How I Failed an Interview - Lessons Learned
I recently had an interview at a mid-sized IT company and didn't get the job. After analyzing the reasons:
First, my answers to technical questions were weak. I focused too much on 'projects I've worked on' and neglected basic concepts.
Second, I failed in time management during the coding test. I spent too long on one problem.
Third, I was nervous during the personality interview and rambled.
In the future, I need to review basic textbooks and practice mock interviews a lot. Does anyone have interview preparation tips to share?
8 answers
Yeah, I can relate
I've had a similar experience. My fundamentals weren't solid, so I got completely exposed in the tech interview. So now I'm reviewing CS. Fighting!
Well... at a mid-sized IT interview, it's rare for a company not to ask basic concepts. Only focusing on projects is risky. Reviewing textbooks is essential.
Time management tip: If you're stuck on a problem for more than 15 minutes during the coding test, just skip it. I passed because I did that.
Nervous about the personality interview ㅠㅠ I ended up basically memorizing a script too and it actually helped.
From an interviewer's perspective: If you can't answer basic questions, even boasting about your projects can backfire. It's better to emphasize your fundamentals.
But if that's why you failed, then wasn't the interviewer just being too strict? You'll do better next time.
Good job. Try mock interviews in a high-pressure environment that feels real. Recording a video of yourself can help even more.