Inside tips for your next interview 

Have an interview coming up? We've got you covered. Advice straight from Code's recruiters to nail your interview and get the job (originally from our blog post: Insider Advice to Land a Job in Denver Tech). 

1. Do your research. 

Researching the company shows the interviewer that you care about the position and demonstrates your passion for the work they're doing. Go beyond the company's homepage, get to know their mission, story, and current projects. Check in the news for any recent press releases or stories about the company, and try to find a little background on the person you're meeting with, too.

A good general understanding of the organization and the person you're talking to allows you to provide better answers, demonstrate passion, and foster more meaningful conversations throughout the interview.  

2. Ask questions

If you did your research, asking thoughtful and relevant questions will come naturally. Go into the interview with 2-3 questions prepared. Questions can be technical or not, just make sure the answer to your question isn't right on the company's homepage. 

Some great questions to ask could be: 

What security standards and authorizations are in place to insure your customers' information stays safe? 

What do you need from this position day one? 

How do you see this position evolving with the company? 

What is the next step you're taking to reach [x] company goal? 

3. Show your passion

This is easily done through doing your research and asking questions. Don't get turned away because you failed to show the company your excitement about the opportunity. When you're up against other candidates with similar career objectives and skills, showing your drive can give you a huge advantage. 

4. Stay positive

Most importantly, don't bad-mouth previous experiences. If you're asked "why did you leave your last job?" try to put a positive spin on the truth. If you can't do that, choose another reason you left. The Denver tech scene is small, and you never know who knows who. Keep the gossip to a minimum and focus on the positive. 

5. Voice your expectations at the beginning

This is most relevant with salaries: find your base and stick with it. Be clear about the minimum you'll accept and don't interview for anything that doesn't fit your standards. By setting and voicing your expectations from the start, you avoid wasting your own time, the recruiters time, and the company's time. 

If working remotely 3 days a week is a non-negotiable, only apply to jobs that are explicitly open to remote work and be sure to tell the company in your first interview. If working remotely is more of an option you'd like to explore, but isn't a deal breaker, raise the topic during a later interview. 

6. Be honest about your skills and experience

This starts with your resume and continues throughout the job process. Be prepared for questions about any and all skills, languages, and experience you put on your resume; if you claim to be an expert in something, expect expert-level questions. 

It's better to claim to be mid-level and tech-out at mid-level, or higher, than it is to claim to be an expert and tech-out at mid-level. Save yourself some embarrassment and be realistic about your abilities. 

7. Dress correctly

For 90% of jobs in the Denver tech scene, jeans, a button-down and nice shoes is the perfect interview outfit for men. Leave the suit and tie at home, but don't expect to get the job in a dirty sweatshirt and flip-flops, either. 

For women, as always, dressing correctly isn't as cut and dry. We know it can be hard to find that balance between professional and casual, just stay away from the uncomfortable pants and blouses, and don't be afraid to wear jeans! 

More tips and advice... 

8. Never say "I don't know" 

Instead, ask if the question can be rephrased. More often than not, misunderstood questions are just terminology issues: you probably know the answer! 

9. If you submit a code sample or portfolio, employers will assume that it's your best work

This goes the same for coding projects and take home assignments: if it's not your best work, don't submit it.

10. Be a team player

Stay humble, kind, and curious. Showing eagerness and strength in working with others can sometimes overcome technical abilities. 

More questions about the interview process? Contact us.