Going for your first web development interview is downright scary! Not only will you have to be ready for the general interview, but you will also have to prepare yourself to answer technical questions.
Here’s a quick guide to help you ace your next web developer interview.
1. Find information on the interview process
All web developer interviews will have a technical round, but how the technical round is conducted will depend on the interviewer.
For instance, the senior developer who will interview you might either quiz you on a few definitions or might give you a whiteboard or paper and ask you to write code on it. The key is to know what route the interview will take before you go in.
The easiest way to find this is by asking the HR straightaway what the interview will consist of or you can even Google what previous candidates have said about the process. Imagine studying hard to learn your terms and definitions only to have your interviewer whip out a whiteboard during your interview! Interviewers are more than happy to give you details about what to expect in an interview so you can better prepare yourself.
Here are some general web development interview questions for you to prepare yourself.
Here are a few questions front-end developers should expect in their interviews.
If you’re applying for a position as a back-end developer, these sources for general and technical interviews might come in handy.
These are some questions full stack developers should expect in a job interview.
2. Brush up on your basics
Do you feel like you know the fundamental concepts of web development like the back of your hand?
Even then, it’s a good idea to brush up on them the night before the interview.
If you’ve been coding a lot recently to make your portfolio look better, it is likely that the basic knowledge might have turned into a habit. When this happens and you’re put on the spot, it can become difficult to put the basic concepts into simple words.
Also, it’s quite common for all your knowledge to fly out of the window when you get nervous. By brushing up on your concepts, you’ll have a solid foundation to rely on even if you get flustered. Make sure you revise units and definitions, the most common frameworks, and concepts on responsiveness and browser compatibility before you go in for your interview.
3. Update yourself
The best way to prepare for a web developer interview is to stay up-to-date with upgrades, changes, industry trends, and the latest methods of coding.
For instance, responsiveness is high up on the priority list in web development. That’s why you need to understand how to make a website fast and responsive. Keeping up-to-date will show your interviewer that you have a keen interest in the field you are applying for.
4. Start solving problems on Stack Overflow
Your official job description may be of a ‘junior web developer’, but your day-to-day duties will include problem-solving. That’s why we recommend that you get on Stack Overflow and read through people’s issues and solutions.
While you’re at it, try to solve as many problems as you can. Doing this will help you become familiar with how other people solve problems and it will also sharpen your lateral thinking skills. It will also give you something solid to refer to during your interview.
5. Research about the company
Go through the company’s official website to gain an understanding of what it is that they do. Track down press releases, blogs, news articles, and even social media posts about the company.
All this information will give you an insight into what the company is best known for or what they are focusing on lately. This will provide you with an arsenal of talking points or information for your own questions during the interview.
Doing research about the company will also help you determine if you’re a good fit for the company. Don’t underestimate the importance of company culture, especially at your first job. If a company has an amazing culture, it will help you grow incredibly fast. On the other hand, a company with a poor culture will most likely leave a long-lasting negative impact on you.
Final Words
Your interview for a technical job is bound to be daunting.
For entry-level positions, interviewers aren’t usually looking for candidates who can write the most complex algorithms. Being confident and showing passion for the job will take you a long way.
Oh, and all the best!
Found this article interesting? Click here to read about the top 7 web development companies to work at.
