Interview Success talk for Women Techmakers 2015
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Transcript of Interview Success talk for Women Techmakers 2015
#wtm15
#BeInspired Jovena Whatmoor
● Co-Founder, Clutch Talent● Co-Creator, NYTechWomen● Organizer, NY JavaScript Meetup● Interview Success: Secrets to Winning
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+JovenaWhatmoor#BeInspired
#wtm15
#InterviewSuccess: Secrets to WinningCracking the secretsWhy didn’t you get that offer?What does that “reason for decline” really mean? How to win.
5 Common reasons for decline● Communication● “Culture fit”● Lack of passion● Negative attitude● Technical
#wtm15
#InterviewSuccess: Secrets to WinningCommunication problems● Ramble● Answers do not relate directly to the company you’re
interviewing with● Tied down in your current employer’s lingo
Communication wins● Give yourself time to form a concise answer● Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes● Be brave about asking for clarification● It’s okay to not know every answer● Smile!
#wtm15
#InterviewSuccess: Secrets to WinningCulture fitWhat does it really mean?
They’re evaluating if you would be happy there.
Culture wins● Ask about Core Values● Do your homework: twitter, blog, etc to get a sense of
the personalities, activities, etc.● Strive to connect with every interviewer.● Dress to fit in (usually no suits!)● Smile!
If you do all this and are declined for culture fit, you probably would not be happy there.
#wtm15
#InterviewSuccess: Secrets to WinningLack of passion...● Do not seem interested in the technology / company● Did not act enthusiastic● Do not show passion for technology & learning
Passion wins● Memorize 5-10 things you love about each:
○ the company○ the technology product○ the tech stack & tech culture○ the team
● Read recent press about the company● Use an enthusiastic tone or words● Smile!
#wtm15
#InterviewSuccess: Secrets to WinningNegative attitude● Talk about bad managers at previous jobs● Complain about poor tech decisions by peers● Express dislike toward specific tech - languages,
frameworks, etc
Attitude wins● Find honest, but indirect / kind ways to express why you
left previous jobs● Save criticism & concerns for post-offer discussions● Practice: Turn every negative statement into a positive● Smile!
#wtm15
#InterviewSuccess: Secrets to WinningTechnical assessment methods● Core Computer Science fundamentals● Problem solving - verbal, whiteboarding, sketch● Pair programming● Code tests & extensions
Looking for● Knowledge of their tech stack (50%+ is probably okay)● Ability to fit into their tech culture, for example: agile,
TDD, fast-paced, continuous release● Ability to articulate your experience in a way that is
relevant to their tech
#wtm15
#InterviewSuccess: Secrets to WinningTechnical problems● Not prepared● Talk about non-relevant experience
Tech wins● Find out everything you can about the interview● Relevant side-projects on Github● Meet an engineer for an informational coffee● Practice, practice, practice● When you don’t know the answer -
○ Talk it through outloud○ Discuss experience w/ something similar○ It’s okay to say “I’m not familiar...”
● Smile!