Interviews for IT specialists can vary quite a lot; the role, company, and industry are some factors that dictate this. Normally, they serve to test a candidate's skills and abilities, often acting as a filter to identify unsuitable candidates quickly. You can liken them to university entrance exams, where each stage evaluates a candidate's knowledge and experience from different angles. However, in this scenario, each subsequent test is attempted only if the previous one is passed.
Here, you'll explore the common types of IT interviews, discover the steps you should take during each interview, and gain insights on how to pass them successfully.
Screening
A screening interview is the first stage in the job application process. The aim of a screening interview is to trim down the pool of candidates and pinpoint individuals who stand a good chance of progressing in the hiring process. Consider it as the initial and simplest examination, primarily designed to filter out unprepared applicants.
While the interview can take place in person, it is common to conduct it over phone calls or video calls. During the interview, the recruiter gives a brief about the company and the role they're recruiting for. Moreover, they ask questions to confirm if you fulfill the job's requirements and show genuine interest. The recruiter may also discuss your experiences and projects to see if you align with the company's culture and expectations.
The interview usually lasts between 10 and 30 minutes. Essentially, it verifies the candidate's background, primary qualifications, and overall suitability for the role.
You should get ready for the interview by reviewing the job description and understanding the company, and be equipped to showcase your qualifications, skills, and experiences related to the role. This will improve your chances of progressing in the hiring process.
Question-based interview
A question-based interview is similar to a traditional exam, where you are asked questions that test your theoretical knowledge about certain job-related topics. These questions measure your understanding and expertise in technical areas relevant to the job, usually in a face-to-face format.
The questions might cover programming languages, databases, operating systems, networks, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and software development methods. Expect inquiries about industry trends, emerging technologies, and the latest happenings in the IT field.
Additionally, the interviewer could present hypothetical scenarios or actual challenges, asking how you would solve them. Their goal is to understand how you deal with various situations, interact with your team, and manage your tasks. They may ask about your past work experience, the projects you undertook, the technologies you used, the responsibilities you carried, and the results of your projects.
To get ready for this type of interview, go over technical topics, reflect on your earlier work experiences, and rehearse your responses. Be prepared to offer examples that showcase your skills, accomplishments, and the influence you had in your previous roles. Demonstrate that you understand the job requirements and that you are the perfect match for the role.
Live Coding
A live coding interview is when you write code while someone is watching how you do it. The aim of live coding is to evaluate your coding skills and problem-solving capabilities in real-time. It resembles an exam where you need to solve a practical problem and find the correct answer, just like in physics or chemistry. In essence, it tests your aptitude for solving practical problems.
In this type of interview, you will solve a task on a whiteboard, writing code by hand or online using a code editor, all while the interviewer observes. The interviewer will provide a coding problem, often relevant to the job you're applying to. This could also be a mathematical question or a computer-related issue that requires a solution. They might specify a programming language for you to use or allow you to choose one. During the interview, the interviewer might pose questions, provide assistance, solicit your thought process and problem-solving methods, and offer guidance or feedback.
Completion of the coding exercise is time-limited, generally ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour. You should wisely manage this time, concentrating on the most critical aspects of the problem. Aim to write code that is well-structured and easily understood, enforcing the best coding practices. Be prepared for questions regarding the choices you made in your code.
To prepare for live coding, familiarize yourself with common coding techniques and patterns. Practice solving problems under time constraints. During the interview, be clear in your communications and explain your thought process. Stay positive, even if you make mistakes.
System design
In a system design interview, you will be tested on your ability to solve problems through the design of a system or service architecture. Specifically, your capacity to analyze, create a system blueprint, recognize all necessary requirements, and understand the pros and cons of possible solutions. This stage resembles an essay-style exam; there's no 'one-size-fits-all' answer, but instead, the interviewer engages with you in a discussion to comprehend your line of thinking.
A system design interview usually includes five steps:
Problem Understanding: Begin by comprehending the problem and defining the design scope.
System Design: Identify the key components of the system and illustrate their collaboration.
Exploration: Pick a specific component and delve into its details with your interviewer.
Design Enhancement: Examine the current design for faults, suggest improvements, and explain your decision-making process. Discuss the pros and cons of different strategies.
Conclusion: Confirm that the design meets all requirements and scope, then propose enhancements for the system.
Typically, a system design interview lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
When crafting a system, you must consider vital factors such as scalability (capacity for growth), performance (task processing speed), and security (data protection). Depending on the problem, it might be necessary to consider data storage and managing methods. This entails selecting appropriate data structures, databases, and effective storage methods.
Prepare for a system design interview by studying common patterns and principles used in system design, and familiarizing yourself with relevant technologies. Analyze real-world examples and best practices, but center your learning on the basic principles of system design rather than memorizing specific product setups.
Finally, during the interview, concentrate on understanding the problem, breaking it down into manageable parts, discuss trade-offs, and engage in critical thinking to formulate effective solutions.
Interview with a Manager
The hiring manager is the person in charge of hiring for a job vacancy. Generally holding a senior position in the team, this individual could become your boss if you secure the job. This type of interview is often the final stage. Therefore, if you've made it to this phase, you're among the top candidates under consideration. However, this doesn't promise you the job. At this point, the company is merely reducing its list of options. It's akin to a university scenario where there are more shortlisted candidates than there are available spots, and the selection of the most fitting individuals is necessary.
During the interview, the manager may ask behavioral questions to gain insight into your nature and work ethic. These inquiries might pertain to your problem-solving abilities, communication skills, organization, and potential as a team member. Expect questions about your past work, leadership capabilities, problem-solving methods, and understanding of the company's objectives. It's also an excellent time for you to put forth your questions and learn more about the job. Occasionally, you might face questions you've already tackled in prior stages of the interview process. When this happens, aim to respond differently or provide fresh examples, as it will highlight the breadth of your experience.
As part of your interview preparation, gather information about the company, reflect on instances that highlight your skills, and show confidence. While in the interview, pay careful attention and respond to their questions clearly. Simulate your responses to previously encountered questions by bringing up different situations or skills. Let them see that you function well in a team and care about achieving the company's goals.
Conclusion
We've discussed various types of interviews, but keep in mind that several formats might be combined into one.
The key here is thorough preparation before interviews. Typically, you should invest time researching the company, revisiting technical concepts, pracice coding problem practice, and revising your relevant skills and experiences.
Understand that if a company decides not to proceed with your application, it merely indicates they are considering other candidates for the specific role. It doesn't imply a lack of other potential job positions that might suit you. If rejected, don't hesitate to seek feedback from the hiring manager and other interviewers; it can be a valuable asset for future interviews.
Also, remember, the interview is not just a test for you, but you are also evaluating your prospective employer. Each interview is a chance to understand whether the company aligns with your goals. Consider what you aim to accomplish in the next few years, and whether such progress is possible within this organization. Best of luck!