You're preparing for a startup development interview. How can you make sure you stand out?

1 Research the startup

Before you go to the interview, do your homework and learn as much as you can about the startup you're applying to. What is their mission, vision, and values? What are their products, services, and target markets? What are their main challenges and opportunities? How do they measure their impact and growth? By researching the startup, you can show that you're genuinely interested in their work and that you have some insights and ideas to contribute.

2 Showcase your portfolio

One of the best ways to demonstrate your startup development skills is to show what you've built, not just tell. Have a portfolio of projects that showcase your coding, design, and problem-solving abilities. Ideally, your portfolio should include some projects that are relevant to the startup's domain, industry, or technology stack. For example, if you're applying to a fintech startup, you could show a project that involves payment integration, data analysis, or security features. Make sure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to access, and clearly documented.

3 Solve problems creatively

Startup development is all about solving problems creatively and efficiently. You can expect to face some technical, behavioral, and case-based questions in the interview that will test your ability to think on your feet, adapt to changing requirements, and come up with innovative solutions. To prepare for these questions, practice your coding, debugging, and testing skills on various platforms and languages. Also, practice your communication and presentation skills on how to explain your approach, logic, and results. Don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions, make assumptions, and suggest improvements.

4 Show your passion and personality

Startup development is not only about skills, but also about passion and personality. Startups are looking for developers who are enthusiastic, curious, and collaborative. They want to see that you have a growth mindset, a willingness to learn, and a sense of ownership and responsibility. They also want to see that you fit with their culture and values, and that you can work well with their team and customers. To show your passion and personality, be yourself, be positive, and be honest. Share your stories, motivations, and goals. Express your opinions, feedback, and questions. Show your enthusiasm, humor, and empathy.

5 Follow up and follow through

After the interview, don't forget to follow up and follow through. Send a thank-you note to the hiring managers and express your appreciation and interest. Reiterate your main strengths and highlights from the interview. Address any concerns or questions that might have arisen. Keep in touch and update them on your status and availability. If you're given any feedback, assignments, or challenges, make sure to complete them on time and with quality. By following up and following through, you can show your professionalism, persistence, and commitment.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?