How to prepare for a job interview
Prepare a portfolio and experience
If you already have commercial experience, there will be no problem with this item. It can be formalised as follows:
What to do if you are new? Your task is to show that you are able to solve real commercial problems according to the position you are applying for. For example, for Backend - this is creating Rest API or operations on databases; for frontend developers - creating new UI components, using modern libraries, etc.; for mobile developers - creating a mobile application for several pages or extending an existing one. This can be done by working on Pet projects, ideally with an experienced mentor.
If you already have commercial experience, there will be no problem with this item. It can be formalised as follows:
- Responsibilities: specify what you mainly did in the projects (routine tasks, team structure and so on);
- Achievements: tell about the most difficult or interesting tasks on the project, how you coped with them, why you made certain decisions;
- Technology stack or toolset: list what you worked with on the project, especially pay attention to what is relevant for this particular vacancy.
What to do if you are new? Your task is to show that you are able to solve real commercial problems according to the position you are applying for. For example, for Backend - this is creating Rest API or operations on databases; for frontend developers - creating new UI components, using modern libraries, etc.; for mobile developers - creating a mobile application for several pages or extending an existing one. This can be done by working on Pet projects, ideally with an experienced mentor.
Interviewing in IT companies is a separate skill that many people do not pay enough attention to. Magenta Favorita Portugal managers discussed the stages of preparation for any interview and shared how to get the desired result.
Read the job details
The first step is to familiarise yourself with the job and the company before you go for an interview with a recruiter. Pay attention to the requirements and read the company information on the official website or social media pages. Firstly, you will look more professional with information about the company and secondly, you will be able to present your experience and skills in the best possible light.
Read the job details
The first step is to familiarise yourself with the job and the company before you go for an interview with a recruiter. Pay attention to the requirements and read the company information on the official website or social media pages. Firstly, you will look more professional with information about the company and secondly, you will be able to present your experience and skills in the best possible light.
Prepare for standard questions
You should be prepared to answer standard interview questions ranging from ‘Why did you choose our company?’ to complex technical questions from experienced developers. It's not as scary as it sounds. Magenta Favorita recruiters recommend reading articles on questions and tips on specialised websites, as well as watching test interviews on YouTube.
You should be prepared to answer standard interview questions ranging from ‘Why did you choose our company?’ to complex technical questions from experienced developers. It's not as scary as it sounds. Magenta Favorita recruiters recommend reading articles on questions and tips on specialised websites, as well as watching test interviews on YouTube.
Ask questions to the interviewer
A job interview is not an interrogation, but a communication between two people. Don't hesitate to ask questions and clarify what you don't understand. Firstly, it demonstrates your involvement in the process, and secondly, it is better to be transparent and clear from the start.
Collect feedback after the interview
Be sure to ask for feedback after the interview. This is your opportunity to get free and most relevant feedback on your skills and knowledge gaps.
Unfortunately or fortunately, interviewing is a separate phenomenon, often quite different from the actual job. Knowing how to interview in IT is one of the skills that directly affects how and where you will work and how much you will earn. Don't worry if you fail your first interview, the managers of Magenta Favorita IT company advise. Take every attempt like a gym approach, analyse your mistakes and prepare better for the next interview.
A job interview is not an interrogation, but a communication between two people. Don't hesitate to ask questions and clarify what you don't understand. Firstly, it demonstrates your involvement in the process, and secondly, it is better to be transparent and clear from the start.
Collect feedback after the interview
Be sure to ask for feedback after the interview. This is your opportunity to get free and most relevant feedback on your skills and knowledge gaps.
Unfortunately or fortunately, interviewing is a separate phenomenon, often quite different from the actual job. Knowing how to interview in IT is one of the skills that directly affects how and where you will work and how much you will earn. Don't worry if you fail your first interview, the managers of Magenta Favorita IT company advise. Take every attempt like a gym approach, analyse your mistakes and prepare better for the next interview.
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