The tech industry is getting more competitive by the day. After working in tech for over 10 years in both entry level and senior roles and experiencing my own ups and downs of the industry, I want to share with you my personal tips to having a successful tech interview.
A great interview doesn’t start on the interview, it starts way before you apply for the job. So these tips start from looking for the the job, working with recruiters, applying for the job, and before, during, and after the interview.
INTERVIEW TIP #1
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, OH AND DID I SAY RESEARCH?
Research is the best place to start before applying to any job or going on any interview. It’s the foundation for success. DON’T SKIP THIS STEP!
- Choose your desired role (Systems Engineer, Software Engineer, Data Architect, etc.)
- Research job titles specific to that role and review the common required + desired skills from job postings
- Evaluate your current skills against what is needed to get the job and adjust your search accordingly.
- Research the average salary for the role and determine what your minimum salary requirement will be (factor in your location and level of expertise.)
- If possible, research specific technical interview questions for the role you want.
INTERVIEW TIP #2
RESUME + LINKEDIN AND WRITE YOUR COVER LETTER
Let’s face it, companies are getting pickier with who they hire. Some companies will even trash your resume if you don’t have a cover letter or if you have an objective statement. So be prepared.
- Write a base resume and then a separate resume for each role type.
- Do NOT add your photo to your resume. That’s what Linked In is for…
- Always include the basics (Experience, Skills, & Education)
- No need to include your references, objective, or charts
- Choose a minimal resume format with a touch of color to stand out and follow Google’s guidelines on how to write a resume (It’s on YouTube)
- Fill out your LinkedIn profile completely. Match your base resume. Upload resume to profile. Add LinkedIn link to your resume.
- Add a professional profile photo to your LinkedIn account
- Write a cover letter template and customize for jobs that ask for a cover letter. Not required for every job application.
INTERVIEW TIP #3
USE JOB BOARDS: STAY RELEVANT + ACTIVE
You are probably already utilizing one or two job boards already but are you utilizing them all? Are you updating your resume at least once a week?
- Utilize all job boards: LinkedIn, Indeed, Dice, Zip Recruiter, Glassdoor, Career Builder, Monster, USA Jobs, etc.
- Update your resume once a week (even if you are just changing a word or adding a period. You want your resume to look recent.
- Make sure your contact information and location requirements are specified correctly.
- Use your cover letter to show that you really want the job, however it is not needed unless the job requires or asks for one.
- Modify your base resume to highlight/display skills described in the job description
- If possible keep track of all your applications and their progress
INTERVIEW TIP #4
USE TECH RECRUITERS: LET THEM WORK FOR YOU
Lot’s of companies (big or small) hire job recruiters to go out and find talent. They work hard to get you the job so they can get paid. This is a plus. But don’t let them play you!
- Register with several local and major recruiting agencies (Robert Half, Ranstad, Kforce, Apex Systems, CyberCoders, etc.) They post dozens of jobs on their own site too.
- Some of the larger recruiting companies fail to tell you that they will not look for a job for you until you have had a screening interview with a tech recruiter first.
- You will get several calls and emails daily if your information is updated on the job boards.
- If you do not know the rate you want for the role yet, don’t let them rush you. Tell them you will need to get back to them and look it up! But don’t take too long.
- Never sign an Right to Represent (RTR) unless you are satisfied with the pay rate you have negotiated with the recruiter.
- If asked: Ask for 72 hour (3 Day) notice for interviews. This gives you more time to prep for the interview.
INTERVIEW TIP #5
STUDY + PREPARE: THERE’S MORE RESEARCH TO DO…
Preparation is critical for the interview process. If you got the interview they already think you are qualified. Now its time to prove them right and show you are serious.
- Review the companies website, research them on Google, look at reviews on Glassdoor & the Blind app.
- Review the interviewer(s) LinkedIn profiles the day before
- Research common, uncommon, and technical interview questions, research the best way to answer them and answer them all in a notebook. (Scenario questions, white boarding, coding etc.)
- Review your interview notebook 30 minutes before the interview.
- If In-Person: Drive to the location the day before the interview
- If Video: Ensure the video and sound is working on your device.
- Prepare your outfit the day before (Always business professional).
- Clean your car! If there’s a possibility they can see your junky car they may judge you! And wear a ring on your ring finger. (If you’re wondering why ask me)
INTERVIEW TIP #6
BE AN EXTROVERT: NO MATTER WHAT YOU REALLY ARE…
Companies are aware that most of the time techies are huge geeks and mostly introverted. But they want to know if you can laugh at their jokes or join them for happy hour. Those of us who struggle with “small talk” will have a hard time breaking out of our shell. But its only for a few minutes!
- During a phone interview stare at yourself in the mirror or your own web cam to make sure you are smiling and have a positive aura.
- Think of someone who has no issues making conversation and do what they would do.
- Practice answering questions in the mirror.
- Practice interviewing with a friend or family member.7
INTERVIEW TIP #7
ASK QUESTIONS: SHOW THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED
Companies want to see that you care enough about the role to have done your research and have prepared questions just for the interview.
- How did your company adjust during the pandemic?
- Is remote work allowed? How often?
- I see you asked for (skill) in the job description, how often will I be able to work with (skill)?
- What are the items you’d most like to see me take care of and check off right away?
- Will there be regular required after hours work (maintenance windows, etc)?
- Is training offered prior to actually starting the work? How will I be trained?
- I see you have multiple locations, would there be any travel required for this role?
- Are there any skills or qualifications you think I am missing? What would you recommend I learn if chosen for the role?
- What are the big projects you see coming up?
- Can you describe the team this role is on?
- When can I start?
INTERVIEW TIP #8
SEND A THANK YOU: LET THEM KNOW YOU STILL WANT THE JOB!
This tip is what will stand you apart from the rest. Interviewers have multiple interviews a day and they cant always remember everyone that comes through their door. You want to thank them and let them know that you are still interested and you are patiently waiting on a reply.
- Send a thank you letter within 24 hours after your final interview.
- Say thank you, state how you feel you are the best fit for the role based on something discussed during the interview, and let them know you are waiting on their final decision.
- Sign the letter with your name, the position applied for, and a link to your LinkedIn account.
- Email the letter to everyone in the interview room. If the interview was set up by a recruiter, ask them to send the letter on your behalf.
