Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Preparing For A Front-End Job Interview


Preparing For A Front-End Job Interview

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Moving on from your current job or stepping out into the real world once you’ve completed your studies can be daunting. Taking time to do a little preparation goes a long long way.
If you come across the perfect job, you will need to portray yourself in the best possible light to show that you are the right person for the position.
job-interview
It doesn’t always turn out as you expected. Image source: opensourceway.
Preparing for an interview as a front-end developer is hard. There is no “standard” interview, and what was relevant last year might no longer be relevant today. To make the process even more complicated, each company has its own way of interviewing prospective employees, its own desired skill set and its own duties for the incoming developer.
The interview process could be quick or drawn out. The process is out of your control, so don’t stress out too much about it. As long as you have given yourself the best possible chance of landing the job, that’s all you can do.
One thing to keep in mind: don’t be afraid to apply. Some job advertisements are worded to scare off some applicants and attract only the best of the best. If the job appeals to you and you meet the essential requirements, why not apply?
(Smashing’s note: If you enjoy reading our articles, you'll love the Smashing eBook Library. Get immediate access to all Smashing eBooks with 70% discount and vote on the topics you’d like to learn more about. We’ll prepare eBooks that fit your needs best! Subscribe now!)

Getting An Interview

Once you have found a job that appeals to you, it’s time to pour a big cup of coffee and knuckle down.
Read the job advertisement — read it again and again and again. The most important thing to do is really address the selection criteria. Submit exactly what they want; if you cannot do that, then do your best to show why you are the right person for the role.

Things To Help You Land An Interview

PERSONAL WEBSITE

For crying out loud, you’re a front-end developer: build a website! Take your time to learn while tweaking and modifying. If you don’t have the design skills, then pair up with a designer friend to help you out, buy a theme or even hire a designer.

UPDATE YOUR PORTFOLIO

How you incorporate your portfolio into the website comes down to personal preference. Showcasing the work you’ve been involved in can increase your chances of getting an interview. There is no need to show all of your work, just your best.
If you are a newcomer to the field, you might find it hard to fill out a portfolio. This is not a big concern. It might just take a little more preparation. For example, you could do the following:
  • Ask around to see if any family or friends need a website,
  • Build a website for your local sporting club,
  • Create a WordPress plugin,
  • Create a splash page for an imaginary application.
The possibilities are endless. It requires just a few more hours at your desk, but the effort will pay off.

COVER LETTER

Not all job advertisements ask for a cover letter these days. Generally, the body of the email will suffice. If you are required to supply a cover letter, though, make sure to address the given questions, and write in a professional yet friendly manner. There’s no need to be over the top, but don’t be too casual either. Before hitting the “Send” button, double-check your spelling and proofread the email to make sure it reads well. Better still, get someone to triple-check it.

RESUME

This is generally a one-page document and one of the first items an employer will look at. First impressions count, so make sure it conveys your skills, values and experience accurately.
If you are required to provide an online version, LinkedIn, Zerply and Stack Overflow are all great services. Whichever you use, ensure the resume is up to date and sets out your skills, values and experience.

GO THE EXTRA MILE

If the company you are applying to is outstanding, you will certainly not be the only one applying. To stand out, why not take the time to put together a personalized website specifically for this application? Doing this not only shows that you have gone above and beyond what is required, but shows off your repertoire of skills and shows that you really want the position.
Another great draw card is to be active in the community. Participate in online conversations, answer questions on Stack Overflow, fork GitHub repositories, dig through code, and keep on learning. If you find you need a tool or resource that doesn’t exist, try to build it. Open-source the code and add it to GitHub. Having a solid GitHub account that showcases your projects and involvement in the community can add that “Wow” factor to your application, especially with more technically oriented companies.

KEEP YOUR ONLINE PROFILE CLEAN

Once you have submitted your application, there is a high probability that the employer will search online for you. Make sure your Twitter feed, Facebook page, LinkedIn profile and so on are clean and represent your professionalism.

Possible Pre-Interview Step

An extra step in the normal recruitment process is not unheard of. This often involves a simple coding challenge or a phone interview. Companies tend to do this in order to shortlist applicants.
Don’t be afraid of a coding challenge. Treat it as an opportunity to show off your skills. Go the extra mile — take your time and execute it to your best ability. Show them that you know your stuff.
For example, I have been asked on several occasions before an interview to code modules that were currently being used on the company’s live website.
If you are asked to interview by phone or Skype, be prepared. Do some research, and have some notes handy. Be confident and passionate about the role. Get comfortable wherever you take the call. The more relaxed you are, the better. Just because you are on the phone, doesn’t mean you should forgo general interview etiquette.

The Interview

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

When the interview comes around, put in as much effort as you can. Preparing will give you a huge advantage and will hopefully calm your nerves. It is the key to increasing your chances of landing the job.

RESEARCH

Before the interview, take some time to look into the company, its people, its values, its current and past projects, and its history.
Investigating the company’s competitors is also a good idea. It will help you to see what the company and its competitors do well, and identify areas of improvement that you can discuss with the employer. It will also show that you have done your research and that you are able to think outside of your “code editing” role, which could make a big difference.
Moreover, knowing who you will be interviewed by and researching the caliber of the staff will be to your advantage.

PRACTICE ANSWERING SOME QUESTIONS

Get comfortable talking out loud about yourself and what you have to offer. No two interview questions will be the same, but this compilation of questions on GitHub by leading front-end developers is a great resource.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

First impressions count. Be on time (but not too early). Dress appropriately. Starting off the interview on the right foot will give you a massive advantage and will help to calm your nerves. Being polite, excited and knowledgable will put you in a good position.
Throughout the interview, show how passionate and enthusiastic you are for the position. No employer wants to hire someone who seems disinterested. Try to keep calm, even if you are ridiculously nervous. Try to convey positive energy, rather than let your nerves get the better of you.
For example, I was given the task of coding on a whiteboard in one of my interviews. Not only was this completely unnatural, but it really pushed my knowledge. Try to remain calm and focused if you are put in such a situation. Preparing for the unexpected is difficult — just do your best.
Know your strengths, and talk them up where possible. Turn any of your negative attributes into positives. If you lack a particular skill set or area of knowledge, there is no need to highlight it. Instead, emphasize what you have to offer; for example, that you are a quick and eager learner and can easily acquire any skill set necessary to perform the job.

TAKE ALONG SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK

If you have a portfolio, take your laptop or tablet in with you to show the employer samples of your work. This will allow you to explain your work in greater detail, including showing off your code under the hood. This interaction with your work will create a more memorable impression than just giving a description or a link.

TALK ABOUT SIDE PROJECTS

Talking about any interesting and relevant side projects will enhance your prospects. Much can be said about what someone does in their free time. If you live and breathe front-end Web development, make this known to the interviewer.

ANSWER THE QUESTIONS

Be succinct, but give well-rounded answers. If you feel you can’t answer a question, explain how you would find the answer, or at least turn the situation into a positive and show them what you do have to offer.
Keep the interview flowing, but don’t waffle. Waffling is dangerous. You could easily divert into saying something you will regret. There is a fine line between giving too much away and intriguing the interviewer.

ASKING YOUR OWN QUESTIONS

Take along a list of questions to pose to the interviewer (or panel) in the final stages of the interview process. You might be too overwhelmed or exhausted to remember the questions, so a note might come in handy.
Here are some questions you could ask:
  • What kind of work will I be doing in general?
  • Is this a new position that has opened up because of more work?
  • What is the company’s policy on work-life balance?
  • What kind of tools or software are provided in the workplace?
  • What would I be working on first?
  • Am I allowed to do other work after hours?
  • Is there a budget for conferences or training?

BEFORE PARTING WAYS

Before you leave, find out the next step — i.e. the timeline for when you will be advised of whether you’ve been chosen. Then, thank the interviewer for the opportunity and for taking the time to meet with you.

Post-Interview

If the interview has gone well, your referees (or at least one of them) will no doubt be contacted. Giving them a head’s up is courteous. It would also help if they knew some details about the position before getting quizzed about you.
If you feel you have waited long enough to hear whether you’ve gotten the position, send a follow-up email. Try not to come across as impatient, though. I have waited up to six weeks for an initial response.
Interviews are hard! Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get the job. Make the most of any positive feedback, and work on the negative feedback so that you have even more positives in your next application. And reflect on how the interview went. Jotting down any matters you felt you could improve on will assist you the next time around.
If you are offered the job but are unsure whether to accept it, you could contact current or past employees via services such as LinkedIn. This insight into their experiences and the workplace will help you make an informed decision.

Conclusion

The interview can make or break whether you land your dream job. Regardless of whether you have the right skills, the best portfolio and the most experience, if you cannot sell yourself during the interview, you might not convince the employer that you are the one for the job. Your skills and experience will not go unnoticed, but a poor interview performance would detract from them.
So, to put your best foot forward, make the most of pre-interview preparation, and have confidence in yourself.
Good luck!

FURTHER READING


http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2013/01/04/preparing-front-end-job-interview/
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Getting on the career ladder in 2013


Getting on the career ladder in 2013

The graduate job market remains intensely competitive. But if you're determined to succeed, these tips will help
Escalators at Copenhagen Underground station
Do you want to start your ascent into the professional world this year? Photograph: Alamy
If you want to make the most of the new year impetus and get onto the career ladder in 2013, here are some tips to help you on your way.

Before you start, know what and why

The single most important preparation for job-search success is to clarify what you're looking for, what you offer and why this particular job role and industry are right for you.
Complete the following statement: "By 2016, I want to be earning my living by doing X. I will be good at it because Y and it is the right job for me because Z."
It really doesn't matter if over the next 12-18 months you change your mind; just adjust your career plans accordingly. The benefit of clarity now is that you have an objective for your search and will be able to prioritise your efforts on the most suitable jobs for you.
Don't start researching vacancies until you are clear about what you want and need from the job that will launch your career, even if you're studying a vocational degree and looking into a specific profession. Consider issues such as: your definition of job satisfaction, location, training opportunities, salary, personal interests, your current skill level and what you definitely don't want to do. If you can't describe for yourself what interests you in the world of work, you won't be able to articulate that to a recruiter or potential employer.

Quality above quantity

Remember, this says "above", it doesn't say "not". Don't be panicked by the economic news into applying for everything and anything. Your health and grades will suffer if you overstretch yourself. Start with your long-term vision and focus your efforts on the right jobs for you. Certainly you'll have to work hard (successful applications usually take days of work), but you'll be working on the right areas.

Differentiate yourself

You've already demonstrated that you're capable of learning and undertaking new tasks – university and school proved that. What potential employers are interested in is what makes you tick? How are you unique and do you describe your unique potential?
Even if you're heading for a technical role that applies your degree, your competencies, such as leadership, problem-solving or collaboration, are still important. In your applications, include examples where you demonstrated these core behaviours, for instance, through volunteering, holiday jobs, work placements or study.

Get organised

Successful applicants are never surprised by deadlines and can always find their notes when required to deliver at a phone interview. Complete applications well within deadlines to give yourself review time; it's astonishing how many people deliver material that has not been proofread, with an hour to go until the deadline.
Try buddying up with someone targeting a different industry and help each other critique applications. Always review any interview or assessment centre immediately afterwards too: take some notes on what went well, what went less well and what you'll learn for your next application. You'll see your interviewing skills and confidence grow as you get more experience. For example, one of my coachees last year decided to dress up for every phone interview. She had all her notes ready on the desk and felt confident in her interview suit. It might sound silly but it put her in the frame of mind for success.

Spread your net wide

While still applying point one, be creative in your jobseeking. SMEs are offering far more graduate entry career development nowadays. Look across the market to see if roles outside the milkround could work for you.

http://careers.guardian.co.uk/getting-on-career-ladder-2013
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Scoring a job: Interview preparation


Scoring a job: Interview preparation

The Independent's student guide to snagging that first job

SOPHIE WARNES Author Biography
 
 
TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013
 
 
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Have you made your an awesome CV yet? Simple, but so many people have mistakes in their CVs or don't spend as much time as they should on them. Have a look at our handy guide to creating a killer CV and cover letter. This should tell you everything you need to know about writing a readable, useful and appealing CV.
Once you’ve bagged yourself an interview, you need to get your thinking cap on and start preparing.
Get to know the company inside out
You need to get into the vibe, or at the very least, get good at pretending to be really interested in what the company does. Remember that you’re competing with other people who might have more experience than you. Get a feel for what the company does, and how it achieves that. What do they do that makes them unique? Ask yourself honestly: why are you applying for a job with them and not another company? What do they do that you really like? What could they improve on? Identify their competitors. Is there anything their competitors do well that they could try and replicate? This sort of information is really useful for you to have in mind; employers like graduates who are innovative and come up with solutions. You might also want to look at the industry more broadly - is there legislation about to be pushed through that will drastically affect that sector?
Read and re-read the job specification
Simple stuff, but there’s no point going to an interview off the cuff and having no idea of the kinds of things they might ask you. If you read the job/person specification, it should mention the kind of skills or attributes they want their new employee to have. Use that to figure out what kind of questions they might ask, and think of ways to answer it. For example, if they say that you need to be a team player, you should think of a scenario where you’ve played a key part in a team, and how you helped to make that project or team a success. Which leads onto the next point nicely…
Write out real life examples you can use
You need to have a notepad with a go-to list of examples of scenarios where you have proved that you have a certain skill or ability. It can be from work, from university, or even in an informal context. Think of scenarios where you’ve proved you have the following: communication skills; leadership skills; initiative; problem-solving skills; organisational skills; commitment. Some of these skills and examples might already be highlighted in your CV, but it doesn't matter if you say it again. It’s also a good idea to try and think of examples where things have gone wrong – don’t be too eager to share them at your interview, but if you don’t have a ‘bad’ story where something didn't go quite to plan, some employers might be suspicious - they know that nobody is perfect, and it's best to own your mistakes.
Go through it with someone
Do a mock interview with someone else! Two heads are always better than one – if you have someone around who has a spare half an hour, explain to them the job you’re going for, and give them potential questions to ask you. They might be able to come up with some good questions for you as well. Doing a mock interview helps because rather than having it written down, you get the opportunity to talk it over with someone, and see how confident you are at reeling off your experiences quite easily.
Always ask questions
At the end you’ll get a chance to ask questions. Never let it go by! Asking questions may seem irritating but actually it shows you’re interested in the job, and that you’re engaging in a conversation rather than being interrogated. Before your interview, start writing down really simple ones like “Is there a uniform?” “What kind of hours am I expected to work?” “Who do I answer to?” – then think of other things that you want to know about your potential job. The interviewer might answer these for you in the course of the interview, but make sure that you at least get out a notepad and ‘check’ to see if you have any questions that are unanswered. If not, explain to them that you had questions but that they’ve answered them. They’ll be pleased that you were keen enough to really think about the job. If you're feeling confident, you could also ask the interviewer about them and their career; how did they get to that position? What's the company like?
What happens if you don't get the job?
Sometimes, even if you have a storming interview, you won't get the first or even the second or third job you interview for. This isn't necessarily a reflection of your ability to do a job; sometimes employers will cut their list down to two or three candidates, and they cannot choose, so pick an arbitrary reason to employ one person. The person that gets the job over you may live closer, which means they're less likely to be late. They may know someone who works at the company already, so they will fit in more easily. Don't let rejection dishearten or discourage you because it's not necessarily that you are not good enough. Times are tough, and you need to be resilient and determined in order to get a job as a young graduate.
Popular questions and ideas to think about
  • How did you get here/how do you plan on coming in to work? (If you live far away)
  • What are your strengths/weaknesses?
  • Give me a scenario where you’ve worked in a successful team
  • Tell me about a time when you’ve worked under pressure
  • Talk me through a time when something went wrong and the steps you took to correct it
  • Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
  • What made you apply for this job?
  • Where else have you applied for a job?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • Describe yourself in 5 words
  • What do you like doing outside of work?

http://www.independent.co.uk/student/career-planning/getting-job/scoring-a-job-interview-preparation-8231208.html
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