Interview Tips for Web Developers and Engineering Managers

Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview for a web development or engineering manager position. That’s amazing! But don't be too excited yet - you still have to make a great impression on your interviewer. Imagine you are sitting across from your interviewer and you can feel the sweat starting to build up on your forehead. You're not nervous, you're just glistening with anticipation. You got this. Here are some interview tips to help you nail that interview:

Tip 1: Know your audience

Before your interview, it's important to research the company you're applying to. Not only will it show that you're interested in the position, but it will also help you tailor your responses to the company's needs. Also, be aware of who you're meeting with. It's important to ask the right questions to the right people. Asking more technical questions during an HR screening is probably not the right way to go. Similarly, you may want to ask a developer about salary. Prior to your first interview, try to find some answers to questions such as:

What is the company's mission statement?
What are some recent projects the company has worked on?
Who are the company's competitors?
What technologies does the company use?

If you're not able to find these answers before your interview, don't be afraid to ask!

Tip 2: Dress to Impress

First impressions are everything, so dress appropriately for the interview. And by "appropriately", I mean "wear something other than your pyjamas." Unless, of course, you're applying for a job at a pyjama company. In that case, rock those jammies like nobody's business!

Tip 3: Show off your personality

Yes, I know you're here to showcase your technical skills and business acumen, but don't forget to let your personality shine through. Being a developer or engineering manager is more than just knowing how to code or how to delegate. It's about being able to work with a team and effectively communicate your ideas. So, don't be afraid to crack a joke or two to show off your fun side. Your interviewer wants to know if you'll fit in with the team. If you're passionate about something outside of work, share it! If you have a quirky sense of humour, let it show! Just remember to keep it appropriate and professional.

Tip 4: Be prepared for technical questions

You can't escape technical questions. You know they're coming, so be prepared. Brush up on your coding skills and practice coding problems. Yes, even if it's an engineering manager role, technical questions come up. Here are a few questions I've asked, or been asked, recently:

What's the difference between let and const in JavaScript?
How would you optimize a slow-loading web page?
What are some common HTTP status codes and what do they mean?

Some questions may seem trivial, even for junior roles, but it's often more about how you answer rather than what you're answering.

Tip 5: Know your experience inside and out

When an interviewer asks you about your previous experience, be sure to know your projects and achievements inside and out. Don't just list them off, be prepared to provide specific details and results. Here are some prompts to help you prepare:

What was the biggest challenge you faced while working on a particular project and how did you overcome it?
How did you contribute to the success of a project you worked on?
Can you tell me about a time when you had to solve a difficult problem and what approach did you take?

Tip 6: Be ready to talk about your favourite tools

Web developers and engineering managers must stay on top of the latest technology trends and tools. Be prepared to talk about your favourite tech tools and how you use them. Some questions I've heard:

What is your favourite front-end framework and why?
How do you keep yourself updated with the latest technology trends?
Can you tell me about a time when you had to learn a new tool or programming language quickly?

Tip 7: Don't forget to ask questions

Don't forget that the interview is a two-way street. You should be prepared to ask questions about the company and the position you're applying for. This shows that you're interested in the job and the company culture. Some common questions I've leaned on:

What is the company culture like?
Can you tell me about the team I will be working with?
What are some upcoming projects the team is working on?

Tip 8: Close the interview on a high note

As the interview comes to a close, make sure to thank the interviewer for their time and express interest in the position. Some great ways to wrap up a discussion:

Thank you for taking the time to interview me. I'm very interested in this role and I believe my skills would be a great fit for the team.
Is there anything else I can provide or answer for you?
When can I expect to hear back from you?

Tip 9: Follow up

After the interview, make sure you follow up with a thank-you email or note. It shows that you're serious about the position and appreciate the opportunity to interview. And if you want to really stand out, include a funny meme or gif in your follow-up. Who knows, it might actually land you the job!

Good luck!

Interviews can be nerve-wracking. Remember, it's important to be yourself and let your personality shine through. And who knows, maybe cracking a joke or two will make all the difference. Good luck out there.