Technical job interview: 4 tips to impress recruiters

Technical interviews are a common part of the hiring process for many IT roles. These meetings generally focus on your analytical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities, testing you on your knowledge of certain topics as well as asking you to solve problems within that subject area. 

It’s also a great opportunity to show the potential employer how well you can think on your feet and give them confidence in your ability to continue doing so in a fast-paced environment. If you haven’t been interviewed for a job in quite some time or are switching fields entirely, it can be nerve-wracking. 

The good news is that no matter where you’re coming from, there are ways to prepare. Follow these useful tips on how to stand out and get that job offer.

1. Know your stuff

This means brushing up on all areas of your expertise so that you feel confident answering any questions that may come up. When it comes to technical interviews, the topics you might be asked about can vary depending on what industry you’re interviewing for, as well as the role you’re applying for. 

The recruiter wants to know that you have the ability to complete the tasks that they require. So rereading the job description can help you determine what programs or skills they will ask about in the interview.

Typically, there are three main areas you will likely be tested on: 

– Computer Science: This is the core of your technical ability. If a company asks you about algorithms or data structures, you need to know the difference between a binary tree and a linked list. 

– Computer Programming: The main programming languages that you’ve come across in your work or studying will most likely come up. This is your chance to show off your coding skills and brush up on any syntax you may not have used in a while. 

– General knowledge: This can include specific terms related to the industry you’re interviewing for, such as network architecture, industry processes, tools and software solutions.

2. Use mock interview platforms

One way to help you become more familiar with the interview process and the questions you might be asked is to use a mock technical interview platform. These let you practice your responses to common questions as well as get an idea of how the interview will be conducted. 

The mock interview platform will allow you to practice how you would answer specific questions, giving you time to think about how your experience and skills would fit into the role and what has driven you to apply for the job in the first place.

These are some free resources to help you prepare for the interview:

– InterviewBit: This mock interview platform uses many of the specific questions that big tech companies ask candidates and lets you practice your technical skills.  

– LeetCode: This site is a favorite for workers that have been hired by companies like Google or Meta. 

– CodeWars: This is a platform that lets you prepare for interviews but also learn coding and practice with over 50 programming languages.

3. Practice your technical skills

If you have experience in any programming languages or skills, it would be beneficial to practice these as much as possible before your interview.

This can help you become more confident with your skills, as well as give you something tangible to link back to in the interview. 

If you’re not sure which skills to focus on, it can be useful to think about the job description and what skills are required for the role. For example, if you’re applying for a job in IT Support, you might want to focus on the technical troubleshooting skills needed for the role.

4. Know your worth

When preparing for any interview, it’s important to know your value. If you’re applying for a job, you will likely be given a range of salaries for the position based on your skills, experience and the location where you would be working.

It is also a good idea to do some research on average salaries for your role to help inform your expectations and give you something to refer to when discussing your salary.

Conclusion

While technical interviews can be daunting, they are an important part of the hiring process. This is your chance to show the interviewer how well you can think on your feet, use your problem-solving skills, and show off your technical knowledge and skills.

💡Technical skills can make you stand out from other candidates in the job search. Which skills are most in-demand and how can you gain them? Read more here →