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Having good interviewing skills can offer developers an opportunity to advance in their careers. Unfortunately, many skilled professionals focus more on what they are really passionate about, technology and programming, but they forget to do their homework and prep for their interview skills. So here are some practical tips on how to get ready to land your best job interview.
DO SOME COMPANY RESEARCH
Even if you like the vacant position, you should research the company you are applying to. You are putting all your effort into convincing the interviewer that you are a good fit. But at the same time, you should make sure that this company is a good fit for you. Start by doing some prior background checks. Visit their website, check out their social media, and don’t leave out Instagram. All these channels will give you enough insights into the company, its founders and of course, the people that you might be working with. Try to get an understanding of the company culture, its values and overall work environment.
Plus, showing that you’ve done your homework will surely make a fine impression on the person conducting your interview.
INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Prepare a short description of yourself, your past experiences and training as a developer, and your future ambitions. Add some extra details regarding your passions and what you enjoy most when doing this job. How you introduce yourself will most probably demonstrate your communication skills as well.
GIVE THOUGHTFUL ANSWERS.Â
Avoid one-word answers or textbook sentences. Chances are that the interviewer is looking for passionate candidates. So, start by fully understanding the question. Then give an answer based on your experience. By showcasing passion and expertise, you show them that you are a great addition to their team.
However, it is OK to stop talking if you feel you have been going on for too long and the interviewer has lost attention.
GET READY TO ANSWER BEHAVIOURAL QUESTIONS
At some point in the interview, you will hear questions like “Tell me about an unexpected issue you had at work and how you fixed it,” or “Tell me about a time when you had to take charge of the problem and lead your team towards the solution.” These behavioural questions help the employee understand how you deal with different situations during work. Talk about a specific development from your own experience. Start by explaining the situation and your task. Then tell them how you acted and, finally, what the outcome of your action was.
DON’T BLUFF
In other words, don’t lie. Chances are that the interviewer is a professional who can easily spot, with a few tricky questions, when you’re bluffing. Be transparent regarding your experience and knowledge. It is OK to admit it when you have little or no experience with a specific technology. After all, you can’t possibly know everything. No one does. So the best thing you could do is be honest about it.
PREPARE TO SOLVE PROBLEMS
Every developer interview includes a simple exercise that aims to test his coding abilities. It never hurts to prepare beforehand and refresh your computer science knowledge. Do some research on basic data structures and make sure you understand their purpose and how they work. Read about the basics of algorithms and recursion. Practice solving problems online. There are other things you could read to refresh your skills, but do this, and you’ll feel much more confident in tackling any task.
ASK QUESTIONS
At the end of the interview, you will have your chance to ask about the things you want to know regarding the company. Write them down beforehand; this way, you won’t forget anything. Ask questions about what you want to know regarding the company culture, ongoing projects, and your potential teammates.
