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Interview advice that got me offers

zainrizvi.io

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Re: Interview advice that got me offers

#141

Post by ZainRiz »

slg wrote: post #101

>Learn to answer the more ambiguous questions This is something I have never done before my most recent job search but it has been a huge help. Previously all my interview prep was on tech and I pretty much winged it for the behavioral stuff since interview prep guides seem to always focus on the tech side. Plus it always feels worse and more obvious when you struggle with or fail to properly answer the tech question…

This is great advice.

A single memorable event you went though tends to highlight many different skills, so having a few stories down well will let you answer most of those questions

And what if it doesn't answer the interviewer's question perfectly?

Their real goal was to try to get to know you better. The question was just a prompt to get a better signal about you, and you delivered above and beyond what was asked.

Re: Interview advice that got me offers

#142

Post by caffeine »

I think the most valuable thing to know about interviewing is: go in to interviews already holding a job offer.

So to be clear I'm saying: interview at companies you don't like until you get an offer.

THEN rush the recruiters at companies you do like to get you scheduled quickly, because you are holding an offer and they don't want to miss out.

This lights recruiters and hiring managers on fire. It makes sure you have practiced enough to succeed. It destresses the interview for you since you have a backup.

It is the ultimate and most powerful interviewing technique.

Re: Interview advice that got me offers

#143

Post by jawns »

caffeine wrote: post #142

I think the most valuable thing to know about interviewing is: go in to interviews already holding a job offer. So to be clear I'm saying: interview at companies you don't like until you get an offer. THEN rush the recruiters at companies you do like to get you scheduled quickly, because you are holding an offer and they don't want to miss out. This lights recruiters and hiring managers on fire. It makes sure you hav…

> This lights recruiters and hiring managers on fire.

Not always. Sometimes it has a repulsive effect. Like trying to score a first date when you're already flaunting the fact that you're engaged to someone else.

Re: Interview advice that got me offers

#144

Post by mv4 »

I interviewed a lot last year at FAANG, and my biggest takeaway was that the recruiter is your friend. Understand what they are looking for and make their job easier - and they will be your biggest advocate.

It helps to understand what their job is exactly (and their success metrics) depending on where you are in the process.

For example, early on you may be dealing with a sourcer whose job is to fill the funnel with qualified leads - while later in the process you may be dealing with someone whose job is to close the deal (get you to accept that offer).

Communication is key. Do not hesitate to ask for advice, for guidance every step of the way, and ask how you can make the process easier - and it will become easier for you.

Re: Interview advice that got me offers

#145

Post by hef19898 »

caffeine wrote: post #142

I think the most valuable thing to know about interviewing is: go in to interviews already holding a job offer. So to be clear I'm saying: interview at companies you don't like until you get an offer. THEN rush the recruiters at companies you do like to get you scheduled quickly, because you are holding an offer and they don't want to miss out. This lights recruiters and hiring managers on fire. It makes sure you hav…

Besides FOMO this has the added benefit of boosting your own confidence. You already successfully interviewed once and you are more relaxed.

Re: Interview advice that got me offers

#146

Post by a_wild_dandan »

908B64B197 wrote: post #129
a_wild_dandan wrote: post #120

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I'm honestly not sure what I'd replace it with if I were. Just to theorize: how about having the interviewee write a narrowly scoped toy project that's relevant to the position? (Edit: On site, as a replacement for white boarding.) A JS to-do app for a front-end engineer, for instance. Just a short thing you and the candidate can attack together in a couple hours. The candidate can write "normal" code, google thing…

> Just a short thing you and the candidate can attack together in a couple hours Unless your hiring pipeline is absolutely perfect (you pretty much get great candidates all the time and almost no bad ones) this doesn't scale at all.

Could you explain why it scales worse than current typical interview sessions?

Re: Interview advice that got me offers

#147

Post by hnrodey »

chrisseaton wrote: post #137
hnrodey wrote: post #133

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Trying to understand their thought process, is the candidate coachable, can the candidate accept feedback, does the candidate at least understand the underlying ideas, etc. The more prestigious the employer then the less forgiving they are on your shortcomings.

> is the candidate coachable, can the candidate accept feedback, does the candidate at least understand the underlying ideas ...isn't that judging? Making a judgement on whether a candidate is coachable is judging isn't it?

Apologies are due, sir. Two things happened. First, I hastily read through the question and rushed my response. Second, just a few minutes prior I finished a workout and was quite exasperated.

The use of the term "not judging" is a bit strange, without further context.

Re: Interview advice that got me offers

#148

Post by hnrodey »

a_wild_dandan wrote: post #146
908B64B197 wrote: post #129

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Just a short thing you and the candidate can attack together in a couple hours Unless your hiring pipeline is absolutely perfect (you pretty much get great candidates all the time and almost no bad ones) this doesn't scale at all.

Could you explain why it scales worse than current typical interview sessions?

On one hand, it would currently double the time commitment from me (and my interviewing peers) per candidate. That would be a tough pill to swallow.

Interview processes are designed mostly for the employer, not the candidate. That's just the reality.

Re: Interview advice that got me offers

#149

Post by decafninja »

a_wild_dandan wrote: post #146
908B64B197 wrote: post #129

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Just a short thing you and the candidate can attack together in a couple hours Unless your hiring pipeline is absolutely perfect (you pretty much get great candidates all the time and almost no bad ones) this doesn't scale at all.

Could you explain why it scales worse than current typical interview sessions?

Because a candidate can grind leetcode and prepare for a huge number of companies.

On the other hand, something like a homework assignment is typically good for a single company, and if you fail, it's time and effort and emotional energy down the toilet.

Re: Interview advice that got me offers

#150

Post by chrisabrams »

jawns wrote: post #143
caffeine wrote: post #142

I think the most valuable thing to know about interviewing is: go in to interviews already holding a job offer. So to be clear I'm saying: interview at companies you don't like until you get an offer. THEN rush the recruiters at companies you do like to get you scheduled quickly, because you are holding an offer and they don't want to miss out. This lights recruiters and hiring managers on fire. It makes sure you hav…

> This lights recruiters and hiring managers on fire. Not always. Sometimes it has a repulsive effect. Like trying to score a first date when you're already flaunting the fact that you're engaged to someone else.

> Not always. Sometimes it has a repulsive effect. Like trying to score a first date when you're already flaunting the fact that you're engaged to someone else.

In what universe is this an acceptable analogy for anything?

Edit: Make sure to include the quote.

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