Preparing for Developer Interviews
Tags: career, startup, beginners, productivity
Published: 2020-09-09 16:33:37

The original post was on [Preparing for Developer Interviews - Reading Time: 3 Mins](https://www.maxongzb.com/preparing-for-developer-interviews-reading-time-3-mins/) and cover image by [Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/EzH46XCDQRY)

# Introduction
Preparing for technical interview preparation is hard work. If you don't think so, look at this. [The 30 most essential data structure algorithms][1] that you need to remember. 

Which to add insult to injury, you have to study hard on [leetcode][2] or [code wars][3]. The craziness never ends. Which the HR includes **curve balls** for HR practices that feel dated even for me. 

Like the use of **IQ** tests, **situation test**, requiring their developers to have **computer science** degrees and writing **code** on paper, It even includes my enemy the **whiteboard test**. Tada!!! The craziness of technical interviews never seems to amaze me. I won't be touching it but will recommend the use of [Interviewcake][4] and [Cracking the Interview Code][5] so to be done with it. I won't be throwing you all the technical test shenanigans but focus you to go back to the **basics** in the chapter that follows. I promise you that I depend on it for my job interviews.

# Do Your Research of the Company
Regardless if your a math whiz or a developer who can code in their sleep. The first thing that we should **always** do. It is to do your own research on the company & the person who is interviewing you. If you fail in doing it. You are basically screwed. Cause you will be shown the door after 5 seconds. As anyone will be **annoyed** by a candidate who knows **nothing** about the company or the interviewer. 

Which decreases your own chances of getting employed. I know we are **not trained** or **required** to talk. Cause we are an **introvert** in some way. But when you are in an interview, you need to build your **rapport**, **observe** their body language and **sell** yourself. The person who is interviewing you has to feel that you are the **right** choice with the least **risky** option for them to make a decision to hire you,
 
# Ask & Prepare for the Type of Technical Test
Ask the company on the type of interview questions they will give to their candidates.  This allows you to prepare **strategically**. I find this approach is much better than the **brute force** approach. By just learning about data structure, distributed computing, design patterns, TDD and the **101** things that a developer are required to learn.

Another thing that I found for the technical tests. Some companies favour the ability to write **clearly** and **effectively**.  This demonstrates your ability to convey **ideas** across in a written form which is a must for remote work.

# Conclusion
Firstly, do your own research on the company. So you won't **bore** the interviewer and **disrespecting** their time and yours. Secondly, ask **probing** questions on the type of technical test they will provide. Instead of **brute-forcing** your way in.

Lastly, are you looking to specialise yourself as a developer? If it's a Yes. I'm giving away my free ebook called ["Picking Your Specialisation as a Developer"][7] for anyone interested to command a higher salary or do the work that you like.

This post includes affiliate links, I may receive compensation if you purchase products or services from the different links provided in this article.

# Reference
* [Complete Introduction to the 30 Most Essential Data Structures & Algorithms][1]
* [Leetcode][2]
* [Codewars][3] 
* [The Complete Guide for Researching a Company][8]
* [KeyValues][9]
* [8 Style Essentials For A Job Interview | Proper Attire And Look For Job Seekers][10]
* [InterviewCake][4]
* [Cracking the Interview Code][5]


[1]: https://dev.to/iuliagroza/complete-introduction-to-the-30-most-essential-data-structures-algorithms-43kd
[2]: https://leetcode.com/
[3]: https://www.codewars.com/
[4]: https://www.interviewcake.com/
[5]: https://amzn.to/3i5FgDV
[6]: https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/build-interchangeable-wardrobe/
[7]: https://maxongzb.activehosted.com/f/5
[8]: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/the-complete-guide-to-researching-a-company
[9]: https://www.keyvalues.com/
[10]: https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/proper-attire-look-job-interview/