Technical Interviews Decoded: Proven Strategies for Candidates – Part 2

In the first part of this article, I shared key tips for interviewers to conduct better technical assessments. Now, let’s switch to the other side of the table – being a candidate. Each of us has been in this position at least once, and we all have some understanding of the “how-to” when it comes to preparing for and attending technical interviews.

If you still feel unsure, I hope some of my insights, tips, and advice can help you confidently navigate the process.

1. Pre-Interview Preparation

No one knows in advance what they will be asked in the interview, but in 99% of cases, recruiters will give you information about the project expectations and the company's technology stack. 

To prepare for this typical part of an interview, try mock interviews with free platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, Pramp, or Interviewing.io (by the way, the last one tells that you may have a mock interview with engineers from companies like Amazon, Google, and Facebook)

While it's not a necessity, it is certainly a good idea to research the company, its values, and its products. It would be great if you could try one of its products, test it, and provide feedback. 

I once had a chance to be interviewed for one of the Ukrainian banks. Prior to the interview, I installed their application, tried registering, and took some screenshots of the aspects where I had some improvement suggestions, which I shared during the interview. The product owner of that product was also present there, and she was quite surprised in a good way that I did it. Some of the “improvements” were well-known, but some of them were taken as a note for a future feature or bugfix (or at least the Product Owner told me that.)

2. Keep It Honest

Remember: it’s completely fine if you don't know something. Nobody expects you to be an expert in every area. What matters most is being honest about your skills and knowledge. 

If you’re faced with a question you don’t know the answer to, don’t be afraid to admit it. Tech interviewers understand that no one can know everything, and they’ll appreciate your honesty. Feel free to say, “I’m not familiar with this topic, but I’d love to learn more about it”. Normally, people understand that in most cases, you know only those areas with which you have been practicing. Technical interviews aren’t just about knowing the answers but also about demonstrating your thought process and problem-solving skills. Be open to learning and show that you’re willing to grow.

Be ready to discuss your past experience. There’s a big chance you’ll be asked about your most challenging tasks, your failures, or the roles you’ve been given. It would be great if you could also prepare short stories with the most important points.

“Refresh the knowledge of basic algorithms (for example, solving  leetcode.com challenges may be very useful). Prepare short and consistent answers about who you are, what you are doing, and what your professional goals are.”

3. Ask Questions and think in loud

Communication is key during any interview. If there is something you don't understand, ask for clarification. If you get stuck during a coding task, it's okay to pause and say you need a moment to think or ask for hints. Interviewers are often more interested in seeing how you approach problems than in expecting you to solve everything correctly. Asking questions shows your engagement and helps ensure you’re on the right track. It also allows you to demonstrate your problem-solving process. 

Thinking out loud while you work can be incredibly helpful – it gives interviewers insight into your reasoning, how you explore different approaches, and how you handle complexity. Even if you don’t land on the perfect solution, sharing your thought process can still leave a strong impression.

In most cases, you’ll be encouraged to ask questions about the company or workflow at the end of the interview. Don't hesitate to ask about company culture, communication style, technology stack, and everything you find important. If you research the company before the interview, your questions will be more informed. This will show that you are not only looking for a job but actively thinking about how you can contribute to the company. 

“Don’t be afraid to ask for additional explanation if any question or task isn’t clear (but not too often). Positive attitude and smile are mandatory.”

3. Pause if Necessary

It’s also acceptable to feel nervous before or during an interview. As a matter of fact, interviewers can also feel nervous about making a good impression and conducting a comfortable interview. The key is to manage your nerves and stay focused. Take a deep breath, take some water, or ask for a small pause to bring your thoughts back. 

4. Highlight your Soft Skills

The good thing for the interviewer and the candidate is respecting each other's time. Try to follow the question you’ve been asked, don't go away from it, keep your answers clear, and be sure you are covering only those areas that are necessary.

Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are very important, so interviewers always evaluate these skills. The interviewer may ask you about your group collaboration, conflict resolution, and contribution to successful projects in the past.

Wrapping up

Finding the right match is a two-way street. You may go through several interviews before you find a company and a role that aligns with your skills and values. Don’t be discouraged if things don't work out in every interview - you’re learning and improving with each one. Sometimes, an interview may not go as planned, but it’s an opportunity to reflect, adjust, and keep moving forward.

I hope these tips from my experience and my colleagues will help you conduct and pass interviews better.