Preparing for Developer Interviews - Reading Time: 3 Mins
📅 September 09, 2020
•⏱️4 min read
Introduction
Preparing for technical interview preparation is hard work. If you don't think so, look at this. The 30 most essential data structure algorithms that you need to remember.
Which to add insult to injury, you have to study hard on leetcode or code wars. The craziness never ends. Which the HR includes curve balls for HR practices that feel dated even for me.
Like the use of IQ tests, situation test, requiring their developers to have computer science degrees and writing code on paper, It even includes my enemy the whiteboard test. Tada!!! The craziness of technical interviews never seems to amaze me. I won't be touching it but will recommend the use of Interviewcake and Cracking the Interview Code so to be done with it. I won't be throwing you all the technical test shenanigans but focus you to go back to the basics in the chapter that follows. I promise you that I depend on it for my job interviews.
Do Your Research of the Company
Regardless if your a math whiz or a developer who can code in their sleep. The first thing that we should always do. It is to do your own research on the company & the person who is interviewing you. If you fail in doing it. You are basically screwed. Cause you will be shown the door after 5 seconds. As anyone will be annoyed by a candidate who knows nothing about the company or the interviewer.
Which decreases your own chances of getting employed. I know we are not trained or required to talk. Cause we are an introvert in some way. But when you are in an interview, you need to build your rapport, observe their body language and sell yourself. The person who is interviewing you has to feel that you are the right choice with the least risky option for them to make a decision to hire you,
Ask & Prepare for the Type of Technical Test
Ask the company on the type of interview questions they will give to their candidates. This allows you to prepare strategically. I find this approach is much better than the brute force approach. By just learning about data structure, distributed computing, design patterns, TDD and the 101 things that a developer are required to learn.
Another thing that I found for the technical tests. Some companies favour the ability to write clearly and effectively. This demonstrates your ability to convey ideas across in a written form which is a must for remote work.
Dress Appropriately
I believe everyone should invest in good & high-quality clothes that fit you. Which you can be used for formal occasions on a whim. If you should consider investing in a interchangable warddoob. Which I have certain pieces like my beloved Allen Edmonds dress shoes & my leather briefcase. To use it when occasion requires me to use to impress someone or date that I'm serious.
Especially when you are going for a job interview. Try to dress 1 level up and don't overdress in a suit and tie. Which everyone in the office is dressing casually. You will be the laughing stock and you would come off as trying too hard with inflexibility in yourself. Always ask the company their dress code and avoid being a laughing stock.
Conclusion
Firstly, do your own research on the company. So you won't bore the interviewer and disrespecting their time and yours. Secondly, ask probing questions on the type of technical test they will provide. Instead of brute-forcing your way in. Thirdly, dress appropriately and not to overdress yourself than your interviewer.
I would suggest investing in a Interchangable Wardrobe. Which you can use thrift stores. I had alot of preloved goods while I was building my Interchangeable Wardrobe to prepare on an occasion that I need it.
Lastly, are you looking to specialise yourself as a developer? If it's a Yes. I'm giving away my free ebook called "Picking Your Specialisation as a Developer" for anyone interested to command a higher salary or do the work that you like.
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