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- It's Not What You Know...
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When people prep for tech interviews, there’s a lot of pressure to appear perfect. You have to know the specific algorithm to solve a problem. And to back up that knowledge, you have to have a degree from a prestigious university, but here’s a truth you don’t hear often enough:
You don’t have to be the most experienced person in the room to get the job. You just have to show you’re the most adaptable.
In one of my interviews, I was up against candidates with technical degrees and likely more textbook experience. But I still got the job. Why? Because I didn’t try to pretend I had all the answers. I showed I had the mindset to figure things out.
That’s what many hiring managers want to see: your resiliency, your adaptability, your persistence.
In fast-paced environments like tech, tools and frameworks change. What matters more than memorized knowledge is how you respond to new challenges. Are you resourceful? Can you communicate clearly? Will you ask for help when you need it and keep moving?
Here’s how to highlight potential in your interviews:
Talk through your thinking. Don’t just say the answer—show how you got there.
Be honest about gaps. Then pivot to how you’re addressing them.
Show curiosity. Mention the things you’re learning on your own time.
Give examples of growth. Stories about how you tackled something new or improved over time are gold.
It’s okay to be a work in progress. Most of us are.
So, the next time you walk into an interview, remember: they’re not just hiring who you are today. They’re investing in who you can become.
Show them that.
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