8 Programming Skills You Must Have Before Your Technical Interview
Posted October 17th, 2017
Technical interviews are becoming more common as they help assess a candidate’s skills in a high-pressure situation. Mastering this form of interview isn’t easy, but it is possible. To help you make the best impression possible during your programmer technical interview, here are eight skills you must have to succeed.
-
Soft Skills
Technical skills are rarely what separates top candidates from one another. However, soft skills can quickly become a differentiator, especially between two technically matched job seekers. Being able to discuss complex topics in a way that can be easily understood by less tech-savvy individuals can set you apart as well as clear experience working with a team. Your approach to conflict is also important, and may be assessed during the interview process.
-
Problem Solving Capabilities
At times, your ability to think your way through a problem may even be more valuable than your technical prowess. Developers are regularly faced with challenges that must be overcome, so having the skill to navigate complex issues and find solutions is incredibly valuable to employers.
-
Understanding of Business
Being able to see how your code fits into the larger business picture can help you make a better impression during the interview. This shows you can visualize the broader scope of the organization as a whole, as well as how you fit into higher level goals, which may indicate your results will be more relevant to long-term projects and growth.
-
Programming Language Proficiency
While precisely which programming languages and frameworks you need to know vary depending on the position, you need to be ready to show your skills for whichever language is considered the primary point of concern for the role. This can be particularly critical for jobs at smaller companies where their ability to train may be hindered by limited resources.
-
Knowledge of Algorithms and Data Structures
Since data structures are a critical part of programming, you must possess expertise in this area. Many larger companies will also present you with questions about algorithms, so being prepared to face these is important. These skills show you are capable of computational thinking, a highly desirable trait that can indicate you are a great developer.
-
Quick Thinking
Since you likely won’t know what you’ll be asked in advance, the ability to think on your feet is a must-have. The questions may involve any part of the job, and some hiring managers may even toss in brain teasers to assess your capabilities, so your options for preparing could be somewhat limited. So, being able to adapt to whatever is thrown at you is essential.
-
Broad Knowledge Base
If you are interviewing for an upper-level position, having a wide breadth of knowledge is useful. When faced with a problem, you may not want to default to always recommending a single approach or technology, so having additional areas of expertise can help show you can see the potential in numerous angles.
-
Self-Awareness
During a technical interview, you’ll likely be asked questions about your last job, and not all of them will focus on your hard skills. It isn’t uncommon to have the hiring manager request you discuss some of the difficulties you’ve faced in your professional past, so having a realistic understanding of your previous challenges is essential.
If you are looking for a new programming position, the team at Bayside Solutions can help you find the right role. Contact us to discuss your career goals today.
