How to prepare for a tech interview

Preparing for a job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right strategies and preparation, you can increase your chances of success.

A well-prepared candidate is more likely to leave a lasting impression on the interviewer and showcase their skills and qualifications effectively.

Whether it’s researching the company, practising your answers, or ensuring your outfit is on point, each step plays a crucial role in your interview preparation. In this blog, we will provide you with valuable tips and techniques to help you prepare for your next interview and boost your confidence.

Your 10 steps to preparing for an interview

1. Do some in-depth research on the company

Before any interview, it’s crucial to understand the company you’re interviewing with, and in tech roles, this research becomes even more important. Dive deeper than just their website—explore their mission, culture, latest projects, and industry presence. Here’s how to go about it:

• Check their social media and past press releases for any recent achievements, product launches, or newsworthy events.
• Explore the user journey by trying their product or service if possible. Mentioning this experience during the interview can make a positive impression.
• Research your interviewers on LinkedIn. Understanding their background and experience helps you build rapport and tailor your responses.

Check out this video on how best to research a company ahead of an interview.

2. Thoroughly analyse the job description

Carefully read the job description to understand the specific skills, tools, and experiences required. This will allow you to:

• Identify keywords and skills: Memorise relevant elements from the job description and try weave them into your answers.
• Match your experience: Have specific examples of how your past work aligns with their requirements. Focus on the skills and projects that relate directly to the role.

3. Prepare for common interview questions

Technical interviews often come with a specific set of questions. Practising responses beforehand can help ensure you come across as confident and prepared. Here are some common questions to expect:

• How do you keep your tech skills current? This is your chance to showcase your passion for continuous learning. Mention any online courses, side projects, or new programming languages you’re exploring.
• How would your colleagues describe you? Instead of common adjectives like “hardworking,” use more unique traits, such as “diligent” or “industrious,” and back these up with real-life examples.
• How do you think technology advances will impact your job? This is your opportunity to talk about trends like AI or the Metaverse and discuss how they will shape the industry.
• How do you manage your work-life balance? This question explores your personal well-being. It’s important to show that you prioritize both work and self-care to avoid burnout in a demanding field like tech.
• Why do you want to work for us? Use this question to highlight your knowledge about the company and your enthusiasm for its mission and projects.

4. Practice the STAR technique for behavioural questions

For competency-based interviews, the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is essential. It helps you structure your answers to highlight past accomplishments effectively. Here’s how to use it:

• Situation: Set the scene by describing a situation from your previous roles.
• Task: Outline the task you were responsible for.
• Action: Explain the actions you took to address the task.
• Result: Highlight the impact of your actions with tangible results.

Learn more about the STAR technique here.

5. Prepare your own questions 

Interviews are a two-way street, so be ready to ask insightful questions. These should demonstrate your interest in the company and help you understand whether the role is the right fit for you. Some great questions include:

• How does the company stay updated with technological changes in the industry?
• What are some challenges the team has faced recently, and how were they resolved?
• What are the company’s priorities in terms of employee well-being and work-life balance?

And don’t forget to save some questions for the end of the interview! Here are 5 questions to ask at the end of an interview to wow employers!

6. Technical preparation: Brush up on skills 

For a tech role, expect some technical assessments, such as coding tests or problem-solving exercises. Here’s how to get ready:

• Review the fundamentals of programming languages relevant to the job (e.g., Python, Java, C++).
• Practice common algorithms and data structures. Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codewars can help you prepare for coding challenges.
• Prepare for system design questions if you’re interviewing for a senior role. These often test your ability to build scalable systems.

7. Check your technology (For virtual interviews)

If your interview is virtual, ensure that your technology is set up properly:

• Test your internet connection, camera, microphone, and any software you’ll need for the interview.
• Make sure your background is clean and professional. You don’t want any distractions or interruptions.

8. Plan what you’ll wear for your interview

Don’t leave your outfit to the last minute! The last thing you want on the morning of is to be stressed about it.

Even in tech, where casual work environments are common, first impressions still matter. Dress according to the company culture, which you can gauge through social media or by asking your recruiter.

If unsure, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. A neat, professional appearance shows that you take the opportunity seriously. 

9. Prepare your logistics

Similar to point 8… the last thing you need is to be stressed before an interview!  And this includes rushing to get there on time.

So, if your interview is in person, make sure to plan your journey carefully ahead of time.

• Check the route ahead of time, account for any potential delays, and arrive early.
• Have a parking plan if necessary, and bring everything you need for the interview (e.g., portfolio, resume, ID).

In an ideal world, we’d recommend leaving some time before the interview just in case of emergencies. You rather spend 10-20 minutes at a coffee shop around the corner than sprinting through the door with 2 seconds to spare!

10. Get plenty of rest and stay relaxed

Nerves are natural, but being well rested can help you manage them better. Try to get a full night’s sleep before your interview. On the day of, take deep breaths and remind yourself that you’ve prepared well and are ready to showcase your skills.

While technical interviews can be daunting, preparation is your best tool. By thoroughly researching the company, practicing responses, brushing up on your technical skills, and preparing for both virtual and in-person logistics, you’ll set yourself up for success.

Trust in your abilities—after all, you’ve made it this far because your application stood out!

Need more interview preparation tips?

Whether you’re looking for a senior tech role or are new to the industry, we’re here to help.

At Revoco, we specialise in tech and digital. We’ll not only find you opportunities, but we’ll be on hand to provide you with any advice during the interview process.

To find out more about our latest tech vacancies, head over to our jobs page. For the latest tips and advice on how to land your dream job, head over to our blog.

Good luck