#DevDiscuss Archive | Participate

Time for #DevDiscuss💬 This week's topic: TECHNICAL INTERVIEWS How to prepare, what are the fundamentals, what are the tricks?

ThePracticalDev Jan 10 @ 9:00 PM EST

Rules: - Stay on topic - ALWAYS use the hashtag #DevDiscuss - Be NICE/POSITIVE ❤️ - Quoting other tweets for clarity is encouraged

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:03 PM EST

If submitting code or project, be proud of it. Go the extra step. Look past the requirements to the value of the software. #devdiscuss

TakeMeLiterally Jan 10 @ 9:05 PM EST

cracking the code is still the first stop for most interviewees #devdiscuss

joeyvmason Jan 10 @ 9:06 PM EST

For phone screens, this has been a pretty valuable resource for me. #DevDiscuss https://t.co/43Iz66YUdo

ThePracticalDev Jan 10 @ 9:06 PM EST

How do you prepare for technical interviews? Techniques, mindset, etc. #DevDiscuss

neriusv Jan 10 @ 9:07 PM EST

"trick": _always_ try to explain your thought process, even if you are not sure about the answer. #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

Programazing Jan 10 @ 9:07 PM EST

This is one of the best books for Technical Interviews. Just make sure you have the latest edition. #DevDiscuss

TakeMeLiterally Jan 10 @ 9:05 PM EST

cracking the code is still the first stop for most interviewees #devdiscuss

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:09 PM EST

Play the man, not the ball. Software interviews are finding what is important to the team and showing how you fit into that. #DevDiscuss

kellyjandrews Jan 10 @ 9:10 PM EST

Always difficult to prepare - just have to do your simple best. Talk through everything, stay calm, and answer honestly. #devdiscuss

ThePracticalDev Jan 10 @ 9:06 PM EST

How do you prepare for technical interviews? Techniques, mindset, etc. #DevDiscuss

bendhalpern Jan 10 @ 9:10 PM EST

Study the fundamentals, but don't cram, enter relaxed, then show excitement about the things you know, brush off what you don't #DevDiscuss

ThePracticalDev Jan 10 @ 9:06 PM EST

How do you prepare for technical interviews? Techniques, mindset, etc. #DevDiscuss

dev_vine Jan 10 @ 9:10 PM EST

Try to get some baseline expectation. Different co.'s do different things. Knowing is half the battle #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:10 PM EST

for most businesses, they need someone to deliver value, not code. #devdiscuss

kellyjandrews Jan 10 @ 9:11 PM EST

There are typically tiers of jr, sr, and if you really don't know it, you won't be able to fake it. #DevDiscuss

Programazing Jan 10 @ 9:11 PM EST

I find out what's important to the company and the role then make a brief refresher/overview course for myself. #DevDiscuss

dev_vine Jan 10 @ 9:12 PM EST

That is some co.'s just quiz you on random questions, others whiteboarding (arg!) or sample project. #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

Programazing Jan 10 @ 9:12 PM EST

It's alright to say you don't know during an interview just follow up with your thought process or ask questions about it. #DevDiscuss

kellyjandrews Jan 10 @ 9:11 PM EST

There are typically tiers of jr, sr, and if you really don't know it, you won't be able to fake it. #DevDiscuss

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:12 PM EST

If you can write easy to follow code that uses good names and is testable, you are already out past 90% of applicants. #devdiscuss

neriusv Jan 10 @ 9:12 PM EST

Be ready with basic stuff: server vs. container, inheritance vs. composition, dependency injection etc so you don't stumble #devdiscuss

bendhalpern Jan 10 @ 9:13 PM EST

Be long-winded about what you know, go on about extras. The interview is only so long. Spend more time on what you do know #DevDiscuss

kellyjandrews Jan 10 @ 9:13 PM EST

And if you do fake it, and make it, good chance you won't succeed because expecations are higher than what your are prepared for #DevDiscuss

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:13 PM EST

That's not a made up stat. That's the number of projects submitted (standardized) vs how many go past that point. #devdiscuss

kellyjandrews Jan 10 @ 9:14 PM EST

Right - key here is don't "act like you do know" #devdiscuss

In reply to @Programazing

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:14 PM EST

Out of the remaining 10%, candidates disqualify themselves by not understanding how they fit into the value the business needs #devdiscuss

Programazing Jan 10 @ 9:14 PM EST

Another thing I try to do beforehand is have projects matching my skill set in my portfolio/GitHub. #DevDiscuss

dev_vine Jan 10 @ 9:14 PM EST

Mindset: Be rested & calm. Be vocal. Remember to reason out things out loud. If unsure ask. #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

neriusv Jan 10 @ 9:15 PM EST

Agree. And don't try to fake it. It's just waisting everybody's time #devdiscuss

In reply to @kellyjandrews

Programazing Jan 10 @ 9:15 PM EST

Sorry I wasn't trying to correct you or anything just build on what you said. #DevDiscuss

kellyjandrews Jan 10 @ 9:14 PM EST

Right - key here is don't "act like you do know" #devdiscuss
In reply to @Programazing

IBeRenascent Jan 10 @ 9:15 PM EST

Same as exam prep.Constant practice drills on the basics that I take for granted like "explain how 'this' works"#DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

TakeMeLiterally Jan 10 @ 9:16 PM EST

. @TakeMeLiterally it's become a meta-game where interviewer and interviewee pull from ctc, hackerrank, and other prep services #devdiscuss

In reply to @TakeMeLiterally

gumnos Jan 10 @ 9:16 PM EST

don't act like you do know what you don't. But do act like you know how to find an answer. #devdiscuss

In reply to @kellyjandrews, @Programazing

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:16 PM EST

I expect that ratio to go down as I have a bigger sample size. Clever code is not impressive; code that can be maintained is. #devdiscuss

kellyjandrews Jan 10 @ 9:16 PM EST

Same here - all good - I didn't feel chastised in any way. #devdiscuss

In reply to @Programazing

denniskeim Jan 10 @ 9:16 PM EST

This appears to be the newest edition of "Cracking the Coding Interview." https://t.co/3ohsTRtllF #devdiscuss

davywybiral Jan 10 @ 9:17 PM EST

#DevDiscuss Experience increased stress that reaches a crescendo moments before the interview. But then it goes smoothly.

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

michelenicole Jan 10 @ 9:18 PM EST

come w/questions prepared! you also need to make sure it's a good fit for you. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

bendhalpern Jan 10 @ 9:18 PM EST

You might not get the job and a big part of the interview is random. Being okay with that is key. #devdiscuss

Programazing Jan 10 @ 9:18 PM EST

I'm with you on that. I get very nervous before an interview but once it starts everything vanishes. #DevDiscuss

davywybiral Jan 10 @ 9:17 PM EST

#DevDiscuss Experience increased stress that reaches a crescendo moments before the interview. But then it goes smoothly.
In reply to @ThePracticalDev

TakeMeLiterally Jan 10 @ 9:18 PM EST

. @TakeMeLiterally tech interviews have become their own 'thing'; some companies use other eval methods such as internships #devdiscuss

In reply to @TakeMeLiterally

Programazing Jan 10 @ 9:18 PM EST

That was all of 2016 for me. #DevDiscuss

bendhalpern Jan 10 @ 9:18 PM EST

You might not get the job and a big part of the interview is random. Being okay with that is key. #devdiscuss

al_khovansky Jan 10 @ 9:18 PM EST

Ask a friend to interview you beforehand. Together you are more likely to find out what you don't know well/should refresh. #devdiscuss

IBeRenascent Jan 10 @ 9:20 PM EST

Nothing's more frustrating than being a frontend wizard but not able to clearly explain what a doctype is :P #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

kellyjandrews Jan 10 @ 9:20 PM EST

This is a good idea to try. Find some examples on the internet. Won't be 100% the same, but at least a warmup. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @al_khovansky

linuxishawt Jan 10 @ 9:20 PM EST

#DevDiscuss Be Honest. Don't Lie. They aren't always the same thing.

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

dev_vine Jan 10 @ 9:21 PM EST

Another good one is, have some non/less technical person ask you, if you can explain it to them, 👍#devdiscuss

In reply to @IBeRenascent, @ThePracticalDev

neriusv Jan 10 @ 9:22 PM EST

and try to realize that it's ok to not know something. Nobody knows everything. #devdiscuss

In reply to @bendhalpern

BinaryIdiot Jan 10 @ 9:23 PM EST

I don't prepare. No need to memorize an alg I can look up online. Good companies know interviews are more than rote memorization #DevDiscuss

ThePracticalDev Jan 10 @ 9:06 PM EST

How do you prepare for technical interviews? Techniques, mindset, etc. #DevDiscuss

neriusv Jan 10 @ 9:24 PM EST

yes! one of my teachers used to say: you're a pro on the subject only if you could explain it to your grandmother. #devdiscuss

In reply to @dev_vine

neriusv Jan 10 @ 9:25 PM EST

Mindset trick: Relax. U R not showing off. Ur just talking to a person to find out if you can help them, e.g. work with them. #Devdiscuss

BinaryIdiot Jan 10 @ 9:26 PM EST

that's a pretty good way to go. It shows off some major communication and technological skills 👍 #DevDiscuss

In reply to @neriusv, @dev_vine

mrtnrst Jan 10 @ 9:28 PM EST

Study as you would an exam. Review core topics and not just the how but the why. #DevDiscuss

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:28 PM EST

An interviewer has three things to judge you on: code you submit, resume, and how you act. Your resume should have no errors. #DevDiscuss

BinaryIdiot Jan 10 @ 9:28 PM EST

Go all 'Office Space' on it. When I interview I get into a mindset that I won't get an offer (statistically I won't) so have fun #DevDiscuss

neriusv Jan 10 @ 9:29 PM EST

If you're the interviewer, It's your job to make the other person feel comfortable. #devdiscuss

hmvprasanna Jan 10 @ 9:29 PM EST

The unfortunate part of this "method" identified for technical interviews-folks have managed to create their careers around them #DevDiscuss

denniskeim Jan 10 @ 9:16 PM EST

This appears to be the newest edition of "Cracking the Coding Interview." https://t.co/3ohsTRtllF #devdiscuss

mrtnrst Jan 10 @ 9:29 PM EST

You won’t know everything they ask and that’s fine. Be willing to take that and show the willingness to learn. #DevDiscuss

BinaryIdiot Jan 10 @ 9:29 PM EST

alternatively I know some people who, when they're the interviewer, think it's time to play "Stump The Chump". Bad idea #DevDiscuss

In reply to @neriusv

neriusv Jan 10 @ 9:30 PM EST

Best job interview I ever had was just talking to a guy like we were friends trying to catch-up #devdiscuss

In reply to @neriusv

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:30 PM EST

Don't wing how to capitalize language, company, or tech stack. If you're a developer or QA, attention to detail is paramount. #devdiscuss

indelibleblupen Jan 10 @ 9:30 PM EST

I actually wrote an article on this topic a while back: https://t.co/BQqvD5jvFZ #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

bendhalpern Jan 10 @ 9:30 PM EST

Me too! I only do well when I convince myself to give zero fucks #devdiscuss

BinaryIdiot Jan 10 @ 9:28 PM EST

Go all 'Office Space' on it. When I interview I get into a mindset that I won't get an offer (statistically I won't) so have fun #DevDiscuss

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:30 PM EST

It seems like a small thing. It's also exposed to everyone, so people in the know will catch the mistake. #devdiscuss

dev_vine Jan 10 @ 9:31 PM EST

Great point! They are in fact looking for you to help them. Tech interviews are never 1st. They want to hire you. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @neriusv

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:31 PM EST

There is a correlation between hard to maintain code and simple resume errors. I want to call it strong, but not enough data. #devdiscuss

BinaryIdiot Jan 10 @ 9:32 PM EST

it's a pretty good life lesson in general. The less fucks you give the more you put yourself out there #GiveNoFucks #DevDiscuss

In reply to @bendhalpern

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:32 PM EST

It makes sense, you write code relaxed, you write your resume once and update it, you seem to forget its importance. Parallels. #devdiscuss

TakeMeLiterally Jan 10 @ 9:32 PM EST

actually wanted to ask whether people believe if group study of interview problems is worthwhile? #devdiscuss

al_khovansky Jan 10 @ 9:34 PM EST

The interviewer isn't there to make you fail.If he acts like that, putting pressure - it might be a bad team to work at IMO #devdiscuss

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:34 PM EST

You will do better than 95% of your peers by doing the fundamentals. Research. Catch mistakes. Naming. Kindness. Enthusiasm. #devdiscuss

mrtnrst Jan 10 @ 9:34 PM EST

My favorite advice from #DevDiscuss. It’s not easy and don’t stress yourself out. Have fun and own it.

BinaryIdiot Jan 10 @ 9:28 PM EST

Go all 'Office Space' on it. When I interview I get into a mindset that I won't get an offer (statistically I won't) so have fun #DevDiscuss

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:35 PM EST

Sounds weird because our bubble is Twitter, with all awesome devs. Most of your peers are not on here. They do not research. #devdiscuss

neriusv Jan 10 @ 9:36 PM EST

yeah, some people need to put others down just to feel better. Get away from them as far & fast as you can. #devdiscuss

In reply to @BinaryIdiot

dev_vine Jan 10 @ 9:36 PM EST

Why is key. Better to KNOW how/why to use a few things than just memorize a bunch of things w/o knowing them properly. #devdiscuss

In reply to @mrtnrst

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:36 PM EST

very few people you will work with (unless you're in SV or working at a startup) will ever read blogs, research, or contribute. #devdiscuss

TsarVandall Jan 10 @ 9:36 PM EST

if you are answering a question you have handled before, state such..but understand why it is a good answer #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:37 PM EST

Most jobs aren't SV, startups, or the Big Five. They're corporate. The vast majority in those jobs don't do the fundamentals. #devdiscuss

DugasPhilibert Jan 10 @ 9:37 PM EST

Coffee ☕️ #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:38 PM EST

We all interview as if it's SV or the big five. It's not. Most people have much more basic issues. The fundamentals. #devdiscuss

bendhalpern Jan 10 @ 9:38 PM EST

BE WELL RESTED. Let that pretty brain of yours shine #DevDiscuss

dev_vine Jan 10 @ 9:39 PM EST

Yes, be mindful of how the Co. acts. Don't ignore flags that tell you maybe you don't want the job. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @al_khovansky

neriusv Jan 10 @ 9:40 PM EST

Interview is a good indicator of company mindset. If you're applying for entry-level JS and are asked about binary trees... run! #devdiscuss

neriusv Jan 10 @ 9:41 PM EST

don't forget bathroom! ;) #devdiscuss

In reply to @DugasPhilibert, @ThePracticalDev

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:41 PM EST

Fundamentals: Easy to follow Testable Commits are clean Work is repeatably formatted Kind Builds for value Not a devils advocate #devdiscuss

bendhalpern Jan 10 @ 9:42 PM EST

Also, remember to shower the interviewer with good questions and compliments. Flattery is golden. #DevDiscuss ... #GoldenShowers

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:43 PM EST

I used to be a devil's advocate years ago, but I still feel regret at my actions. It's hard enough to build without a DA. #devdiscuss

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:44 PM EST

It's not to say you should be blindly optimistic, but your attitude should be "Yes, and", not "no, but." That's an improv thing. #devdiscuss

neriusv Jan 10 @ 9:44 PM EST

"How many pingpong balls fit inside a bus?" #truestory #devdiscuss

In reply to @TsarVandall, @ThePracticalDev

dev_vine Jan 10 @ 9:45 PM EST

Easy for nervousness to shroud our enthusiasm. Be mindful to show the Co. you want to be there! #devdiscuss

In reply to @bendhalpern

gortok Jan 10 @ 9:45 PM EST

Don't need to DA for people to see smarts. No one cares how smart you are, they want you to help them solve their problem. #devdiscuss

BinaryIdiot Jan 10 @ 9:47 PM EST

An important one I haven't seen here yet is to make sure you poop prior to the interview. No one wants to have to poop during. #DevDiscuss

neriusv Jan 10 @ 9:47 PM EST

Make sure you understand the question before trying to answer it. I've seen several very awkward situations regarding this #devdiscuss

jamesbardsley Jan 10 @ 9:47 PM EST

Some coding exercises in the lead up so the mind is sharp. Try not to pee your pants when you can't answer something instantly. #devdiscuss

gumnos Jan 10 @ 9:49 PM EST

Learn what problems the company has and be that solution. 1/ #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

gumnos Jan 10 @ 9:50 PM EST

If I'm doing the SAME thing at a company 3 years later, I've failed them because I didn't SOLVE the problem. 2/ #devdiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

SushanthMlore Jan 10 @ 9:50 PM EST

Find the "programming puzzles" books/websites they're going to nick their questions off of and lick them clean #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

nellygamedev Jan 10 @ 9:50 PM EST

Refresh your algorithms & data structures skills, practice explaining things in steps w/o fancy jargon #DevDiscuss

In reply to @ThePracticalDev

dev_vine Jan 10 @ 9:51 PM EST

ProTip: I get my crying out the day before. #devdiscuss

In reply to @girlgerms, @ThePracticalDev

BinaryIdiot Jan 10 @ 9:52 PM EST

Also not the worst idea to spruce up the old @github profile while you're at it. Interviewers like to see code. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @github

al_khovansky Jan 10 @ 9:52 PM EST

@DevDiscussHQ also drinking some water helps to calm down and don't have your mouth dry from nervous talking #devdiscuss

In reply to @BinaryIdiot, @DevDiscussHQ

BinaryIdiot Jan 10 @ 9:53 PM EST

yup and coffee can lead to making you poop so water is the best way to go. #DevDiscuss

In reply to @al_khovansky, @DevDiscussHQ

neriusv Jan 10 @ 9:53 PM EST

oh yeah, don't forget deodorant 👃#devdiscuss

In reply to @DugasPhilibert, @ThePracticalDev

dev_vine Jan 10 @ 9:56 PM EST

Confused? Ask questions. Don't know answer? Say so but also say how you might get it. 2/2 #devdiscuss

In reply to @girlgerms, @ThePracticalDev

DevDiscussHQ Jan 10 @ 9:57 PM EST

so much poop talk! #devdiscuss

In reply to @BinaryIdiot, @al_khovansky

dev_vine Jan 10 @ 9:57 PM EST

Invitations are key. Another protip: Don't show up to interviews you weren't invited to. #devdiscuss

In reply to @neriusv, @bendhalpern

al_khovansky Jan 10 @ 9:58 PM EST

Like @jamesbardsley said, exercising is good. Can recommend something like @codewars - fire up some katas and warm up #devdiscuss

In reply to @jamesbardsley, @codewars

ThePracticalDev Jan 10 @ 9:59 PM EST

We'll end on this note... 💩 Thanks for another awesome #DevDiscuss, now go ace those interviews! ✌️

BinaryIdiot Jan 10 @ 9:47 PM EST

An important one I haven't seen here yet is to make sure you poop prior to the interview. No one wants to have to poop during. #DevDiscuss