Mistake 1: Giving Up Midway Through a Technical Interview

Technical interviews are intentionally challenging.

Evaluating a junior developer with complex LeetCode-style questions is akin to asking a truck driver to participate in a sports car time trial as part of their evaluation. It’s excessive. These types of questions don't accurately reflect the real-world tasks a developer faces in their job.

Reflecting on my initial five technical interviews, I abandoned the tests halfway through, feeling overwhelmed by the difficulty of the questions and my perceived inadequacy. In hindsight, this was a significant error.

What to do instead:

Make an effort to tackle the problem; if you run out of time, submit your incomplete solution. Employers are often more interested in how you manage challenging situations rather than expecting you to solve every problem flawlessly. They understand that junior developers are still in the learning phase and are looking for a candidate with the right mindset and potential.

Mistake 2: Avoiding Applications Based on Experience Requirements

Every job board features listings like:

“Junior Front-End Developer: Requires 2 years of experience in React.”

However, most employers don’t anticipate that applicants will meet every experience requirement. They are simply outlining what their ideal candidate might look like. Interestingly, many of those ideal candidates with two years of experience aren’t even considering junior developer positions, nor are they interested in a junior developer's salary.

What to do instead:

Always put in an application, even if you believe you don’t have a chance. Some job vacancies remain unfilled for extended periods, with employers searching for candidates who possess the essential skills.

Mistake 3: Guessing Answers to Questions You Don't Know

It’s a common error to try and impress an interviewer by guessing answers to questions you’re uncertain about. This approach can make you seem uninformed and may jeopardize your interview.

What to do instead:

Be transparent and admit when you don’t know the answer. As a developer, you will frequently encounter questions that stump you. Instead, explain how you would seek the answer. For instance, you might say:

“I’m not certain about that answer. However, if I faced this issue at work, I would consult the relevant technical documentation to find a solution.”

This method demonstrates:

• That you prioritize clarity over pride.
• Your curiosity in discovering the solution.
• Your honesty.

Mistake 4: Memorizing Programming Language Functions

Avoid the trap of spending hours trying to memorize every function in a programming language. Software engineers frequently look up basic functions; it’s more about understanding than rote memorization.

What to do instead:

Concentrate on showcasing your grasp of programming principles. Fundamental concepts, such as Object-Oriented Programming, algorithms, and the ability to write clean, reusable code, are far more crucial than simply recalling function names.

Mistake 5: Concealing Your Personality

While your technical skills may grant you an interview opportunity, it’s your personality that can help you secure the job. Many candidates mistakenly treat interviews as interrogations. Being overly reserved and only responding when prompted won’t leave a lasting impression.

In situations where hiring managers must choose between candidates with similar skills, who do you think will be favored? Generally, it’s the candidate who showcased their unique personality.

What to do instead:

View the interview as a formal two-way dialogue. Let your personality shine—whether the interviewer connects with it or not. There’s no advantage in being overly guarded. Unless your personality tends to rub people the wrong way, allow your individuality to show.

By highlighting your character, you can:

• Exhibit confidence.
• Make a lasting impression.

If you can bring a smile to the interviewer’s face, they will likely remember you, which can be pivotal when making hiring decisions. Conversely, if you respond mechanically, you risk being dismissed, much like a robot.