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
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.
Good job. Try mock interviews in a high-pressure environment that feels real. Recording a video of yourself can help even more.
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!
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.
But if that's why you failed, then wasn't the interviewer just being too strict? You'll do better next time.
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.
Nervous about the personality interview ㅠㅠ I ended up basically memorizing a script too and it actually helped.