8 Must-Dos During a Tech Job Interview

Are you preparing for a tech job interview? Firstly, congrats!.., and of course, good luck! But be sure not to let your nerves get the better of you – there are things you can do to help make sure your interview is successful. From doing thorough research on the company, to specific questions you should ask during the actual interview, it pays to be prepared. 

Do. Your. Research!

Prior to your interview, it is important to do your research on the company. This includes taking a good look through their website, look for any blogs, re-read the job spec, look up and potential peers on LinkedIn and any other materials you can find. This will not only help you to give better answers to their questions but will also give you a sense of whether or not the company is a good fit for you. If you’re able to reference your research during the interview, then great, as it really shows that you’ve taken a serious approach. Look into the specific tech requirements of the role and brush up on it prior to the interview. 

Ask questions

Asking good questions shows that you are interested in the position and the company. It is also a good opportunity to learn more about the role and what would be expected of you, if you were to get the job. Little tip here though - When asking questions, be sure to avoid those that could easily be answered by doing a bit of research on your own.
Throughout the interview, be sure to listen carefully to everything that is said but if there's something you're unsure of, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. 

Take your time

When answering questions, it is important to take your time and think through your response before speaking. This will not only help you to avoid saying something that could potentially hurt your chances of getting the job, but will also allow you to formulate a more well-thought-out answer.

Be aware of body language 

Your body language can say just as much as your words during an interview. Even if your interview is virtual, it is massively important to be aware of how you are coming across physically, as this can influence the way the interviewer perceives you. Maintain eye contact, avoiding fidgeting or crossing your arms and give the interviewer(s) the physical impression that you’re interested and engaged.

Don’t be late

 This one is my pet peeve. Outside of exceptional circumstances, do not be late! Arriving early to an interview shows that you're punctual and eager to get started. It also gives you a few minutes to compose yourself, collect your thoughts and relax before the interview begins. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early so that you're not rushed or flustered when the interviewer comes to greet you. If your interview is remote / virtual, it is just as important to not be late. Checking in, or joining the video call a couple of minutes prior the start time would be ideal. 

Be positive

It's important to avoid talking negatively about yourself, your previous job, or your previous employer during an interview. This is never a good look, and will make it seem like you're not a team player and may reflect poorly on your character. Try to focus on talking about your positive qualities and what makes you the right candidate for the role, team and organisation you’re interviewing for..

Highlight your accomplishments/skillset

An interview is a great opportunity to highlight your technical capabilities and skillset so that the interviewer knows exactly what you bring to the table. Be sure to mention any relevant experience, training or certifications you have that makes you qualified for the job. If possible, try to use specific working examples to illustrate your point.

Ask about next steps

At the end of the interview, be sure to ask about next steps in the process so that you know what to expect moving forward. This shows that you're still interested in the role and eager to move onto the next stage of the process.

Preparing for a tech job interview can be daunting, but if you go in armed with the right knowledge and attitude, you'll increase your chances of nailing it!
Do your research on the company beforehand, dress for success (whether face-to-face, or virtually), exude confidence, and focus on your strengths. 
With these tips in mind, you'll be ready to take on any tech job interview that comes your way. Go smash it!