How to Prep for your Technical Interview
Posted November 6th, 2013
Interviewing is tough. First there is the initial phone (i.e. screening) interview. Then, if you pass through, there is the face-to-face interview. However, if you are an IT professional, you will also have to successfully navigate the technical interview.
Sometimes the interviewing can be more stressful and confusing the job itself.
The good news is that once you make it to the technical “round”, you have been more than likely placed on the short list of candidates. These interviews and time-consuming; there is not enough time to put every applicant through the process.
However, you must prepare for this interview; now is not the time to “wing it”. Here are 5 tips to help you do so:
- Align your skills and competencies with the job description. The job description is the biggest resource you have. Work to really understand the technical requirements that are outlined in this document. Remember, this document was designed to provide guidance to everyone involved in the hiring process so that the best person is selected for the job. Spend some time with the job description and work to align your own accomplishments, skills and experience with each point.
- Be ready to whiteboard. Many companies give logic problems or coding/ programming tests as homework, in an effort to further weed through the applicant pool. While it is not standard in every company, it happens enough that you need to be prepared for it. The best way to prepare? Practice.
- Be articulate and communicate. An interview an opportunity for you to sell yourself. Selling requires communication – good communication – both verbally and non-verbally. It is not enough to have the skills and competencies that an employer is looking for, you must effectively articulate the fact that you have the skills and competencies that the employer is looking for.
- Practice. Whether you have a friend ask you mock interview questions or you rehearse whiteboarding in front of the mirror, you should practice. Interviewing is a skill; skills have to be learned and reinforced. To improve and enhance your interviewing skills, you have to practice.
- Do not fear questions. If you are asked a question, embrace it and understand it before you open your mouth to answer it. If you forget the answer or you simply do not know the answer, honesty is the best policy. Be truthful and walk the interviewer through how you would go about finding the answer. Once you are done succinctly answering, confirm that you have done it correctly. Do not ever assume that the person understood you, or that you answered the question correctly.
Are you looking for IT work in the Bay Area? If so, contact Bayside Solutions. Not only do we have the resources to help you stand above the crowd, we have the knowledge and experience to help you find your next position. If you are looking for IT jobs in Bay Area CA, contact us today.
