Have a technical interview (level 3)

Original author: Guest Contributor
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We continue the conversation on how to pass the technical interview , which we started here . So, the next level is the software manager.

Boss - Software Manager:
  • interested in skills for solving complex problems;
  • Confident of the importance of being consistent with corporate culture
  • looking for those who are able to work productively, and not just do the job as it appears;
  • Needs a professional development team ;
  • interested in those who love and want to learn.

Level 3: Boss - Software Manager


Posted by Ben Weiss, Internet Marketing Strategy Specialist at Infusive Solutions.

One of the main things to remember when trying to defeat a software manager at the third level of an interview is that having a specialist in technical education gives him the opportunity to evaluate a candidate at the macro level.

It is assumed that if the programmer passed a technical interview, then the degree of his professional training meets the criteria for admission to a vacant position. And now you need to check with him the presence of basic skills that help solve problems .

Keeping this in mind, we present several cheat codes that can be used in preparation for the fight with the software administrator.

Don't just answer the question


Due to the many subtleties that accompany the work of creating software, a candidate with only encyclopedic knowledge of codes may not be enough.

Real professionals should increase the value of their knowledge with quick wit, which can be aimed at a balanced and calm solution to complex problems with the development of a step-by-step action plan.

These skills are very difficult to identify. Therefore, many software managers will begin to ask questions that seem difficult or even absurd just to see the candidate’s reaction.

One of these questions may fall into the category “How many boxes of pizza were delivered in Manhattan in a year?” Despite the fact that, at first glance, this sounds pointless, the best applicants will grab a pen and paper and begin to develop a strategy to get at least a rough answer.

For example, you can start with the fact that Manhattan covers an area of ​​approximately 23 square miles, and estimate the number of pizzerias per unit area. And then estimate how many deliveries each institution delivers daily, and come to at least a rude conclusion.

This approach is more successful than a simple naming of a number or a pose with a glazed look into space. In fact, you will almost certainly look better than the next candidate, who has a lot of experience and a chubby resume, but is deprived of the ability to understand the problem in terms of logic. After all, this will mean that he does not know how to think outside the box and successfully copes with the task, only receiving typical instructions.

Take an interest in the big picture


Similarly, software administrators recognize as the best among applicants those who want to understand how their technical niche will affect the overall prospects of the company.

Therefore, they will seek evidence that you do not just want to do your job, but want to do it so that it makes life easier for the entire organization and even its customers or customers.

One of the strategies that software managers can use to do this is to complete a simple task by drawing a moving figure. In this case, the average applicant will simply portray what first comes to mind. But the best applicant will begin to clarify the details: “For which audience - male or female - does a character need? What is it made of? Should he have accessories? ”

Additional questions of this type are excellent for demonstrating to the manager that you belong to that category of people who want to organically fit their work into the general task of the company, and do not hope to quickly complete all the tasks and go home.

The key point is that you must remember: many questions at the highest levels of the interview may not be what they seem.

Tell us what keeps you up to date


Given the rapid development of technology, software managers are looking for potential programmers among those who have the makings of a leader in their field and keep up with new trends . After all, such people will undoubtedly be able to improve their style and skills simultaneously with the development of the entire industry. Therefore, by talking about your regular visits to the Microsoft-based developer network and observing Scott Guthrie, you’ll be more impressed with your conversation partner than you’ll be told about your love of blogging in your free time.

In addition, even if you do not need to be an expert, for example, in working with the latest version of C #, software managers are still interested in applicants who are versed in new products and discoveries regarding the latest and main stages of development of the industry.

In this regard, if you have not used the latest version of this or that technology, take the trouble to find out about current news in order to at least seem knowledgeable.

Demonstrate your desire to learn and influence


Mid-size software developers want to find work. Ideal job seekers want a place where they can improve their professional abilities, be useful and be noticed.

To demonstrate to the manager that you are an ideal applicant, ask questions about what you can learn at work, or how you, as a developer, can accelerate the transition of an idea to the implementation stage. This will emphasize the features that are very popular: the willingness to constantly grow and develop, as well as the desire to succeed in the company.

You have just come out of a fight with a software manager as a winner, ready to complete your quest to get the desired post of a software developer after meeting with the last boss - the technical director.

PS We recommend another article on the topic - 9 incredibly successful people and the first work that made them who they are.

The author of the translation is Vyacheslav Davidenko, founder of MBA Consult .

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