How to Pass Your Technical Interview-step by step guide
You found a position you really want, but they require a technical interview...and you have to get prepared, so how do you do that?
In this reading, you'll learn 5 tips to succeed in your next interview! If you like video forms check out my Youtube Video, and subscribe for more tech career-focused content!
What is a Technical Interview?
Let’s start off with the difference between a technical interview and a normal interview. An interview asks questions such as, ‘Tell me about yourself, future goals, and how you deal with X situation’. A technical interview involves hands-on challenges or assignments to showcase how you tackle real-world problems.
Now that you understand the difference, grab your notebook because you’ll want to write down these tips, as I’ll be sharing a strategy to help you during your technical interview, and share how to best prepare so you can walk in feeling confident when you go in for your interview.
Tip 1: Take time to understand the problem
Taking the time to understand the problem will make or break your interview. Too often, candidates rush in and start coding. Don’t be afraid to talk through it aloud.
Also, feel free to ask questions. It’s better to clarify any confusion at the beginning than when you’re halfway through your solution. Inquire about edge cases, intended program behaviors, error handling — anything that might occur to you. Not only will this show your critical thinking skills, but it’ll also illustrate your openness to feedback.
Tip 2: Practice Delivering
The point of technical questions, in part, is to uncover how you think about solving problems. What is your process? How do you break down the different components? How do you arrive at a solution? How do you react when trying something that doesn’t work? Are you better at experimenting with code or at sketching something out on a whiteboard?
Explain what’s happening in your head as you solve the problem. Act as if you are recording your voice to publish online to teach others how to solve that problem.
Tip 3: Practice
I know you’ve heard this a thousand times, but its true-practice makes not perfect-but better each time. You’ll be surprised what happens when you practice over and over again-even looking in the mirror or recording yourself. By practicing I was able to catch myself saying things that made sense in my head but not to others and that’s ok because it’s commonly done.
Tip 4: Go above expectations
Going above expectations in a technical interview can make you stand out from other candidates. It shows that you are not only capable of meeting the requirements of the assignment but that you are also thinking about the bigger picture and how your solution can benefit the company or client. Consider what would make the client or company happy, what would help their everyday tasks, and what would save them time. These extra considerations can help demonstrate your creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall value to the team.
Does your technical interview require you to do a presentation? Well, focus on the placement of your additions, the overall interaction a viewer will have, and the experience.
Do you have to present a graph? Then make sure it’s not overwhelming, think of it the way you’d want to see and read something you’re interested in. Too many words? Decrease it. The goal is to be digestible to your audience
Tip 5: Be Mindful of your Tone and ‘overall delivery’
It’s important to be aware of your tone and overall demeanor during a technical interview. While it’s important to demonstrate confidence and competence in your technical skills, it’s equally important to be personable and easy to work with. Your interviewers are looking for someone who can work collaboratively and effectively with others-especially as you will be speaking with their clients-you’ll represent the organization. By projecting a positive, upbeat attitude it can go a long way in creating a good impression-additionally letting the employer remember you. Remember, technical interviews are not only about demonstrating your technical abilities but also your ability to work well with others.
Alright, let’s recap!
Take the time to understand the problem and ask questions if needed. Employers want somebody who asks questions.
Be aware that you are being judged not only on your technical skills but also on how you deliver.
Practice as much as you can, by practicing with friends or with yourself
Go above expectations by considering how your solution can benefit the company or client.
Be mindful of your tone and overall demeanor during the interview, as interviewers are looking for someone who can work collaboratively and effectively with others.
Best of luck with your technical interview!
