Coders! Make your interview a success!
So many excellent developers can’t get through the numerous hoops of interviews. Time after time we have seen developers fall at the various hurdles typical coding interviews throw at them. The top candidates don’t necessarily get the job purely because they miss out on some simple bits of preparation before interview and often with their communication during it. Read on for the actions that can help ensure a successful interview.
Tailor the CV to the job you want
Technology is full of technical skills, every coder will have been exposed to a plethora of things that the job entails and a plethora of things the job doesn’t. Either way it’s so important you know that the coders who are most likely to be selected for interview present a CV that highlights the specific skills they have that are relevant to the job.
Research
Sadly too many people forget to spend time researching who they are meeting and even worse they miss investigating the company itself. The personal touch goes such a long way with the company and individuals within the firm. Without this interest it’s very difficult to convince a firm that you are motivated and excited to join them. As a “techie” overlooking such a crucial part of the role will only expose you as someone not taking the process seriously or being a person that lacks detail.
Conversation
An interview is largely about the art of conversation and many people forget how important it is for them to get their personality across. Never underestimate the value of simply getting on with someone.
Release the passion
Passion for what you do should never be hidden in an interview, the more you care, the more likely that the interviewer will feel confident in your ability to work your hardest to get something done. Passion also needs prep. The most passionate of developers often go the farthest however, it’s always a shame when someone with great skills fails to prep on how to best exhibit their talents. This can often be in thinking how best to explain a solution or perhaps in the choice of which project to discuss.
Draw
Where you can use the white board use it, it’s the best form of explaining how you have done things in the past or how you would plan to do something for the new firm. In your day to day job many technologists will draw out their ideas or draw a diagram to best exhibit what they have done. If you find this the best way of outlining your point, use it.
Many questions
When developers are to embark on a new project they question. Question the purpose, question the spec and question the plan – this should be replicated in interview, after all it’s a new project that you will be starting. Only then will you be able to choose the relevant skills you have to highlight.
Practice
It’s so important that you practise logical problem solving questions and algorithm type questions as it’s very likely these types of tests will be asked of you in interview. Remembering and revising the foundations of your subject can also make all the difference in test scenarios.
There are a plethora of topics that need to be covered for any interview and working closely with your consultant to identify what each company expects is a very important part of the process. For further interview practise and coaching information please contact me.