The technical interview is different from any other interview. But, that doesn’t mean it has to be daunting. The more you know about and are prepared for this type of interview, the more likely it is that you will do well. So what is a technical interview? And what are some tips to ace it?
What is it?
A technical interview tests your ability, both technically and personally, to fill the role. Essentially it’s to back up what is on your resume and to see if you’re a good fit for the company. Problem solving skills, communication, and how you think under pressure are all things that are learned from this interview. This is the closest thing your future employer will get to seeing you solve a real world, day-to-day problem.
Prep work:
1. Research the company.
Many companies will have resources available to you that can help with the interview process. Some have blogs dedicated to their interview process along with questions you may be asked.
If they do not have a blog or resources on their website, check Glassdoor. There you will find an Interviews tab where those who have interviewed at the company talk about what may have been asked and what the process entails. Also, always make it a habit to check the companies LinkedIn Page.
You can also always ask anyone on our team what to expect from the interview and how to prepare for that specific interview.
2. There will be other questions, so be prepared to show your soft skills as well.
A technical interview shows how you react to real-world problems and how you work through them. So, it is imperative to show your soft skills as well as your technical skills.
You may be asked about:
How you have gone about problems in the past
How you may go about problems in the future.
Where you learned specific skills
Technical questions, testing your knowledge and skill level
When interviewing, remember that good communication is so valuable to future employers. Talking through these points is vital. You may be really skilled technically, but your soft skills can be what sets you apart from other candidates.
Here is a list of possible technical interview questions you may be asked. Another good list can be found here.
3. Be aware of and prepare for the skills being sought after
Obviously, reviewing the job description is a must. Be aware of what the job is looking for and make sure that you study up on those skills. Understanding the fundamentals that they are looking for can help you answer questions that branch from those skills.
4. Prepare questions you might want to ask the interviewer
Communication comes into play here as well. In addition to being knowledgeable and showing demonstrable skills, being able to communicate with people professionally is important. Talking through your work, providing thorough answers and arriving at your interview prepared to ask questions can make a big difference for moving forward in the hiring process.
To better prepare for the conversation, have a few questions you want to ask the interviewer. Take some time to review the company and job description before the interview, and jot down any questions that arise. Remember that it’s customary for candidates to hold their questions for the end of the interview.
During the interview:
1. Ask questions before you start
Slowing down can really work to your advantage. Asking clarifying questions not only gives you a leg up at the beginning, but it also shows that you are a person who likes to understand the whole picture before rushing into work. Don't be afraid to do this because it can really play to your advantage.
2. Think out loud during the interview
This helps the interviewers get a glimpse into how you operate, which is exactly what they ned to see in order to hire you. And it can help with your process of completing the task. I really liked what one article brought out:
"A helpful tip for explaining your thought process is to act like you’re part of the team. If this were a real-life situation, how would you discuss, explain, and solve the problem? This can also give your interviewers an idea of how you’d collaborate on the team if they were to hire you." (Technical Interviewing 101)
3. Articulate clearly and correctly
Communication comes into play here again. If you say you know how to do something and show that you can correctly articulate what you are doing, it gives you so much more credibility. It also can help in keeping yourself focused and collected, which is always a desirable trait. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Refer to a concept by its formal name
- Avoid pronouns and ambiguous words
Check out this list of mistakes to avoid during the interview process
4. Check your work and walk through how you got to your solution
Companies want someone who takes pride in their work, and checking for errors is a key part of that. Double check all of your work and when you are satisfied with your solution, walk through it and show how you got there. This is a peak inside how you think and work, so over communicating will be better than under communicating.
The technical interview stage can seem rather daunting. But, with some prep work and keeping in mind a few things during the process, you are sure to ace your technical interview.
Resources:
https://careers.northeastern.edu/article/interview-type-technical/
https://learntocodewith.me/posts/technical-interview/
https://joinhandshake.com/blog/students/interview-pro-tips-how-to-nail-a-technical-interview/
https://www.siliconrepublic.com/advice/technical-interview-tips-hays
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/technical-interview-preparation