As a software engineering manager and hiring manager, I’ve had the privilege of evaluating countless candidates for various technical positions. Over the years, I’ve gathered valuable insights and tips for success in interviews. In this blog post, I’ll share these insights with you, the students of a software engineering bootcamp, to help you prepare effectively and increase your chances of landing that dream job.

Preparation is Key

The first step in preparing for an interview is, unsurprisingly, preparation itself. But how much is too much, and what’s the minimum? Here’s what you need to know:

• Keep a Log of Interview Questions: Whenever you’re interviewed, jot down the questions you’re asked. After the interview, re-answer those questions in writing. This practice helps you refine your responses over time, as interviews often revolve around storytelling.

• Watch Mock Interviews: YouTube is a treasure trove of mock interview videos. These can give you a sense of what to expect and help you prepare effectively.

• Mindset Matters: 30-60 minutes before your interview, get your mind in the zone. Eliminate disruptions, review your resume, notes, and common interview questions, and ensure you’re ready for the interview.

• Punctuality is Non-negotiable: Don’t be the reason an interview starts late. Be on time or even a bit early if possible.

Dress Code and Appearance

What you wear to an interview is important, and it’s better to err on the side of professionalism:

• Dress Professionally: It never hurts to look professional. Aim to match your attire with what you think the interviewers will be wearing, and then take it up a notch.

• You Can’t Overdress: It’s challenging to be overdressed for an interview, but you should definitely avoid being the most underdressed person in the room or on a video call.

Come Prepared with Questions

Never underestimate the importance of asking questions during an interview. It’s not only appropriate; it’s essential:

• Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the company, team, and role you’re interviewing for. This demonstrates your interest and engagement.

The Interview Itself

The interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but here’s how you can navigate it smoothly:

• Small Talk: Keep the initial small talk light and let the interviewers lead the conversation.

• Quick Evaluation: It often takes just 10-15 minutes for interviewers to gauge if they want to hire someone.

• Body Language: Body language and eye contact are crucial during an interview. Maintain good eye contact and display confident body language.

• Cultural Fit: To determine cultural fit, interviewers look for candidates who are self-aware, understand their “Why,” and genuinely want to join the team or company.

• Red Flags: Avoid red flags such as blaming others, denigrating previous employers, providing surface-level answers, or making the interviewer work too hard to extract information.

Explaining Career Transitions

For those with limited development experience or transitioning careers, focus on these key points during the interview:

• Attributes for Junior Developers: Be motivated, someone your interviewer wants to work with, and someone they want to help grow.

Bootcamp Graduates vs. Computer Science Graduates

When comparing bootcamp graduates to computer science grads, remember this:

• You’re Given a Chance: If you’re in the interview, the employer is willing to give you a chance. They know your knowledge might be incomplete compared to traditional computer science graduates.

• Emphasize Motivation: Highlight your motivation and enthusiasm for the field during the interview.

How to Be Memorable

Being memorable in a sea of candidates doesn’t mean panicking. Instead:

• Stay Composed: Keep your cool, maintain a professional demeanor, and be yourself.

Handling the Salary Question

When it comes to discussing salary:

• Ask About the Range: Inquire if there’s an established salary range for the position. If they like you, they might be willing to push the upper boundary by 5-15%.

• Research the Market: Research industry standards to ensure your salary expectations are reasonable.

Remote Interviews

With the rise of remote work, remote interviews have become common. Here’s how to prepare and what to expect:

• Prepare for Remote Interviews: Find a quiet, distraction-free location, test your setup, and ensure you have the necessary equipment.

• Expect Functional Setup: Interviewers expect a functional audio and video setup. They may reschedule if there are technical problems.

• Tools May Vary: Different companies use different interview tools, so familiarize yourself with these tools to focus on the questions rather than the technology.

The Technical Interview

Technical interviews can vary widely from one company to another:

• Expect Variability: Every company has its unique interview process, and every team believes they have the perfect approach.

• Behavior in Interviews: It’s perfectly fine to ask about the next steps, timelines, and other logistics during a technical interview.

Follow Up

After the interview, it’s crucial to follow up:

• Ask About Next Steps: At the end of the interview, inquire about the next steps and their associated timelines.

• Practice Patience: Recruiters have other commitments, so be patient when waiting for follow-up.

Parting Advice

As you embark on your job search, keep these words of wisdom in mind:

• Persist and Learn: Keep pushing forward, learn from your mistakes, and don’t let failures deter you.

• Take Notes: During the interview, make notes of who was present, their roles, and any notable information shared. This will help with follow-up.

In closing, remember that interviews are a two-way street. You’re not just being evaluated; you’re evaluating the employer as well. Find the right fit for your goals and values, and be willing to walk away from opportunities that don’t align with your vision. Best of luck in your job search!