Top tips for succeeding in a job interview

Landing a job interview is a big step, but it's just the beginning. To truly shine, you need to prepare and understand what makes a successful candidate. Interviews can often be a stressful and daunting experience. During interviews, employers and recruiters often keep an eye out for things like culture fit, soft skills, as well as technical skills needed for the role.

In a recent community discussion, we asked our Discord community what their top tips are for succeeding in a job interview. This article will explore what they said.

Interview preparation

Research the company

Understand the role that they’re advertising for, be ready to discuss why you want to work there and prepare questions to ask them to show interest in the role and company.

Read the job postings

Carefully reading job listings posted by the company will give you an indication as to the type of interviews they conduct. Sites like Glassdoor can provide insights into the company's interview processes too.

Know why you want the role

Be prepared to explain why you want to work for the company. You also need to understand exactly what the job entails.

Look for 'green flags' of the company

An example of a green flag in a company could be transparency. Look for a company that's open, appreciates honesty, and knows its own hiring process. Are they showcasing the salary details in their job posting? This is a great sign of a transparent company. Another tip is to read reviews of the company. Check sites like Glassdoor for feedback but be mindful of potential biases.

Assessing company fit

Understanding your needs and motivations for joining a company. You can do this by knowing your must-haves and exploring your reasons for wanting the role. Identify what you want in your new job. It could be a fast-paced environment, specific technologies, or a culture where you can be productive.

Practice coding questions

If applicable, practice questions as if you were in an interview. You can do this by practicing interview questions with a friend or utilizing Google or AI tools to generate practice questions for you.

Prepare for a technical role

If you're applying for a technical role, make sure to ask your interviewer at least some technical questions. Some examples of technical questions could be:

• What are the key technologies and tools the team currently uses?
• How does the team approach code reviews and quality assurance?
• Can you describe the typical workflow for a project in this role?

Know your projects

Be prepared to discuss your projects, roadblocks, and what you learned. Ensure that you are able to explain your reasoning behind certain technical decisions you made in your projects.

Understand your skills

Be ready to discuss your technical skills, especially those relevant to the position. Be prepared to explain your proficiency of a tech stack or language, and also be honest about what you may be less proficient in if they ask.

Prepare some questions to ask your interviewer

Based on your needs, ask specific questions to understand the work environment.

Some examples:

• How often do you release to production?
• What does the process look like from opening a PR to it being released?
• How does a feature go from idea to code?

Prep company-specific questions

Show interest in their products or code standards. Your questions can range from tech stack, release processes, collaboration, training, and support to other things that matter to you. Here are some examples:

• Are there opportunities for ongoing learning and training within the technical team?
• Could you describe the company's culture and values, particularly in the tech department?
• What's the company's approach to work-life balance and managing tight deadlines?

Remember, it’s mutual

The interview is not just for them to evaluate you, but also for you to evaluate them. Hiring is a two-way street, and you should feel good about the company and the role.

During the interview

Communication is key

• Show enthusiasm: Begin with a thank you and express genuine interest in the role.

• Body language is important: Whether in-person or online, maintain good posture and eye contact.

• Note-taking: Show your engagement by jotting down important points.

• Be clear and thoughtful: Answering questions clearly and thoughtfully shows preparation and professionalism.

• Create a positive impression: End the interview with gratitude.

Active listening

Interviews require much more than just knowing the technical skills. You need to showcase soft skills too. A good one to implement during your interview is ‘active listening’. Remain engaged, listen to what your interviewer has to say, and respond accordingly.

Check out this article on essential soft skills for web developers to get an idea of how to improve soft skills.

Focus on connecting

Active listening, being relaxed, and being yourself will foster a genuine connection, making the interview more enjoyable. It's also important to show your personality. Being natural and sharing a bit about yourself can help make a connection with your interviewer.

Be honest

Misrepresenting yourself can damage your integrity and reputation. If you don't know something, admit it. However, you could use this opportunity to let the interviewer know how your existing skills could bridge the gap.

Salary negotiation

Offer a range and be open to discussions about bonuses and other benefits.

Reflect on their interest in you

Remember, this is mutual! If you feel it’s appropriate, ask why they want to hire you; it can solidify why you might be a great fit for the position.

After the interview

Keep in touch with the company after the interview. You can politely follow up with the hiring manager if you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe. You can also use this time to reflect on the interview. You can do this by assessing your performance, noting areas for improvement, and considering how well the role aligns with your career goals.

Continue applying to other roles. It's important to keep exploring other opportunities until you receive a firm offer.

Conclusion

Interviews are a critical component in the job search process, requiring thorough preparation and a thoughtful approach. The strategies outlined in this guide aim to give you the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in future interviews. Remember, success in an interview is not just about showcasing your skills, but also about demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role and aligning with the company’s culture. As you navigate your career journey, these tips will serve as a valuable guide, helping you to make a lasting impression and achieve your professional objectives.

Contribute to the discussion

If you have any other tips for succeeding in a job interview that were not outlined in this article, please share your insights on our Discord server.