The tech landscape may seem like it’s thriving – despite all the layoffs. Job openings can get filled quickly. However, just because you can secure the interview doesn’t mean that you’ll get the congratulatory email that were picked for the job. As a current hiring manager for one of the biggest cleared players in the game, I have firsthand experience with what I am seeing and what answers are missing the mark in the tech interview.
3 Tips to Excel in Technical Interviews and Get the Job
Here are three unconventional tips to help you ace your interview and get the ‘good news’ email.
1. Emphasize your personality.
The hiring team already has the foresight that you are likely technical enough for the role-as you were screened by the recruiter and the hiring manager (to be invited for the interview). The biggest part of this interview is for us to see if you’d be a good fit within our existing team. I know how nerve wracking interviews are, but take a deep breath, remind yourself that they WANT to hire you. They have a lot going on in their days, and it would be so neat to cancel the rest of the interviews and give themselves the time back. Adopt the perspective that the interviewers are allies and genuinely interested in hiring you for the role, allowing you to express your personality to gauge team compatibility. Keep it professional but come at it from a relaxed approach.
2. Keep your answers on the short and sweet side.
It is very common for candidates to feel the need to provide backstory on a complex issue relating to the question that was asked. If you have to give a deep background to understand, its not the right example to provide. Here is an example of a sample question: “Tell us about a complex IT issue you’ve faced and how you managed it.” They are less focused on what the actual IT issue is and more looking to see how you handle complex issues/stress. Keep the technical acumen to a minimum and focus more on your problem-solving skills. That is really what they are after with these types of questions.
3. Show interest.
You know at the end of the interview you will be asked “What questions do you have for us?” Not only are we asking you what questions you have but this is your opportunity to have the floor. Prior to the interview comb through the req and pick something that stands out that you find interesting. A question doesn’t have to come from a place of confusion. It can simply be: “In the req it says XYZ. That sounds really interesting to me, can you elaborate on that…..” or “How often does the team meet to discuss best practices and to check-in with one another?”
While you still have the floor, take a second to reiterate your interest in the position and how X company is a place you can see yourself growing your skill set. Tell them you want to be a part of them as much as we want to bring you on board! When the hiring manager feels confident that you’ll accept the position, they are more inclined to give you the strongest offer up front!
Goodluck and remember…it is okay to show that you are human and have a personality. Robot answers belong in 1999. We want to hire YOU, show us YOU.
