An Incomplete Guide to Programmer Interviews

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It is difficult for programmers to find jobs, and it is even more difficult to be successfully hired. The most common way is to figure out interview skills by yourself after repeated failed interviews. Of course, you can also spend money to go to some training institutions to receive professional guidance on written resumes and mock interviews. These methods may work, but they are not the best use of time and money. Job expectations in the software industry are higher than most other positions. Under this strict talent selection mechanism, as long as we put in some effort, we can still easily get the job we want.

Write your resume

Keep it brief and to the point. No more than two pages. Interviewers do not require a biography.

Avoid long descriptions of each project. Indicate what technology you used in each job and project so that you can discuss it in depth with the interviewer.

Briefly describe each of your previous jobs.

There is no need to provide information related to non-technical content. For example, work experience in fast food, retail, and any other non-technical position is not necessary.

Don't lie on your resume. The interviewer will know the truth from the lies as soon as he asks.

If possible, ask friends in the field to review your resume. Sometimes even a small mistake on a resume can be a red flag for some employers.

In addition to your resume, you can also create a visual portfolio. This could be screenshots of your software or some code samples you wrote. The key is to show that you are very proud of your work.

Pre-save your resume in multiple formats, including Word and PDF.

Before the Interview

Check your browsing history, including Google, Bing, and Yahoo, and clean them up if necessary.

Decide on the means and route to reach the interview location to avoid getting lost.

Recall past work experience and talk about previous projects in detail. The interviewer will infer the developer's capabilities during the discussion.

Do a mock interview and ask a friend to point out your weak areas.

Don't stress too much and don't expect too much.

Get the interviewer's contact information in case of emergencies (traffic jam, car breakdown, etc.).

Research the company and the position. The key is to find a good match between the company and the position.

Print out an extra copy of your resume. Also, bring a notebook and pen.

During the interview

If you have to be late, call ahead and apologize. If you can't help it, try to reschedule.

Maintain eye contact.

Pay attention to body language and posture. Don't be distracted.

Keep smiling and show a positive attitude. Be an active listener and participant. Don't be cocky or look bored or uninterested.

Answer the questions methodically. Don't be too eager. A well-thought-out answer is always better than a quick one.

You can just say "I don't know", but you should show that you really want to know more about this.

Don't reveal too much information. Speak simply and clearly, and avoid rambling. Also, don't reveal too much personal information.

During the interview process, you should always pay attention to your behavior and know what you can and cannot do.

Don't discuss salary unless the interviewer brings it up.

At the end of the interview or during the break, write down the topics you are not familiar with and study them.