The interview isn't just a test of your skills — it's your chance to show how you think, collaborate, and solve real-world challenges. So how do you turn that 60-minute screen into a job offer?
Here’s your insider playbook — straight from recruiters who see the winning moves every day.
Step 1: Prep Like a Pro — But Don’t Script It
- Know the role. Really know it. Re-read the job description and match it to your strengths.
- Study the company — not just the “About Us,” but their tech stack, projects, and pain points.
- Review your resume. Be ready to walk through your projects, stack, and decisions like you’re telling a story — not reading a list.
Pro tip: Don’t memorize answers. Prep themes. Think “this is a great story that shows my problem-solving.”
Step 2: Expect These Questions (and Nail Them)
Most tech interviews include a mix of technical, situational, and soft-skill questions. Be ready for:
1. "Tell me about a recent project.”
Focus on your role, the problem, the impact, and what you learned.
2. “How do you approach debugging?”
Show your process. Employers love structured thinkers.
3. “What’s your experience with [tool/language]?”
Be honest — and if you’re still learning it, say so with confidence and curiosity.
4. “Describe a conflict on a project team.”
Talk resolution, not drama. Show emotional intelligence.
Step 3: Tech Test Time? Own It
If there’s a technical test or whiteboard session:
- Clarify the prompt — repeat it back in your own words before diving in.
- Talk out loud — show how you think, not just the solution.
- Don’t panic if you get stuck. Explain what you’d try next or how you’d debug.
Pro tip: Interviewers aren’t always looking for perfect code — they’re looking for clarity, logic, and humility.
Step 4: The Questions You Ask Matter Too
At the end, don’t just ask about salary or timelines. Ask things that show curiosity, collaboration, and long-term thinking:
- How does the team work together during crunch times?
- What does success look like in the first 90 days?
- What are the biggest challenges for this role?
Bonus: 5 Things Interviewers Remember (That You Might Forget)
- Energy — Show interest. Ask follow-ups. Be present.
- Communication — Be concise but confident.
- Humility — Admit what you don’t know (and how you’d learn it).
- Preparation — Shows you care. And separates you from most.
- Follow-up — Send a brief thank-you. It matters.
Final Word: Confidence is Built, Not Faked
Every interview is practice. Every prep session builds your story. And when you go in ready — not rehearsed, but present — that’s when the magic happens.
At Ignite, we prep every candidate before every interview.
Want support? Let’s talk.
Contact Ignite:
info@ignitetechnical.com
www.ignitetechnical.com
Serving clients across Western Canada