Don't's
Don't apply for the role if you are not qualified. Some candidates show up for the interview without informing the company, which is considered unprofessional.
Read the complete job posting from the company website and reach out to the HR person if you have any questions. Don't include false information in your resume as ethics matters in the industry. Providing false information will result in being blacklisted by the company and its affiliates.
Send a strong resume,
I've come across numerous technical individuals who are skilled engineers but fail to showcase themselves effectively. Although they possess the ability to write software, they still create resumes using outdated formatting techniques. Your resume serves as a form of self-promotion, so it's important to invest time and effort into crafting one that presents you in the best light. Dedicate a week or a month to writing a comprehensive and appealing resume, as it can often carry more weight than your technical abilities. I have written an article with tips on how to write an outstanding resume, please take a look if you feel that your current CV needs improvement.
Some tips for the interview
Interviews can be challenging, but if you're successful in getting through them, you'll have the chance to work with a talented group of international individuals. The interview format may vary between teams, as I am not currently involved in the hiring process.
HR interview
The HR representative will assess if you're the right fit for the role and also gauge your English speaking skills. It's important to have a brief summary ready for "Tell me about yourself" and to be prepared for questions such as "Why are you interested in this role?" and "What's wrong with your current job and country?". If the HR representative determines that you are a suitable candidate, you will be invited to a technical interview.
Technical Interview
This interview may be conducted by an Engineering Manager and a Team Lead. There is no set syllabus for this interview, but based on my experience and assumptions, they may focus on the following areas:
Software design pattern
SOLID principles
How web and HTTP work
System design
Testing
Algorithms
We extensively use hexagonal design patterns in all our projects, it is not a requirement to know about them.
They may present you with scenarios of software complexities and expect you to come up with a balanced solution. Simply reading articles online won't suffice, as practical experience is key in these types of interviews.
Coding challenge
It's important to submit the coding challenge as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, as you will be competing against international candidates. Don't wait for too long or you might lose the opportunity.
Code review
If the hiring team is impressed with your code solution, they will invite you for a code review session. During this session, they may ask you questions related to your code, such as:
Why did you use a try-catch block for the entire control flow?
Why did you not validate the data?
Why did you not add a limit to pagination?
Have you considered adding a test for certain scenarios?
Remember, there is no one correct solution to these questions. Just be confident and prepared to explain your thought process and reasoning behind your decisions. Keep in mind that everyone makes mistakes, including the hiring team.
Final interview with Founder
The founder and HR team may pose challenging questions during your final interview. It is recommended that you thoroughly research the company and come prepared with thought-provoking questions of your own. Some examples of questions you could ask include:
Offering
Congratulations on making it to the offering stage! The HR team will now discuss compensation and benefits with you.
Some bonus tips
Be authentic and genuine
Be communicative and conversational
Always prepare questions for the interviewers, including technical questions for technical people, questions for HR, and questions for the founder.
Let me know if you require additional information, and I will make an effort to provide it in my free time.
Thanks for making it here.
