The One About Software Engineering Interviewing
Mapping the Process After Years of Learning
I’ve recently reflected on my experiences as an interviewee in software engineering. As I trace through each interview, I have learned and improved. I’d like to share these learnings with a diagram I’d built from my last search and highlight the significant bits.
Practice Role-Playing
My most impactful learning is the value of practicing weekly with a friend. What I learned is that interviewing is a muscle. Finding a study buddy helped simulate real interview situations. This practice had a tangible improvement in offers. But even more so is that after securing a new job, we continue to practice once a week for an hour to be sharp at the interview skill, share stories, and continue to build a healthy relationship.
Partnering with Recruiting
I found success in partnering with recruiting as I went through the pipelines. Being courteous, providing feedback, and asking what to expect had better outcomes. Being honest about my position in my search, expectations, and asking informed questions was an advantage.
