Tech Interview Tips

[toyt78]

I have a Web Developer interview and one of the questions will be:

"This position requires you work independently (managing stress and priorities, adjusting to change, meeting due dates and passing on information received). Give some examples of your ability to work independently."

Please advise a good direction I can take on my answer for this question and what other things I should point out in my interview.

 

[RoyVidar]

Hmmm - is it you or any of us who are trying to get that position?

Let's try to reverse the game - you provide some samples of what you believe is appropriate in this context, and I'm sure it will create a discussion involving members from both sides of the panel.

Roy-Vidar

 

[chiph]

toyt78 -
Has this never happened to you?

You'll do best to talk about things that have happened to you personally. If it's never happened, say so, but then talk about how you'd handle it.

Chip H.


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If you want to get the best response to a question, please read FAQ222-2244 first

 

[kHz]

How do you know interview questions beforehand?

 

[GUJUm0deL]

toyt78, tell the interviewer about any past jobs (freelance to regular) where you were in charge of a project. What I usually do is point out all my freelance work and tell them what my role in that was. Also mention tasks/duties from my regular work and cite examples about how I overcame some difficulties. Make sense??


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Just Imagine.

http://www.imajinarts.com

 

[willir]

toyt78

You should be able to draw analagies from past experiences that demonstrate your ability to adapt quickly to change. If you can not think of any business related experience, then think of school projects.

Examples:
Adjusting to change: Just prior to delivering a major group project, Johnny is sick...
Independance: Given a general outline of a project. You then have to dig up the details on what has to be done, when it has to be done, and the best approach to achieving the objective.

Your ideas should demonstrate independent thinking, problem solving and decision making.

Be sensitive that some business have to react quickly. And be sensitive that deliverables can be extremely important and time sensitive.

Then ask them...
- Do they have a change control procedure? Have them briefly sketch it out for you.
- If you are providing a "service" to a customer (r if internally), how does the customer request the change, and what are the normal time frames?
- To define "work independantly", and how you will be managed.
- Do they have standards, and are the very rigid or or more flexible?

These type of questions demonstrate that you are not a stranger to businesses processes.

Oh yea, one more thing. Make sure you can deliver. Getting a job is tough. Getting a job after you get canned because you were unqualified is much, much tougher.

Good luck on the interview.

 

[toyt78]

Thanks,

I know questions will center around stress situations.

Business processes are knowing the Configuration management and change processes? Business Rules are the rules the customer sets for you to code?

 

[TruthInSatire]

business rules (think regulations):

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:+business+rules

business process (think ISO or CMMi):

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=define:+business+process

Beware of programmers who carry screwdrivers.