How to Answer Tough Technology Interview Questions

Knowing how to answer the tough technology questions in an interview in ways that are both honest and powerful can help you impress the interviewer and securely land a job. Ultimately, it all comes down to being prepared and going into the interview expecting the unexpected.

 While there are some questions you’ll hear again and again, it’s also vital that you prepare to expertly answer the technology interview questions. We’ve put together some of our tips to help you ace the more technical parts of your interview.

 Getting Prepared for the Interview

This may seem like a rudimentary task – but it is one of the most important to never overlook. You never know walking into an interview what types of technology interview questions may be asked. We have talked in previous blogs about interview preparation, you can check it out here.

 Another important aspect of getting prepared is to come to the interview with a few questions for the interviewer. This not only proves your interest in the company and the opportunity, but it is also a great way to get answers to some of the questions you might have.

 Formulating Specific Scenarios

One of the most important strategies is to pick two or three specific scenarios that relate to the position you are applying for. What are some of the scenarios you think an interviewer would ask? What are some of the ones you have been asked in the past? Where have you had challenges answering a question?

 Sometimes you may have to change the scenarios you have formulated based off what is being asked. But having two or three scenarios readily available in your head eases your thoughts when tough questions are being asked regarding past project management work, budgeting dilemmas, etc.

The STAR Method

The STAR method is also extremely helpful during those tough situational-based questions that are asked many times during a technology interview. These are the step-by-step instruction on how to answer questions following the STAR method:

• Situation: Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past.
• Task: What goal were you working toward?
• Action: Describe the actions you took to address the situation with an appropriate amount of detail and keep the focus on YOU.
• Result: Describe the outcome of your actions and don’t be shy about taking credit for your behavior. What happened? How did the project end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn? During this final step – Your answer can contain both positive and negative results, just make sure to focus on how you took action and learned from the negative results. This shows the initiative you took to make the end result right.
  
  

Past Experience

During the interview, it is important to thoroughly share and explain your experiences in your prior jobs and projects to the hiring manager. What have you done with important projects in the past and how has that experience proved useful in terms of the position you are applying for? Try bringing up specific numbers and data that showcase how valuable you were for the project and that truly show your expertise.

 Make your soft skills shine

Just because it’s a technical interview, it doesn’t mean you have to put your soft skills behind. Effective communication and teamwork are some skills that should shine no matter what position you are applying for. Not everyone is going to be as technical as you, so realizing that and being able to communicate and work with everyone no matter their position is critical.

 Be Confident

Knowing who you truly are and having confidence in your achievements is what can really set you apart! Confidence goes a long way in convincing the interviewer that you’re the right person for the job. Coming in prepared for an interview with knowledge of your past achievements, knowing and acknowledging your skills (both soft and technical) helps set yourself apart from the competition. Good Luck!

 Need more guidance? SkillStorm can help prep you for your interviews and help you land the job of your dreams. If you’d like to learn more or connect with a member of our recruitment team, just shoot us an email at apply@skillstorm.com.