real scenario practice
- Communication coaching
- Guidance on how to explain your technical thinking
- Support to help you stay calm and confident
Whether you're exploring career options, looking to develop new skills or searching for your next opportunity, we're here to help you make informed career decisions and build a future that's adaptable, resilient and aligned with your long-term goals.
