My First Interview Went Like This

When I first begin submitting my resume to apply for jobs, I never thought I get a callback or even an interview. I thought the skills that I had couldn’t withstand the scrutiny of an interview. I thought that I was unprepared for the responsibility that came with being a software engineer. And I thought that recruiters or hiring managers would not take the little experience I had seriously.

But they did.

When they got back to me about the interview, I panicked, as everyone does.

What questions would they ask?

Would questions wouldn’t I know?

Would there be a technical portion?

Could I even pass the technical portion?

All of these questions racing through my head, but I knew one thing, I had to prepare.

1. Study your projects

   1. The projects you have built may not be fresh in your mind when you go into an interview but they should be. Review the code. Ask yourself what you did successfully and what you struggled with because they will question you about them.

2. Review The Job Description

   1. The job description tells you mostly everything you need to know. Review it and see what areas you can identify as your weakness. If you are weak at CSS, try to brush up on it. Code something or study the properties of the language.

3. Recite your answers

   1. You know what types of baseline questions that you will be asked in an interview. Why should we hire you? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Why do you see yourself with this company? And so forth. Answering the questions ahead of time can ease some nerves when in the real interview

I did all three of things before my interview.

And I didn’t get the job.

In the interview I didn’t know alot about certain topics but that did not deter me. I answered the questions to the best of my ability and when they asked a question I had know answer to, I said, “I don’t know.” Because that is the truth. If you don’t know, say that but steer the question back into something positive about your character.

“I don’t know”

“But I am a quick learner who takes initiative when there is something I need to learn.”

“I don’t know”

“But I am aware of the gaps in my knowledge and I am currently taking courses to gain those skills.”

Yes, my first interview was a disappointment but I learned so much from it. I learned that is was okay not to know. I learned what my strength and weakness are. And most importantly I learned that I could interview again and become better.

So, if you find yourself faltering in an interview, remember: it's not a failure, but an opportunity to grow. Each setback paves the way for future success. Embrace the journey, and soon, you'll land that dream job, armed with the wisdom gained from every "failed" interview.