Version: 2.3.23
Interviewing
Regardless of the specific format of the interview process, it is important to be prepared. Some companies may have a few initial discussions or phone screens before moving on to rounds of interviews with multiple teams, while others may have a different structure. To help you succeed in the interview, we have compiled some helpful resources to get you ready.
Before your first interview or phone screen, start prepping. Get ready for different type of questions that will be asked during the conversations.
To get an overview of the process review this video by Kevin Stratvert on YouTube that goes through the entire process and includes questions that can help you.
The process
Note: The interview process will have different interviewers that are looking for different skills. The majority can be summed up to 2 categories. 1) Soft Skills/Behavioral questions 2) Technical questions.
Soft Skills - Are intended to get to know you and your thought process a bit better. These questions may relate to a candidate's communication skills, problem-solving abilities, time management, teamwork, leadership, and more.
Examples:
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How do you handle conflict in the workplace?
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How do you handle deadlines and time management?
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How do you handle feedback, positive or negative?
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How do you handle stress or pressure in the workplace?
Technical Skills - Are intended to understand if a candidate has the necessary skills and experience to perform the job effectively. These questions may cover a range of topics depending on the role.
Examples:
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Can you describe your experience with cloud computing platforms such as AWS or Azure?
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Can you describe a time when you had to pivot the direction of a product mid-development?
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How do you work with engineering teams to ensure that a product is delivered on time and within budget?
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Can you describe your experience with version control systems such as Git?
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How do you test and debug your code? Can you describe your approach to testing?
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Can you describe your experience with software development methodologies such as agile or waterfall?
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How do you stay up-to-date with new technologies and best practices in the field?
Note: These questions will change and are specific to the role that you have applied for. A few books and trainings that have helped our members in the interview process are listed below:
Another great video by Googler Jodie and Kelser can be found below, they walk you through some more tips and tricks of the interview process.
The interview process varies by company and the role you are applying for. In general, they typically consist of the following:
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Initial screening: You may be invited to complete an online assessment or participate in a phone or video interview with a recruiter. There is video by Mika Kim on Youtube that explains what the process is like and some tips.
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Technical interview: If you pass the initial screening, you may be invited to participate in one or more technical interviews, which are designed to assess your technical skills and knowledge. These interviews may involve coding challenges, problem-solving tasks, and technical discussions. Google offers an interview warmup to help you prepare for their interviews.
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Onsite & Virtual interview: If you pass the technical interviews, you may be invited to an onsite interview at the company's offices or virtual meetings with hiring managers. This is usually a full day of interviews with a variety of people, including managers, team members, and other stakeholders. The interviews may be a mix of technical and non-technical questions and may include group activities or case studies and can be 4 round or more. Don't be discouraged if you don't do well on one of your rounds. Keep a positive attitude through all your interview loops.
Tips:
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Always smile and bring positive vibe to the interview, body language is important.
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Bring a blank piece of paper and a pen to take notes and capture feedback during the interview.
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During the interview ask the interviewer for their email address
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You will need this to send a thank you email
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ALWAYS have questions ready for the person interviewing you, below are some examples:
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What are the goals and priorities of the team/department?
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How does this role fit into the overall mission and goals of the company?
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How does the company prioritize work-life balance for its employees?
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What one of your most favorite projects you have worked on?
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It's important to note that the interview process can vary significantly from company to company, and some companies may have additional stages or a different order of steps.
After the interview
After an interview with any company here are some tips to follow up on and improve your chances of getting the job:
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Send a thank-you email: After your interview, send a brief email thanking the interviewer for their time and reiterating your interest in the position. This can be a simple way to show your appreciation and professionalism. If there were any issues or questions that came up during your interview add them to the thank you email as well. This will show your hunger to learn. Here is an example of one you could use:
Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening [Interviewer],
I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] role at [Company]. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation [About] and am even more excited about the prospect of joining your team. [Insert any questions you may have had an issue with or needed to follow up to better understand. Show genuine curiosity]
I am confident that my skills and experience align well with the requirements of the position, and I believe I would be a valuable asset to the team. I am eager to contribute my skills and passion to the growth and success of [Company].
Thank you again for considering me for this opportunity. I look forward to hearing back from you and discussing further how I can contribute to the team.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
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Reflect on your performance: Take some time to reflect on the interview and think about any areas where you could have done better. Consider what you learned from the experience and how you can improve in the future.
Be patient and professional during the interview process, the recruiter may give you an understanding on when/if you will hear back.
Getting an offer
Getting a phone call/email saying they want to extend an offer can be extremely exciting but its also important to know what you can negotiate. Below are some tip on negotiating.
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Research the market: Research the market to understand what similar roles are paying in the industry. This can help you have a better understanding of what is a reasonable range for the position and what you should aim for in negotiations. There is a tool called Level fyi that gives an overview of compensation and roles.
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Know your value: Be clear on what you bring to the table and be prepared to articulate your value to the company. This can help you make a strong case for why you deserve a higher salary or better benefits.
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Make a list of your priorities: Before beginning negotiations, make a list of your priorities and what is most important to you in an offer. This can help you stay focused and make decisions during the negotiation process.
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Communicate your needs: Clearly communicate your needs and expectations to the employer. Be open and honest about what you are looking for in terms of salary, benefits, and other terms of employment.
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Be prepared to compromise: Remember that negotiation is a two-way process, and you may need to compromise on certain aspects of the offer in order to reach an agreement. Be open to negotiating on non-salary items, such as vacation time or flexible working arrangements, if they are important to you.
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Seek help: If you are not comfortable negotiating on your own, consider seeking the help of a mentor or professional negotiator. They can provide guidance and support during the process.
By doing your research, clearly communicating your needs, and being open to compromise, you can increase your chances of securing the best possible terms of employment.