So, you’re on a mission to find your dream job in the tech world. You’ve honed your skills, polished your resume, and now, the moment has arrived, the technical interview. It might sound intimidating, but our tech recruiting experts have prepared this guide to break it down for you. 

We’ll help you understand what technical interviews are all about and how you can pass them with confidence.

What Are Technical Interviews?

So, what exactly is a technical interview? 

Well, think of it as a way for companies to figure out if you’re the right person for the job. 

They want to know if you’ve got the skills, the brainpower, and the attitude they need. 

The technical interview questions help them see if you’re a good match for the role and team.

To learn more about tech recruitment, be sure to check out our guide on what tech recruitment is.

Technical Interview Stages

Tech recruitment is a long and rigorous process encompassing multiple stages to evaluate candidates. 

Let’s take a closer look at these stages below:

Screening Interview

Many technical interviews begin with a screening round. This may involve a phone call or an initial online assessment.

The purpose is to filter out candidates who do not meet the basic technical requirements.

Technical Assessments

In this stage, you’ll encounter technical interview questions that may include coding challenges, algorithmic questions, or technical tests. 

These assessments can be conducted in person, on a whiteboard, or through online platforms. 

Behavioural Interviews 

Alongside technical assessments, you may also face behavioural interviews. These evaluate your soft skills, teamwork, communication abilities, and cultural fit within the organisation. 

Expect questions about your past experiences and how you handle various work-related situations.

So, it is important to focus on enhancing your soft skills as you prep for the technical interview. 

Many technical interviews assess these qualities, as they are vital for success in a collaborative work environment.

On-Site Interviews

For more senior or specialised roles, companies often invite candidates for on-site interviews. This may include multiple technical interviews, discussions with team members, and a tour of the workplace.

Who Will Interview You? 

The people who conduct technical interviews vary depending on the organisation. They could also be tech recruiters from external tech recruitment agencies.  

However, here are some of the interviewers you may encounter:

• Technical Interviewers: These are often engineers or technical experts within the company who assess your technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

• HR or Hiring Managers: They conduct behavioural interviews to assess your compatibility with the company culture and team dynamics.

• Panel Interviews: In some cases, you may face a panel of interviewers, consisting of technical experts, team members, and HR representatives.

How To Pass Technical Interviews

Passing a technical job interview can be challenging, but with the right preparation and approach, you can increase your chances of success. 

Here are some tips to help you successfully prepare and pass a technical interview. 

1. Understand the Job Description 

Before the interview, it’s crucial to thoroughly review the job description and requirements. This step helps you align your preparation with the specific skills and knowledge the company is seeking in a candidate. 

By understanding the job description, you can tailor your responses during the interview to highlight how your qualifications match their needs.

2. Review the Basics

Ensure you have a strong grasp of the fundamentals related to the role you’re applying for. This includes knowledge of data structures, algorithms, programming languages, and system design principles. 

Building a solid foundation in these areas will enable you to tackle technical questions with confidence and precision.

3. Make Sure You Practise 

Coding interviews are a common component of technical interviews. To excel in this aspect, practice coding problems on platforms like HackerRank. 

If the interview involves writing code on a whiteboard or using an online coding platform, practise this style of coding. 

Be sure to pay close attention to time complexity and efficient solutions, as interviewers often evaluate not only the correctness but also the efficiency of your code.

Similarly, for roles that involve system design, dedicate time to understanding how large-scale systems are designed. 

Clearly articulate your thought process as you work through the problem, as effective communication of your approach is key to success.

4. Review Past Work 

Be prepared to discuss your previous projects and experiences. Provide detailed explanations of your role, the challenges you encountered, and the strategies you employed to overcome them. 

This allows interviewers to gain insight into your problem-solving abilities and practical application of your skills.

5. Behavioural Questions

Expect behavioural questions that assess your soft skills, teamwork, and how you handle challenges in a professional setting. These questions aim to gauge how you’ve acted or responded in previous roles or situations. 

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, providing clear and concise examples from your past experiences. 

This technique not only showcases your problem-solving abilities but also demonstrates your reflective capacities and understanding of past actions and their outcomes.

6. Stay Updated 

It’s important to keep yourself up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in your field. 

This knowledge not only helps you answer technical questions more effectively during the interview but also demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. 

Being aware of current industry trends and technologies relevant to the job you’re pursuing sets you apart as a candidate who is well-prepared for the challenges of the role.

7. Time Management

Time management is a critical skill during a technical interview, where you are often working against the clock to solve complex problems. It’s acceptable to manage your time wisely by prioritising tasks and making efficient use of the allotted interview time. 

If you come across a particularly challenging problem that is taking up too much time, it’s a strategic decision to ask for hints or temporarily move on to the next question and return to the challenging one later. 

This approach ensures that you make the most of the time available and showcases your ability to adapt and strategize in high-pressure situations, which is a valuable trait in tech roles. 

Effective time management helps you maintain composure and deliver your best performance throughout the interview process.

8. Ask Questions

During a technical interview, it’s important to actively engage with the interviewers and demonstrate your interest in the role and organization. Don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions if you encounter something unclear in the interview questions or assessments. 

This shows your willingness to seek clarification and ensures that you have a clear understanding of the task at hand. 

Effective communication and collaboration are highly valued in technical roles, and asking questions is a sign of your ability to work as part of a team to arrive at the best solutions.

9. Mock Interviews

Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors experienced in technical interviews. Feedback from these sessions can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your interview skills.

10. Follow Up

After the interview, send a thank-you email to the interviewers. 

It showcases your professionalism, gratitude, and continued interest, while also providing an opportunity for clarification and further rapport-building.

It can leave a positive impression and potentially influence the final hiring decision.

Conclusion

During the interview, maintain composure and communicate your thought process clearly. Interviewers often value problem-solving skills and your ability to explain your approach, even if you encounter challenges.

Try to maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview process. Confidence and a positive mindset can make a significant difference in how you present yourself and handle challenges during the interviews.

It’s important to note that rejection is part of the process. Rather than getting discouraged, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. 

Seek feedback whenever possible to understand where you can enhance your skills or approach.

To secure your dream tech job, you could consider partnering with the top tech recruitment agencies like Flexi Personnel. This way you will leverage their industry expertise and vast network of opportunities.