5 answers
Andy
Student
2
Questions
Updated
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What are some questions I should potentially prepare myself for in an interview relating to a tech job?
I just want to be wary of what questions that may pop up unexpectedly
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5 answers
Jeff Sloan
Software engineer - firmware Retired
121
Answers
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Andy
Good question! It's great to be prepared.
Some companies will throw a few truck questions at an interviewee. For example, how mammy gumball can fit in a five gallon jar. It makes no sense! What they are trying to do is see how you solve problems. They don't want our expect a real answer. They want to see how you work through a problem.
Go up to the whiteboard and talk through each step. A gumball is approximately 1 inch in diameter. Since they are round, each one takes up approximately 1 square inch. Write that down! A five gallon jug is 128 ounces per gallon times 5. The shoulders of the jug are rounded so that reduces the usable area slightly. And so on. Make any reasonable assumptions you want but explain why you made those assumptions. They just want to see the process you go through as you work it out.
Go on mock interviews at your college, if they offer them. Go on interviews even for jobs you aren't interested in. Practice helps!
Most importantly, be honest. Don't try to answer a question if you don't know the answer. You can try to work through it but it's perfectly acceptable to say, Great question. I don't have the answer but I would be very happy to research it and get back to you. You're not expected to know everything!
Good luck and relax! If you dint get that job, there will be others!
Good question! It's great to be prepared.
Some companies will throw a few truck questions at an interviewee. For example, how mammy gumball can fit in a five gallon jar. It makes no sense! What they are trying to do is see how you solve problems. They don't want our expect a real answer. They want to see how you work through a problem.
Go up to the whiteboard and talk through each step. A gumball is approximately 1 inch in diameter. Since they are round, each one takes up approximately 1 square inch. Write that down! A five gallon jug is 128 ounces per gallon times 5. The shoulders of the jug are rounded so that reduces the usable area slightly. And so on. Make any reasonable assumptions you want but explain why you made those assumptions. They just want to see the process you go through as you work it out.
Go on mock interviews at your college, if they offer them. Go on interviews even for jobs you aren't interested in. Practice helps!
Most importantly, be honest. Don't try to answer a question if you don't know the answer. You can try to work through it but it's perfectly acceptable to say, Great question. I don't have the answer but I would be very happy to research it and get back to you. You're not expected to know everything!
Good luck and relax! If you dint get that job, there will be others!
John Easton CEng FIET FBCS CITP
Design large computer systems for companies
60
Answers
Winchester, England, United Kingdom
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Andy!
Firstly, well done for getting invited for interview. Remember that a lot of other potential candidates didn't make it this far.
Preparation is good, but there is only so much that you can have something "ready to go", for some questions you might just have to figure it out as you go, and that is fine. As Jeff says above, some of these questions are just wanting to see how you think / solve a problem. I would come prepared to talk about yourself (your education, your hobbies and interests). As most jobs involve working in a team I would come prepared with examples of how you have worked in teams and dealt with other people. A lot of tech jobs revolve around solving problems, so have some examples of how you did that. Note that the key word here is "examples". As an interviewer there's nothing worse than a candidate who gives one word / few word answers. Always try to answer a question with some extra details or an example.
Last thought - your profile says that you are a student. Remember that the interviewer IS NOT expecting you to have answers to everything and to have years of experience in a given technology or something. They WILL make allowances for this, and if they don't then I'd suggest you don't want to work for that company!
Last but not least have questions for the interviewer. The more time they are talking, the less time you have to!
Good luck
Firstly, well done for getting invited for interview. Remember that a lot of other potential candidates didn't make it this far.
Preparation is good, but there is only so much that you can have something "ready to go", for some questions you might just have to figure it out as you go, and that is fine. As Jeff says above, some of these questions are just wanting to see how you think / solve a problem. I would come prepared to talk about yourself (your education, your hobbies and interests). As most jobs involve working in a team I would come prepared with examples of how you have worked in teams and dealt with other people. A lot of tech jobs revolve around solving problems, so have some examples of how you did that. Note that the key word here is "examples". As an interviewer there's nothing worse than a candidate who gives one word / few word answers. Always try to answer a question with some extra details or an example.
Last thought - your profile says that you are a student. Remember that the interviewer IS NOT expecting you to have answers to everything and to have years of experience in a given technology or something. They WILL make allowances for this, and if they don't then I'd suggest you don't want to work for that company!
Last but not least have questions for the interviewer. The more time they are talking, the less time you have to!
Good luck
Basak Gazioglu
Director, Business Process
15
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
Basak’s Answer
Hiring managers usually look for a mix of enthusiasm, past tech experience or internships, and your interest in certain tech fields. Knowing AI skills and being ready to answer AI-related questions is becoming really important in today's digital world. Keep going, you're on the right track!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2700
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar questions.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Prepare the response on some popular questions, e.g. Introduce yourself, What is your strength & weaknesses? , etc.
2. Review the Job Description thoroughly and identify the areas you can meet the requirements and what you need to improve, etc. Stress on the areas you can meet the requirement. Prepare the answers how you can improve.
3. Do some research on the company and interviewer
4. Prepare 2-3 questions to ask interviewers to show your interest on the role
5. Prepare the outfit in advance and ensure it is appropriate. Arrive the interview venue punctually.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Prepare the response on some popular questions, e.g. Introduce yourself, What is your strength & weaknesses? , etc.
2. Review the Job Description thoroughly and identify the areas you can meet the requirements and what you need to improve, etc. Stress on the areas you can meet the requirement. Prepare the answers how you can improve.
3. Do some research on the company and interviewer
4. Prepare 2-3 questions to ask interviewers to show your interest on the role
5. Prepare the outfit in advance and ensure it is appropriate. Arrive the interview venue punctually.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
157
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
In a tech interview, you should definitely be ready to talk about a specific project where you ran into a tough problem and explain exactly how you worked through the logic to fix it, as they really want to see your thought process rather than just a perfect result. You might also get asked how you handle working in a team or what you do when you disagree with a teammate's technical approach, so having a couple of real-life stories ready will help you stay calm and focused. Don't be surprised if they ask you about a time you failed or made a mistake, because showing that you can take responsibility and learn from a setback is actually a huge plus in the tech world. Just remember to be honest about what you know and don't be afraid to say you'd like to look something up if you're stumped, since showing a hunger to learn is often just as important as the skills you already have. Good luck.