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Things you must know before a programming interview
Since the Covid-19 epidemic, some of you might have been through lots of life changes, lost your motivation, changed your locations due to the situation, or even lost your jobs. We start to rethink on our lives, whether we are really doing what we enjoy? Whether it’s time for us to actually interview for the dreaming job you always want?
Summary
Today, we are going to discuss what you need to know before a programming interview. Whether you just started your career in the tech world or you are really curious about how it’s like for a programming interview, you might find this challenging but interesting, well, same as all the interviews.
The Pain
When it comes to preparing for interviews as a programmer, this non-exhaustive list of questions floated through all the time.
“Am I supposed to talk through my code?”
“How often should I communicate with the interviewer?”
“Oh god, I forgot to instantiate my variable! Am I doomed?!”
It is a very scary experience. It is very difficult. And it is extremely hard to operate within this vacuum when you’re being scrutinized for every single thing you say and everything you write. However, there’s always a way to prepare yourself to achieve the best results.
Preparation
Once you have received the invitation to take part in an interview - congratulations, that's exciting! You have achieved the first level. How to prepare for an interview and how to talk about the pay? Check out this video of our program manager, Pavel.
In China since 2014, Pavel has been leading a mobile app startup and later managing a recruitment agency in Shanghai. Hiring tech talent for top international companies got Pavel to dive into tech himself. Pavel has been working with Ruby on Rails, WeChat Mini Programs, as well as giving tech workshops to individuals and brands.
1.The company. Who they are and what they do? Everything is on the internet these days, find out as much as possible about the company. This will help you to better answer the questions they throw but at the same time see for yourself whether you hold the belief in the company’s values.
2. Presentation. When the interview day comes, do yourself a favour and be presentable. Pull out your best! The presentation tells the employer that you are serious about what you do. It tells them you take yourself seriously and therefore you will also take their job seriously.
3. Work samples. Gather any projects e.g. code/work samples you have done before and take them to the interview. Employers like to see what kind of experience you have, so it's always best to gather a few of the projects that you have, even during studying time - anything at all that proves you have knowledge of the work you are applying for. Because programming is such a hands-on job, employers like to know if they will need to train you extensively on the job.
However, the role as a programmer is more like a craft, how nicely you present in the interview will help you get the job, but how good your skills are will actually help you get through the career.
Keep learning, honing your skills till the day you don’t even need an interview for a job any more. Join Le Wagon, learn to code with a group of life-learners like you!
