Today’s technology changes at a dizzying pace. Companies that want to thrive need razor-sharp workers, so interviewers will likely want to know what you do to keep your knowledge current. Here’s more insight behind the question “How do you keep your technical skills current?” and how to answer it.
Why do interviewers ask how you keep your skills current?
Over 80% of organizations report having a skills gap. It’s a trend driven primarily by increased resignations, changing technology, an aging workforce, and the lasting effects of the pandemic.
For hiring managers, it’s a priority to find candidates whose skills are not only up-to-date but are always evolving.
Companies want workers who are enthusiastic about professional development and who want to grow with the company. Showing that you take the initiative to stay abreast of the latest trends demonstrates that you’re engaged with your job and want to help the company stay ahead of the competition.
What interviewers are looking for in an answer about your current technical skills
First and foremost, an interviewer wants to see whether maintaining your skills is something you’re actively thinking about. Companies want candidates who are excited about learning and willing to do so independently and with the company’s guidance. If the question catches you off guard, it could be a red flag that you’re not committed to expanding your knowledge.
Your answer can also help an interviewer gauge how plugged in you are with your industry’s important information sources, like blogs, trade publications, conferences, and training courses that will help keep you on the cutting edge.
How to answer, “How do you keep your technical skills current?”
Be specific
You’ll sound more credible by citing publications, training courses, and other learning outlets by name. You might need to do some background research ahead of time, but ideally, you’ll be naming the learning materials you use.
Here are some examples:
- Taking online courses
- Subscribing to a magazine dedicated to your industry
- Reading white papers and case studies
- Following your field’s top bloggers, YouTubers, and podcasters
- Obtaining new certifications
- Attending networking events
- Attending conferences and trade shows
- Being part of a professional organization
- Reading books by thought leaders
- Experimenting with personal projects
Be enthusiastic
Show your interviewer that you’re eager for new learning opportunities by speaking about the topic with excitement. Give examples demonstrating your enthusiasm, for example, if you set aside a certain amount of time every week for professional development, if you aim to read one article a day about your field, etc.
Cite certifications
This is a good time to mention if you have technical certifications or have completed continuing education courses to expand your expertise.
How not to answer
Give a vague answer
If you don’t have an honest answer to this question, it’s not easy to fudge.
Your best bet to ensure you’re prepared for an interview question about maintaining your technical skills is to make sure it’s something you’re committed to. This way, you’ll not only have a solid interview answer, but you’ll be picking up new skills that make you a more competitive candidate.
Sample answer to “How do you keep your technical skills current?”
Example
“As a developer, there are endless options for coding languages to learn and new skills to acquire. I need to narrow it down to which ones will serve me and my employer best. I follow blogs like Geeks for Geeks and The Pragmatic Engineer to stay current with what’s happening in the industry, then use that information to decide which training courses to take and conferences to attend. I recently attended the Progressive Web Experience in Clearwater and learned a ton about dev tools to improve site performance, which I then took back and applied in my job.”
By coming armed with specific education sources and speaking enthusiastically about professional development, you’ll show your interviewer that you’re committed to being the best you can be at your job–which is a win for them.