From November 2020 - December 2020, I was looking out for a job opporunities for software engineering roles, During these times I had given a bunch of interviews, more than 45+ companies since it was work from home and I was in dreadful situation. During this journey i had ton of failures, mental breakdown and coping with imposter syndrome.
There is nothing more nerve-wracking than sitting across from a computer screen from your interviewer waiting for them to ask you a question! But let's face it, most of the time, there isn't much in the way of background information, so how are you going to prepare?
Well, here are ten tips that will help you take control of your coding interview and land that first job. So what are you waiting for? Continue reading for some helpful advice on interviewing for software engineering positions.
Ten tips for cracking your following coding interview
- Practice, practice, practice
The best way to improve at something is actually to do it. Please give it a go and be prepared for the things that won't work the first time. You can permanently delete and start again, but you don't want to have wasted time on that.
- Write a script
Write down a list of questions you are likely to be asked in an interview before the interview takes place. Practice answering these questions by writing scripts - you might find that this gives you confidence when answering questions right from the off!
- Research the company
You'll be able to ask questions during the interview to impress your interviewers. If you already have researched the company and know about their products, you know which questions will impress them.
- Study the language of algorithms
There are many types of algorithms, each with its terms, rules and methodologies. Ensure you know these and are comfortable talking about them in an interview situation from experience.
- Prepare your resume and CV
Make sure your resume and CV are up to date. You don't want to be caught out by not knowing what a requirement, scheme, or project they ask about in the interview.
- Don't plan ahead
It's best not to over-plan for an interview or prepare too much in advance. The time spent preparing can take away valuable interview time and can be more stressful than you realise!
- Be honest
In interviews, it's best to try and tell the truth as much as possible. Interviewers have ways to determine if you've been lying about things that haven't happened, so it's best not to get into a situation when you can't back up stuff you say.
- Get help with your interview skills
You can either take a training course or maybe ask someone at work for tips on how to handle yourself in an interview situation. You might be surprised, but people who have done well in interviews are often willing to share their knowledge and experiences with others.
- Take time to relax the day before the interview
Ensure that the day before your interview, you relax yourself and your mind as much as possible.
- Don't forget your manners!
Make sure you have behaved yourself in your previous interviews, and don't let the interviewers dislike you for something that they wouldn't have liked at any other time. Make sure you look the part and are dressed in decent, neat and tidy clothes.
Materials helpmed me prepare for the interview
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRPMAqdtSgd0Ipeef7iFsKw
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMrRRZxUAXRzjai0SSoFgdw
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1fLEeYICmo3O9cUsqIi7HA
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKvwPt6BifPP54yzH99ff1g
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaO6VoaYJv4kS-TQO_M-N_g
https://www.youtube.com/user/saptarshipr
Let me know your thoughts in comments,
One last thing from my experience, if you have failed in your interviews, retrospect it and use it as a learning in your next interview
Cheers