You Have Your First Tech Interview: Here's What You Should Do

You've received that exciting email:

"Hey, we think you're a great candidate for this role. We'd like to interview you. Please schedule a time."

Panic sets in, you start hyperventilating, and anxiety kicks in. These reactions are perfectly normal.

After all, you don't know what to expect in the interview.

I've been there, your peers have been there, and you've likely experienced it in another industry.

Just because you're transitioning to cloud engineering or cloud computing doesn't mean different rules apply.

The way you approached interviews in your previous industry is the same way you should approach them here.

???? So, after many interviews, I developed a preparation strategy that helped me land a life-changing role.

Before reading this, I want you to understand that you will win through preparation. Trust me, a high percentage of folks who interview for this role will not prepare adequately.

Here's my guidance to help you succeed in your first tech interview.

⒈ Dress to Impress ??

Even if the company has a laid-back culture, always bring your A-game. Men, suit up. Women, wear your best blouse or whatever makes you look professional. And always put on a smile.

Here is a link I found through Indeed to give you more clarification if you are still confused: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-dress-for-a-job-interview

2. Ensure a Distraction-Free Environment ??

Make sure you're in a quiet place with a stable internet connection. I've seen candidates lose opportunities due to poor internet or background distractions. First impressions are crucial.

True Stories: "I've seen people who had to move from one room to another because the internet was spotty, and unfortunately, that cost them the position. I've also seen people who had distractions in the background, and that, too, cost them the position.

3. Research the Company ??

Understand the company's mission, values, products/services, and culture. Know the industry they're in and stay updated on industry trends.

Use resources like CIO.gov or Google News to learn more about where that industry is going.

4. Understand the Role ????

Familiarize yourself with the job description and required skills.

Map these to your experiences or what you've been exposed to, and be prepared to showcase your ability to solve their problems.

Be prepared to talk about specific cases if asked!

This is the part most people miss or don't do because it requires... Work

5. Know Your Resume ??

If it's on your resume, be prepared to discuss it.

Make sure you can explain how your projects and experiences align with the goals of the role.

Avoid fabricating or exaggerating details.

If you don't have experience with something that they have asked you that's not on your resume, here is how you can address it...

"While I don't have direct experience with this, from what I've been exposed to over the past year and my developed process for solving problems, I am confident that I am more than capable of learning and quickly becoming effective at solving problems in this area."

6. Prepare for Common Questions ?

Recruiters will ask about your background, skills, and why you want to work for the company.

Have thoughtful responses ready to pitch yourself as the best candidate they've met.

This can be broken into 3 steps, for example...

1. Who You Are:

"Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I am a seasoned cloud engineer with over five years of experience in designing, implementing, and managing cloud infrastructures. I have a background in IT infrastructure management and a deep understanding of cloud technologies."

2. What You Specialize In:

"I specialize in cloud optimization and automation, particularly on AWS and Azure platforms. My expertise includes migrating applications to the cloud, ensuring high availability, and implementing security best practices. Recently, I led a team that successfully automated our deployment process, reducing deployment time by 40% and increasing efficiency."

3. Why You Love to Work for the Company:

"I am passionate about cloud technology because of its transformative potential for businesses. I have been following [Company Name] and am incredibly impressed by your innovative solutions and commitment to sustainability. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work at [Company Name] because of your focus on cutting-edge technology and your dedication to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. I believe my skills and values align well with your mission, and I am eager to contribute to your continued success."

??? Now you can shorten this and create it to your liking, but you get the gest through the example.

7. Ask Insightful Questions ?

Show your interest in the role and the company by asking questions like:

"Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?"

"What does the typical career path look like for someone in this role?"

"How does the company support professional development and growth?"

By following these steps, you'll improve with each interview. Whether you succeed on the first try or the third, this framework will prepare you to excel in your interviews.

Save this for your notes, and let's start prepping!

P.S. If you have over six months of exposure or experience, don't say, 'I have 6-8 months of experience.'

Instead, say, 'I have about a year of experience.' The truth is you're not fabricating because this is about a year of experience with the exposure you've had over the last six, seven, or eight months.

Also, you truly have the experience of someone who's been in the role for a year. In fact, you may even be doing more on your own than someone who has been in the role for that duration.

We are just changing the language because one answer gives some recruiters red flags... The other gives a green light.

Level Up!