Mastering the Art of the Technical Interview

Cracking the Code to Confidence

Technical interviews feel like stepping into a gladiator arena with nothing but a rusty keyboard. The pressure to solve complex problems while a stone-faced interviewer watches can rattle anyone. Preparation transforms that anxiety into a quiet swagger. Start by mastering data structures like arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs. Practice algorithms such as sorting, searching, dynamic programming until they’re second nature. Use platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to simulate real interview conditions. Time yourself. Review your mistakes. Build a mental library of solutions you can adapt on the fly. Confidence comes from knowing you’ve already conquered the worst they can throw at you.

Owning the Room Without Saying a Word

Your body language screams louder than your code. Walk into that interview like you’re the one hiring. Sit up straight. Maintain eye contact. Nod thoughtfully when the interviewer explains the problem. These subtle cues signal you’re engaged, not intimidated. Practice explaining your thought process out loud while solving problems at home. Record yourself. Watch for filler words or nervous tics. Clarity in communication separates the good from the great. You’re not just solving a problem. You’re selling your ability to think under fire.

Turning Failure into Fuel

Not every interview ends with a job offer. That’s not defeat. It’s data. After each one, write down every question you remember. Note where you stumbled. Research the answers. Practice those weak spots until they’re strengths. Rejection stings less when you see it as a chance to level up. The next interviewer won’t know what hit them. Keep iterating on yourself like you’re debugging code. Your dream job is waiting for the version of you who refuses to quit.

Join my newsletter for weekly tips to level up your career. Stay sharp. Stay unstoppable.

The Perils of Bad Interview Behavior: A Warning for 2024 Job Seekers

In today’s competitive job market, your behavior during an interview can make or break your chances of landing that position. It’s crucial to avoid any actions that might cast a shadow over your professionalism. Here’s a cautionary tale to highlight the importance of maintaining impeccable conduct during interviews.

A Case in Point

Imagine this: A candidate calls on her way to an interview, saying she will arrive in 10-15 minutes. Instead, she shows up 40 minutes late, without offering any explanation. To make matters worse, she spends the interview scrolling through and replying to emails on her iPhone.

You might think this is the behavior of a college student. However, this candidate was an Sr. Project Manager in her 50s. My colleague was shocked that someone at this stage in their professional life would act so unprofessionally. So, let’s go over some critical points:

1. Arrive Early, But Not Too Early

Always aim to show up slightly early—5 to 10 minutes is ideal. Arriving any earlier can make the interviewer feel rushed. If you find yourself more than 10 minutes early, wait in your car until it’s closer to your appointment time. This buffer also allows for unexpected delays like missing a turn, getting stuck behind a school bus, or waiting for a long freight train.

2. Silence Your Cell Phone

Set your phone to silent or turn it off completely. Even vibration mode can be disruptive in a quiet interview setting. If you can’t resist checking your phone, leave it in the car. It's considered bad form to be seen on your phone while waiting for your interview to start.

3. Apologize for Any Delays

If an unforeseen event causes you to be late, apologize sincerely. Nothing sets a worse first impression than appearing to devalue the interviewer’s time. Being late without a valid reason can make you seem unreliable and inconsiderate.

Final Thoughts

In this challenging job market, any time you spend with a hiring manager is invaluable. Ensure you present yourself in the best possible light by adhering to these guidelines. Remember, your behavior during the interview is a direct reflection of your professionalism and reliability.

Make sure you're always on your best behavior. The stakes are too high to take any chances.

Maximizing Your Interview Chances: Strategies for Every Job Seeker

Securing an interview can often feel like a daunting challenge, especially when you’re competing against a sea of qualified candidates. However, by adopting certain strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of standing out and getting noticed. The key is to tailor your resume and application to each job you apply for, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the job description and showcases your most relevant skills and experiences.

Firstly, carefully analyze each job posting and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. Make sure these are prominently featured in your resume and cover letter. Use the exact phrases and terminology from the job description, as many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications. By mirroring the language of the job posting, you increase the likelihood that the ATS will flag your application as a strong match.

In addition to tailoring your resume, leverage your LinkedIn profile to enhance your visibility. Ensure your profile is up-to-date and includes keywords relevant to your industry. Engage with content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals in your field. Networking, both online and offline, can also open doors to opportunities you might not find through traditional job searches. By combining these strategies—tailoring your application materials, optimizing for ATS, and actively networking—you can maximize your chances of landing that coveted interview.

**Subject Line: Maximize Your Interview Chances with These Essential Strategies**

Avoid These Errors in the Interview: Ryan Kohler's Guide to Avoiding Interview Pitfalls

Ever wondered if your interview was more of a comedy of errors than a professional meeting?  

If you've ever left an interview room with the sinking feeling that you might have said the wrong thing, you're not alone. 

 

 

Let's dive into the insights from Cassandra's video, '10 Things to Never Say in an Interview,' and add a sprinkle of my experience to help you ace that interview with finesse!"

 

Hello, job seekers! I'm Ryan Kohler, the founder of ApplicantPro and your guide in the job prospecting journey.

 

Drawing from Cassandra's essential tips and my two decades in the hiring industry, let's dissect these interview faux pas to ensure your next interview is a step towards success, not a stumble.

 

1. The Misguided Query: "What Would I Be Doing in This Role?" 
This question can be a red flag to interviewers. It suggests you haven't done your homework. Instead, frame your inquiries to show you've researched and understood the role but are eager to learn more. For instance, "Could you describe some of the day-to-day responsibilities this role entails?" shows initiative and interest.

 

2. The Superhero Syndrome: "I Can Handle Any Situation" 
Avoid absolute statements that paint you as infallible. No one is perfect, and claiming so can come off as arrogance. Share examples where you've adapted and overcome challenges, which shows resilience and humility - two traits highly valued in any employee.

 

3. The Taboo Topic: Salary Discussions 
Discussing pay prematurely can be a turn-off. It’s essential to understand your worth, but timing is key. Wait for the employer to initiate this conversation or subtly research beforehand. This approach shows that your primary interest lies in the role and the company, not just the paycheck.

 

4. The Negative Narrative: Speaking Ill of Past Employers 
Never badmouth previous employers or colleagues. This raises questions about your professionalism and discretion. Instead, focus on positive learning experiences from past roles, even if they were challenging.

 

5. Confidence vs. Cockiness 
There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Ensure your stories and achievements are told with a tone of gratitude and teamwork. Remember, it's not just about what you've accomplished; it's about how you've contributed to a collective success.

 

6. Desperation is Not a Strategy 
Expressing desperation for a job can backfire. Convey enthusiasm and interest in the role and how you can contribute to the company’s success. Employers are looking for candidates who are passionate about the opportunity, not just in need of a paycheck.

 

7. Nervousness is Natural, But Don’t Highlight It 
It’s normal to be nervous, but there’s no need to highlight this in the interview. Focus on delivering your prepared responses confidently. Practice makes perfect – rehearse your answers to common interview questions to minimize nerves.

 

8. The Recommendation Trap 
If you've been recommended for a position, let your skills and the interview speak for themselves. Overemphasizing a recommendation might come off as though you're relying on connections rather than merit.

 

9. Industry Ignorance 
Make sure you show genuine interest and knowledge about the company and its products or services. Saying you’ve never engaged with what they offer can be a deal-breaker. Tailor your responses to reflect your understanding and enthusiasm for their work.

 

10. The Competitor Conundrum 
Avoid praising or mentioning a competitor in your interview. It’s essential to focus on the company you are interviewing with, showing that your interest and research are dedicated solely to them.

 

Wrapping It Up 
As a seasoned professional in the hiring arena, I've seen these blunders play out time and again. Remember, an interview is more than just a Q&A session; it’s a performance where your words, attitude, and understanding of the role all play a crucial part. 
 

So, next time you’re preparing for an interview, keep these tips in mind. 

 

Turn the interview room into your stage, where you deliver a performance that's memorable for all the right reasons. 

 

Good luck, and remember, every interview is an opportunity to showcase the best version of your professional self!

 

 

Interview Tip - Conversational skills - Vihn Giang

 

Do you know what the most overlooked skill is when it comes to communication skills?  Conversational skills

And why is this skill so powerful when it comes to your next job interview?  It’s important because if you’ve made it to the interview portion of the process…  It means that you already qualify technically for the role - now they just want to see if they like you.  We know this for a fact…  People do business with people they like. So, how do we increase our likability?  The answer is simple! Master your conversational skills.  Learning how to improve your conversational ability has a direct application to helping you land your next dream job, or building relationships with future colleagues, friends, or even partners!  Join me for my free 2 hour masterclass on the Art of Conversation, where we will cover the following:  The Mastery Cycle: A three-step process to master any communication skill. (And no, it doesn’t involve watching others do it!) 3x Conversational Frameworks: If you often find yourself lost for words, these frameworks will make steering conversations as smooth as an expert sailor in calm seas. Knowledge Acquisition Trap: Have you been studying communication skills for a while now but don’t see progress? We’ll deep dive into the reason why. Come join me andy   We have some amazing prizes to give away too! We will be doing over 28 giveaways during the free masterclass! The only way to win is to be there live.  If you show up for you, we will show up for you   This class will not be recorded and there will be no replays, so make sure to join live!  Vinh  Click here to join Vinh's Master Class https://gifts.vinhgiang.com/book-your-seat-1?vgo_ee=1Nx0JTXpO90vr6b4RB%2FYmYRu0OqGwqeAiTEVAKI2jz2sBCaq7YDW%3A%2BltciYwirrlzmhj5xfknDQWCo7kHIxrw

Eight Classic First Interview Mistakes Featuring Dave - Careers Articles

via jobs.aol.com

Posted via email from AndyWergedal

reCareered: See How Easily You can Master Non-Verbal Interviewing: Best of reCareered

via recareered.blogspot.com

Posted via web from AndyWergedal

Why Should You Conduct an Informational Interview?

Unlike a job interview, the goal of an informational interview is not to obtain a job offer. Instead the informational interview is designed to help you learn about a career and a specific position. You are the interviewer, not the interviewee. You should come away from the informational interview with a clear idea of what the interviewees typical job duties are, what his or her normal working conditions are like, and what his vision of the prospects for the profession are.

Ideally, you should talk to several people in your targeted field at levels above and below your targeted position. This will give you a 360 view of your position. You do not have to conduct all of your informational interviews with the same company. In fact, a better idea is to canvas several companies so that you obtain a broader view of the position and the profession. Remember the goal is to gather information that will help you decide on a career. You are on a fact-finding mission gathering information for your potential future career!

When you are interviewing for a job, you are being carefully examined and everything that you say and do is being studied. Your interviewer is trying to make a decision about your potential with her company. Alternatively, when you conduct an informational interview, you are asking the questions and will be making the decisions about future career plans. That doesn’t mean that you don’t have to take an informational interview seriously and conduct yourself in a professional manner. Even though you aren’t interviewing for a job, you are discussing the profession with a potential future colleague – perhaps a future supervisor or even a future employee. Make the best impression that you can.

Later when you are job hunting, your informational interviewees may agree to become part of your job search network, if you managed to impress them positively. Here are some final points to consider when planning and conducting an informational interview:

1. Be punctual, don’t make the interviewee wait for you, be prepared 10-15 minutes beforehand and use the time to make any final preparations for the interview.

2. Be prepared, organize your questions, and record the responses with a handheld recorder (with your interviewee’s permission) or take notes.

3. Give an estimate of the time you will need to ask your questions and ask the most important ones first. Also make sure to stick to your time estimate, don’t abuse your interviewee’s time.

4. Let the interviewee do the talking, use active listening skills to indicate that you are focused on her answers, ask intelligent follow-up questions when appropriate.

Joseph Delos Reyes is a brand manager for both eFreeResume.com, a free resume builder and Professor Teaches Computer Training Programs.

via employmentdigest.net

Posted via web from AndyWergedal

Seemingly Harmless Job Interview Questions that Mean a Lot

Career adviser Katharine Brooks says "inkblot test" questions in job interviews—the "seemingly harmless questions interviewers use as icebreakers"—are much more important than you (or even your interviewer) may think. They can make or break your chance at a job.

Collage by Lew57.

Brooks continues:

Are they simple questions designed to just start a conversation? Or do they have hidden meanings? Both, if you ask recruiters. I've asked interviewers this over the years, and they all agree it can be a simple question quickly forgotten, the start of a great encounter with an interesting candidate— or a quick end to the interview. Savvy job candidates need to know that the question isn't always as simple or innocent as it sounds and can be a minefield.

That might all sound a little daunting, but the basic idea is that giving an interesting—and sometimes slightly more personal—answer to the harmless pre-interview questions can play a serious role in how the rest of the interview turns out. Brooks discusses the idea more abstractly through her experience teaching a film studies course, then comes back to a few simple tips for preparing for such questions:

Always keep the career field to which you're applying in mind:

• Do you read or watch anything related to the career field— is that worth mentioning?
• Maybe you don't have time to read books, but do you keep up with related magazines or journals such as The Economist or Advertising Age? Mention that.
• Try to avoid controversial or odd answers to the question. The interview may not be the place to bring up that you particularly enjoy movies about serial killers—unless, of course, you're applying for a job with the FBI.

Let's hear how ostensibly innocuous questions have shaped interviews you've been a part of in the comments.

The Not-So-Harmless Simple Interview Question [Psychology Today]

Send an email to Adam Pash, the author of this post, at tips+adam@lifehacker.com.

via lifehacker.com

Posted via web from AndyWergedal

How to Handle an Unprepared Interviewer

Abby Locke | Executive Career Insights

I recently spoke to client who was very frustrated by her last interview. She had done everything she could on her part – researched the company, learned about its business challenges and prepared career success stories to support her strengths.

However, her interview did not go smoothly because the person she met was not properly prepared and subjected her to a myriad of generic, “career-book” interview questions that only merited the usual scripted responses.

I can certainly understand her frustration. How do you handle those situations effectively, turn around the interview and still leave a strong impression in the employer’s eyes?

1. Provide a targeted 30-second pitch

Make sure your “tell me about yourself” response is tailored for the position. An executive in the non-profit world could start off by saying, “Well, as my resume shows, I have bring a solid background and wealth of experience in non-profit management. Throughout my career, I have been successful in helping non-profit organizations overcome fund development challenges and increase their fundraising efforts by more than 50%”

2. Focus on your career success stories

If you are asked a question like “What is the greatest strength that you bring to the position?” Use the opportunity to show that you understand the company’s challenges and the solutions required for the situation.

Pull out one of your career success stories that directly address an issue that the company is facing – and of course, you would know that because you did your research, right?

3. Gently encourage the interviewer to examine your resume

Certainly I don’t expect you to push pause in the interview and wait for the person to read your resume, however, as you respond to questions, why not say “As my resume shows”; “As you can see from my resume”; As I have outlined or listed in the first page of my resume"; As you would notice on page two of my resume"

If he/she is completely unprepared, there are still key pieces of information he/she can get from quick glances at your resume – after all, professional resumes are read in less than 30 seconds.

4. Ask direct questions around a recent press release or media piece

Now, I have to emphasize that you should try your best to bring up a positive event in the company’s history – if the CEO got recently let go for embezzling, well, that might be awkward to discuss in an interview:)

This strategy allows you to show that you are interested and that you closely follow the company’s progress and new developments. Again, I would recommend linking one of your career success stories to a recent event.

5. Help the interviewer to get to know more about you

Ask questions like:

“Is there anything else that I can tell you about my background and experience that would be helpful?”

“What skills and strengths are need to be present in this position?” (then follow up a career success story that demonstrates those strengths)

“Based on what I have told you so far, is there anything else I could do to improve my candidacy?”

Featured Author: Abby Locke
Abby M. Locke is an executive career strategist and job search specialist who has been interviewed, quoted and featured in Essence Magazine, the Washington Post, Washington Post Express, Wall Street Journal, CEO Update, Monster.com, Kiss 105.9, Black Enterprise, ABCnews.com and the Society for Human Resource Management. Abby partners with senior-level executives and women MBA professionals to help them discover brand distinction overcome job search obstacles and achieve career mastery in highly competitive, crowded marketplaces. She serves as a Résumé Consultant for Women-for-Hire career fairs, contributes thought-provoking advice articles to The Ladders.com and ExecutiveAgent.com, DCjobs.com, Localcareers.com, and Careerealism and is the Seattle Resumes Examiner for Examiner.com. For more of Abby’s professional insights, check out her blog.

via excelle.monster.com

Posted via web from AndyWergedal

Tips on What to Do in the Interview | Brand-Yourself.com Blog

Face-to-face interviews can be intimidating, daunting and generally a little nerve-racking.  Here are 8 tips on how to nail the in-person interview that will help leave interviewers impressed and wanting to hire you:

1. Be nice to the assistants and receptionists.

According to jobspro, 90% of employers seek their assistant’s opinion when interviewing and making hiring decisions.  This is true across the board—be polite and engaging to anyone you meet in your desired company regardless of their position. A smile, pleasant greeting and a personal goodbye can go a long way.

2. Don’t fidget in the interview.

Too many job applicants get nervous and rearrange their tie, touch their face and run their hands through their hair.  Be composed and place your hands on your lap.  Composure is a quality that any company looks for in qualified job applicants. Take deep breaths, relax and project good body language at all times throughout the interview.

3. Come prepared to ask at least ten questions.

If you have no questions for the company at the end of your interview, this conveys that you aren’t concerned with learning more about the company and didn’t do your homework prior to the interview.  During the interview, be sure to ask them questions based on topics relevant to the conversation; this demonstrates to the recruiter that you are actively engaged and interested in the conversation.

4. Match the communication style of the interviewer.

Every interviewer has his/her own style and methods of conducting an interview.  Some are more intimidating, while others are more genial and make it more of a two-way conversation.  Make eye contact with the interviewer as often as he/she does with you and pace yourself according to his/her intonations, inflections and pace of the conversation.  This demonstrates that you are a respectful and socially perceptive candidate.

5. Survey your interviewer’s office.

If you happen to be in an interviewer’s office, take a look around and if something catches your eye. Perhaps you share a common interest or have unique information about something you notice–if so, comment on it when appropriate.  If your interviewer has a diploma on the wall from the University of Arizona and your sister currently attends that school, this could be a great conversation-starter and an easy way to build rapport.

6. Don’t sit down until the interviewer takes a seat.

This demonstrates to the recruiter that you are respectful and understand etiquette—both qualities that are key traits when making hiring decisions.

7. Quantify and qualify your experiences whenever possible.

This piece of advice must be applied across the board in all aspects of your personal brand, including your cover letter, resume and LinkedIn profile.  Recruiters look for candidates who are goal and results-oriented.  If you can demonstrate to employers concisely the results you produced in your past experiences, this will be much more convincing than some long-winded, non-specific response.

8. Don’t misrepresent yourself.

If an employer asks you if you are proficient in Microsoft Excel and you aren’t, be honest in your response.  It’s best to be honest about your skill-set than dishonest, especially if the follow-up question, is, “do you know how to construct pivot tables?”  If you answered yes to the first question and you aren’t proficient with them, then you look pretty foolish after the follow-up question.

An interview is often a complicated and brief interaction between two (or more) individuals who need to understand each other in a limited amount of time.  Differentiate yourself from other applicants by doing the little things in the interview while providing hiring managers with more reasons to hire you.

Jim Armstrong is a recent graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.  He now works for New York City-based advertising firm Ogilvy & Mather as an assistant search planner.

via blog.brand-yourself.com

Posted via web from AndyWergedal

Interview Technique - 5 Things to avoid in an interview - Career advice blog - Position Ignition - taking you to the next step in your career

Given we do a lot of work helping individuals prepare for their interviews - we get asked about interview technique and how to go about acing an interview.  Here are a few tips to help you along your way.  This is what you should avoid doing in an interview so not to damage our chances of success...

1. Being too dominant

In every conversation there tends to be a ‘leader’. The leader can change as you move through a conversation or interview. Make sure that you aren’t the one leading the whole time. You don’t want to come across too dominant or domineering as this will make the interviewer wonder how you will be with others you work with. People want collaboration and a ‘team’ approach, so make sure that the conversation works both ways and isn’t all led by you.

2. Clock Watching

Have you ever been with someone who constantly clock watches? Isn’t it annoying? Don’t do it – especially in an interview. It’s distracting, annoying and rude to the interviewer. If you’re serious about the job you need to show it by giving it your full attention.

3. Being unprepared

If you turn up at an interview not knowing anything about the company or role you are going for you will look stupid! Make sure that you have done your homework and know about what the company does, where it’s heading and what they are trying to do. You should know about the role you are going for and also about the people who are interviewing you.

4. Expressing irrelevant opinions

Going on about something that is completely irrelevant to your interview is counter-productive and a waste of time in an interview.  You may not even realize that you are doing it because you get so excited about a certain topic – but make sure that you become more alert to this problem. Some of us are easily distracted and can get wrapped up in a conversation if we have strong views on it and find it interesting. However, if it’s not relevant to the role or job you’re going after – suck it up – be quiet!

5. Not listening or responding to the questions

If you don’t really listen to the questions, you won’t respond to them well or properly. Making sure that you put on your ‘listening’ cap as well as your ‘speaking and get my opinions & talents across’ cap.  If you don’t listen in your interview you are pretty much sunk!

Author: Nisa Chitakasem and Simon North - Position Ignition (www.positionignition.com) - taking you to the next step in your career

via positionignition.com

Posted via web from AndyWergedal