20 tips to Succeed at a Technical Interview

1. 20 Tips to Succeed at a Technical Interview Interviews as we all know can be really nerve-wracking. They can make the bravest of us break into a sweat. But it’s time to bid those pre- interview jitters goodbye with these 20 solid tips that will help you ace your next technical interview. Armed with these 20 tips, now you can step inside the interview room with an air of infectious self-confidence. Make sure your research is rich Your interviewer is likely to grill you about the company you are applying to The easiest way to impress him or her is by stating valid facts about the company, their competitors,and the overall market/sector. Know how to sell yourself You must prepare an excellent and precise “pitch” about what makes you stand out from the rest of the candidates. Make sure that you are talking actual, tangible skills and not boring, generic stuff

2. Know your interviewer’s concern and react accordingly It’s absolutely essential for you to remember that an interviewer has their own point of view and they will always prioritise their concerns and needs. This is exactly why your points should revolve around what you will be able to bring to the table and how you will be able to address those concerns Know your answers before they ask This is perhaps the oldest trick in the book and it still works wonders Think about your age and job description, and accordingly prepare a mental list of all possible questions. Then simply keep your answers ready in your head so that when the time comes you can articulate them without fumbling Ask intelligent questions Technical interviewers worth their salt are most likely to ask you about any questions you might have. Use this opportunity to ask questions that matter and questions that showcase your insights and commitment towards the company. Practice does make you perfect Even if you are the most overconfident guy on the block, make sure you practise mock technical interviews inside your head. This will always keep you ready and even if you are caught off-guard by an unexpected question, you will not end up sounding confused because of the clarity of your preparation. The first five minutes are more essential The old adage of first impressions leaving a lasting impact is true after all. Even in interviews, most interviewers subconsciously make their decision in the first five minutes. So it’s important to ensure that you are able to get into their good books within minutes of entering the interview room.

3. Be on the interviewers side Remember that you and your interviewers are not opponents. If you are getting intimidated, then you are the one who’s losing out You need to feel as comfortable in your skin as you can and you must be careful not to antagonize the interviewer at any cost Be active and enthusiastic A lot of candidates equate being polite with being silent. This can be a death nail for your interview You must show enthusiasm to continue the conversation even during awkward silences. Try not to get offended by questions Certain interviewers tend to ask personal questions which might make you feel uncomfortable. But you must be careful and prepared to face questions such as “how do you manage your time with a young kid at home?” or certain other questions that might offend you a bit. Even if you don’t want to answer something, you should smartly duck the topic or reply with a witty retort. Make sure that you sound articulate No interviewer would enjoy a conversation with a candidate who sounds like he or she is repeating the same point or simply boring them. You must really use all the oratory skills in your personal arsenal to drive your point home. Have an air of positivity Even if you are asked an obviously negative question such as what you hated about your previous job, make sure that you don’t come across as a cynic. You should frame your answer intelligently, so that even the negative points are expressed positively.

4. Remember to end on a hopeful note Make sure that no matter how the interview goes, you always leave the room with a smile. The tone of your goodbye really seals the deal for a lot of interviewers. Don’t forget to carry your resume Save yourself the embarrassment of having to look for your important documents. Keep your resume and other required documents handy so that you can refer to them instantly. Rehearsing is not a bad thing Don’t feel that your answers will sound stale and bland if you have practised them a number of times. It’s better to say something which is well prepared as opposed to an answer which sounds shoddy. “Tell me about yourself” is your trump card The most obvious question is the one where you can obviously score. Have an excellent introduction ready, which sounds personal and effective at the same time Body language is important Right from postures to handshake, ensure that your body language reflects your interest and confidence. Don’t come across as too informal and too casual in your attitude. Behaviour-based questions are the order of the day A lot of interviewers will ask questions pertaining to specific cases and ask you about how you would react. Make sure that your answer is the right mix of honesty and smartness. Don’t forget your thank you’s Although this will sound really old-school, sending a thank you note at the end of every interview can go a long way in making an impression.

5. Don’t forget to politely follow up You must not give up trying even if you don’t get an immediate response. Make sure your follow up sounds enthusiastic and not desperate.