Everything You Need to Know About Preparing for a Tech Job Interview

If you are applying for tech roles, you will need to think about preparing for interviews. It’s not simply a case of turning up and hoping for the best, as this is unlikely to land you the tech job of your dreams. Instead, you need to take the time to fully prepare for what’s to come. When you are prepared for a job interview, you are much more likely to succeed in coming across as a confident and capable candidate.

Understanding the Multi-Step Interview Process

Though interview processes can vary, the majority of tech companies work on a multi-step basis. This means that there are a number of interview rounds for you to navigate before being offered a job. Below, we have detailed what to expect from each.

Interview Round One - Phone Screener Interview

It’s likely that you will start with a phone screener interview, and this is usually a quick phone call to find out more about you. The interviewer will ask for more information about your background and experience, to determine if you are right for the position. It’s a good idea to have a handful of key accomplishments to hand before a phone screener interview, as these could be what it takes to convince the interview of your suitability.

Interview Round Two - Technical Interview

Regardless of the specific tech job you are interviewing for, you are likely going to have a technical interview. This allows the interviewer to better understand your technical qualifications and abilities, and it could be done via telephone or video call. You might even be given a test to do in person or to take home. Before your technical interview, take the time to find out the common technical tests given for the job role you are going for. This will give you an insight into what to expect and what they are looking for. It’s all about the interviewer finding out more about how you solve problems.

Interview Round Three - Onsite Interview

The final interview occurs when the company has narrowed down the candidates and only a handful remain. By this stage, the interviewer knows that you are qualified and suitable, but they want to decide which candidate is the best fit. This interview could take place at the company or online, and you might be given the chance to meet different members of the team. It’s a good opportunity to find out more about the company from people you might end up working with.

Preparing for an Upcoming Tech Job Interview

• Research the Company - Learn as much as possible about the company, and what makes it different from competitors. Focus on company values, news and the leadership team. There’s lots of information online and on LinkedIn.

• Read the Job Description - Before you go to the interview, make sure you have thoroughly read the job description. Take note of any key phrases or skills that are highlighted, and think of examples to showcase that you possess these.

• Practice Your Answers - You will be asked a lot of questions in a tech job interview, but practicing your answers beforehand can make the entire process a lot easier. Think about the type of questions you could be answered, and have example answers ready to go. These should highlight your accomplishments, qualifications and problem solving abilities.

• Expand on Your Accomplishments - There is only so much information that’s given on a CV, so be ready to expand on your accomplishments in the interview. Giving the interviewer examples of your work and relating them back to the skills on the job description is a great way to showcase yourself as a suitable candidate.

• Ask the Interviewer Questions - At the end of the interview, it’s a good idea to ask the interviewer questions. This could be a question about the job itself, or asking for more information about the company. Asking questions shows that you are interested and invested in the role.

• Make a Good First Impression - There are bound to be a lot of people being interviewed for the role, so you need to stand out for the right reasons. It’s important to conduct yourself in a professional, confident and friendly manner throughout the interview. Though an interviewer might not remember everything you say in an interview, they will definitely remember how you came across and whether they enjoyed talking to you.

• Practice Your Interview Skills - To ensure you are fully prepared for your tech job interview, practice with someone who will give you constructive feedback. It’s helpful to have another person’s opinion on your interview skills. Get them to ask you common questions, to talk through your CV and to comment on how you portray yourself.