How to Ace Your Junior Level Job Interview - Tips & Strategies

We are committed to providing you with the best possible experience during interviews, as we value our applicants’ time. We also want to help you improve, so we collected some general, commonplace feedback from our recruiters to provide generalized feedback on what to do and what not to do before and during an interview. These common-sense practices will always give you an advantage.

(We understand that personal interview feedback is a highly requested feature, especially for those new to the tech industry. Still, we don’t provide in-depth feedback usually as we believe conforming to our preferences isn’t helpful for your next interview. Each company has unique criteria, and following our subjective feedback may not yield positive results. Instead, we encourage you to be true to yourself and showcase your authentic self.)

Preparation is the key

Preparing for an interview can be nerve-wracking, but feeling confident and ready is important. While you don’t need to be an expert on the company, demonstrating a genuine interest in our work can go a long way. Take some time to learn about our products and think about questions you want to ask during the interview. If you have a unique connection to the company and what it does, such as a personal passion or a particular hobby, that’s even better - bring it up!

Summary

• Preparation will make you confident.
• Focus on the product of the company and questions to ask.
• Find unique connections! (Loving movies is great for JustWatch, for example)

Know what you want.

As recruiters, we want to understand if our offer is compatible with what you are looking for. We can only do this if you know what you want yourself. Knowing this is not about preparing a five-year career plan, but you should know your next step! Have a broad topic like “recommendation engines,” and add some specific technology you want to use in this context, as interviewers are prone to go into details for broad answers.

Understand why you want this position and what you expect to get from it. Make sure this makes sense in the context of what our company does, too - feel free to adjust your expectations based on that as long as it’s truthful.

This knowledge about yourself is the basis of everything we discuss in this article.

Summary

• Recruiters need to understand what you want.
• And so do you!
• Know your next step and some details about it.
• Adjust your expectations to what we are offering.

Look and sound your best!

Running interviews over the internet is fantastic as it saves a lot of time and effort on both sides. The downside is that you need to ensure your hardware isn’t selling you short. You should have the best sound and video quality you can get. (Sound is always more important!) Your appearance should be well-lit and properly framed, with the camera placed at eye level. Avoid unflattering camera angles, such as shots from below, the side, or above, as these can convey unintended messages. Furthermore, avoid using fake backgrounds and opt for blur filters instead to achieve a friendly, bright, and approachable appearance. Ensure you are clear and easy to listen to when it comes to sound. A lousy microphone will hurt you a lot as it strains the interview partner, can be annoying, and will pronounce other aspects like strong accents you might have. Wearing headphones is also recommended to ensure clear communication with the interviewer. Good video and sound do not have to be expensive. You can use your smartphone camera as a webcam with software like Camo or DroidCam and a desk lamp to get light in your face. A suitable USB-C Lavalier microphone is inexpensive and small, and you can also use it on phones and tablets.

Summary

• Poor video and sound quality will be very detrimental.
• Frame your picture and add light sources.
• Record yourself and make sure you are easy to understand.
• Substantial upgrades to video and audio can be had cheaply.

Don’t bore the audience.

KISS - Keep it simple and short

Talking aimlessly will give the impression that you are not prepared, structured, or thoughtful. Remember to be concise and focused when answering interview questions, especially in your introduction. By delivering a great introduction, you’ll make a solid first impression and increase your chances of success. Plan it out ahead of time and practice it. Aim for an opening that takes at most 3-5 minutes. We know it’s tempting to include all the details from your CV but do not re-read it as you were already invited based on it! The interviewer seeks context around the CV, so focus on the highlights and add some spice there. Do the same for standard questions that always come up: Know your answer and don’t improvise it. Going over the allotted time can risk losing the recruiter’s attention and will cut your time for exciting questions. Avoid pre-answering upcoming expected questions; you will disturb the rhythm of the interview. In the worst case, you will cut the interview short. If you can not answer a question, remember it and find an answer for next time.

Summary

• Keep your introduction around three to five minutes.
• Provide context to your CV.
• Give structured well paced answers.
• Prepare expectable questions.

Your goal is to get inside our heads!

Questions are the most important tool you have to influence the interview because you can make the interviewer think hard - don’t waste it. Asking questions also isn’t just about seeking information; it’s an opportunity to communicate more about yourself. Do you want to showcase your experience, interests or abilities? Then bring them up in a question and start a discussion. If the conversation is friendly, you will also show your reasoning skills as a slice of life of working with you.

Possible formats

• In the past, I worked with [?]. Do you use something similar?
• In your job posting, you wrote about [?]. How important is this for my day-to-day?
• I value [?] a lot. How does your company handle this?
• I read [?] on the internet about you. Could you talk more about that?

It’s a good idea to prepare a list of at least five insightful questions to increase your chances of having a productive interview. Plan to ask the three most relevant questions during the interview and keep the others in reserve if they have already been addressed before you can ask.

Ask about

• The team size and organizational style.
• The core value of the company.
• How the team/company attacks challenging problems.
• What is the business model in more detail?

However, it’s best to avoid asking mundane questions about salary or perks, as this information will likely be covered before signing a contract. Sometimes, you need to ask these questions anyway. The strategy is to ask your interesting main questions first and bring up these questions afterward. Also, like in your private life, advice should be only given on request. Avoid lecturing the interviewer at any cost. You don’t know the company well enough to do so, and you will sound arrogant and self-assured. Asking engaging questions will help you stand out much more than great answers.

Summary

• Questions are your most important tool.
• Questions communicate what is important to you.
• Prepare questions to use and reuse.
• Avoid questions about topics that will come up anyway.

Be your authentic, genuine self.

Ensuring that we are a good match for each other is essential during an interview. Even though you may have been hoping to work for us for a while, joining a company that isn’t the right fit can negatively impact your career.

Recruiters talk to many candidates, so if you found a supposedly unbeatable answer on social media, chances are they’ve heard it before. It’s always best to provide honest answers, even if they’re not what the interviewer expects. Working with people who appreciate and value your thoughts and ideas is important.

Similarly, questions you ask during an interview are statements too, and the interviewer wants to know what’s important to you. If you receive a dismissive response, it’s a sign that the other party may not be a good fit for you.

All in all, it’s essential to be yourself during the interview process and ensure that you find a company that matches your values and personality. Remember, you deserve to work for a company that appreciates and respects you as an individual.

Show us your best side.

When it comes to interviews, it’s crucial to show what makes you stand out. Whether you prefer to keep to yourself but have a wealth of knowledge on a particular subject or someone outgoing and great at making connections, highlight your unique qualities. During the interview, maintain a positive attitude and posture, sit straight, lean in when others speak, and maintain eye contact. Speak confidently and passionately while keeping your answers brief and to the point.

Feeling a bit anxious about making mistakes during an interview is normal. But remember, an interview is not a test. If you slip up, it’s not the end of the world. (And a good slip-up well handled is a positive!) Don’t let your lack of confidence in a particular skill set or language get the best of you. People tend to overthink and blow things out of proportion, especially when faced with uncertainty or change.

If you are nervous, don’t fight it, but accept it - feel free to announce it. Trying to hide it will just make you more anxious about being nervous.

Summary

• Just because you wanted to join a company for a long time, it is not necessarily a sound career move.
• Refrain from using answers to common questions you found online.
• Think about which statement your question is making.
• Make sure there is a professional and personal fit.
• Highlight your unique qualities.
• Stay positive in your verbal and body language.
• Being nervous is fine and expected.

What the interviewer should provide you

Interviews are not only about what you bring to the table but also about what the company does for you. That’s why we also want to add a little list of things to look out for, so you can judge if your interview was good and successful. Here are some things to keep in mind during the interview process:

• In general, all the aspects we told you to pay attention to should also be paid attention to by the interviewer.
• Pay attention to the energy and attitude of the interviewers. Are they engaged and enthusiastic, or do they seem dismissive and negative?
• Consider the authenticity of the interview. Does it feel genuine and honest, or does it seem scripted and insincere?
• Notice how the interviewer responds to your answers. Do they ask follow-up questions and show interest, or do they just move on to the next question on their list?
• Assess whether the interview feels like a conversation or a robotic exchange.
• See if you’re encouraged to ask questions and if you receive thorough answers. This behavior can be a good sign that the company values communication and transparency.
• The recruiter must explain the interview process and discuss salary expectations with you. If they don’t, it may be a red flag that the company doesn’t respect your time and needs.

Remember, if the interview doesn’t go well, give brief answers and let the recruiter lead the conversation. Stay aware of the situation and read the room. Ultimately, you deserve to work for a company that values and treats you with respect.

Summary

To ace an interview, it’s crucial to master the basics, know what you’re after, and present yourself in the best possible way. Avoid boring the interviewer and prioritize preparation. Remember to keep it simple and concise, with the ultimate goal of leaving a lasting impression. Don’t let nerves get the best of you; above all, be authentic. And remember, the interviewer should also treat you with respect, humility and provide you with the information.