Interview Tips for Programmers
Today, companies are looking for programmers with technical abilities, talents, and personality. How well you would fit into the work environment is almost more important than your technical skills.
Here are some tips to help you through the interview process. Even the most qualified candidates miss job opportunities because they were nervous or not prepared for the interview.
Dress - Jeans and a T-shirt are okay, but a nice pair of slacks and a shirt is better. Avoid wearing a suit, you will not feel comfortable and it is definitely an overkill.
Code Samples - If possible bring a code samples portfolio to the interview or a laptop with your demo and a development environment installed. Most of our clients will want to see code samples. The employer will learn what value you bring to the company. We are not suggesting you bring code that would put you legally at risk, but most companies require code samples. If you are asked to send or email a demo of your work, be sure your samples are organized. Test them to be sure they work on many platforms, not just your own development system. Don't assume they will work on any machine.
Be Prepared:
- Before the interview, go to company website and learn as much as possible about the products and company. The more you know about the company and what it stands for, the better chance you have of selling yourself.
- Bring along extra copies of your resume.
- Be prepared to take a programmer test if you have not done so already.
- Be prepared to complete an application.
- Talk about your accomplishments and specialty if have one. Prepare at least one example of your accomplishments that will highlight your successes and uniqueness.
- You may be asked to talk about previous projects—how the team was organized, what technologies and architectures were used, was the software successful in production, etc.