First Coding Job Interview with recruiter Tomorrow. Any advice?

[castoro]

Hello!
In the last 2 years i've learnt more and more about programming, and reached a level of proficiency that I consider adequate to work as a full time developer. I have a master degree in engineering, but not IT related.
Few weeks ago I've updated my linkedin profile and a third party recruiter contacted me for a position as a python dev.
I've used python as beginner as my first language, but then i switched to C# / .NET and i'm most proficient in that.
Still i accepted to talk to him because, why not? I will be honest and say that i've use python but i'm more proficient in C#, but I am willing to learn python for this exciting job. And i will tell him that i will be available if any other job comes his way.

Do you have any advice on what to say, how to say etc?

Trivia: i started coding with python thanks to BHW and its journeys about automating Wordpress, I also got direct advice from the infamous @Sartre.

 

[Stifmeister]

Apply to 100 more.

By interview number 5, you'll come in with 0 anxiety, you'll know all the questions and how to best answer them. You will come in super confident and knowing exactly what to say. This shit impresses recruiters as it makes em think you're really smart.

Ever notice how really stupid ppl are super confident and thus sound smart?

I've gotten accepted into all my jobs I've ever had even though i never met half the requirements or had next to no experience. How? Sheer confidence. They all ask the same shit, after the first time just google the shit out of how to answer those questions and boom. Next time you're golden.

This ofc works only if youre applying to same industry. In my case its IT.

 

[castoro]

Apply to 100 more.

By interview number 5, you'll come in with 0 anxiety, you'll know all the questions and how to best answer them. You will come in super confident and knowing exactly what to say. This shit impresses recruiters as it makes em think you're really smart.

Ever notice how really stupid ppl are super confident and thus sound smart?

I've gotten accepted into all my jobs I've ever had even though i never met half the requirements or had next to no experience. How? Sheer confidence. They all ask the same shit, after the first time just google the shit out of how to answer those questions and boom. Next time you're golden.

This ofc works only if youre applying to same industry. In my case its IT.

DOes't this becomes a problem if I overplay my hand? when the tech interview will come, the truth will come to the surface

 

[Hi142]

really excited for you man! Hope all goes well. I wanted to ask, what kind of projects did you do to put yourself out there?

 

[castoro]

really excited for you man! Hope all goes well. I wanted to ask, what kind of projects did you do to put yourself out there?

on github i now only have 1 project as public, its a web app that ranks government bond by their annual yield to maturity. But i do not think that this third party recruiter has even seen my github, he contacted me on linkedin probably just because I had "python" as a skill. (and the project on github is not in python)

 

[Hi142]

on github i now only have 1 project as public, its a web app that ranks government bond by their annual yield to maturity. But i do not think that this third party recruiter has even seen my github, he contacted me on linkedin probably just because I had "python" as a skill. (and the project on github is not in python)

Ohh that’s quite interesting. So are you more proficient in c++? I’ve started c++ this semester aswell and I’m understanding it really well so far. I hope I can start applying soon.

 

[Stifmeister]

DOes't this becomes a problem if I overplay my hand? when the tech interview will come, the truth will come to the surface

There is nothing to overplay brother. You're not lying or faking anything, you're just gonna get good at interviews.

If they think ur smart, and see u have basic coding skills, they'll think they can train u up.

 

[castoro]

Ohh that’s quite interesting. So are you more proficient in c++? I’ve started c++ this semester aswell and I’m understanding it really well so far. I hope I can start applying soon.

not C++, C#

There is nothing to overplay brother. You're not lying or faking anything, you're just gonna get good at interviews.

If they think ur smart, and see u have basic coding skills, they'll think they can train u up.

Oh ok now its clear what you mean

 

[UnusualSubstance]

Before the interview starts ask:

"Before we start, I wonder if you could answer a question for me. I am curious, what was it about my background that attracted you to my candidacy?"

Basically does two things:

It makes the interviewer state all the positives about your application & due to the principle of commitment & consistency, dramatically increases your likelihood of getting the job.

 

[corevibe]

Stay calm, be honest, get ready to any outcome.
Remeber, that once you've agreed with something, it will be 'frozen' forever in that company.

 

[castoro]

Before the interview starts ask:

"Before we start, I wonder if you could answer a question for me. I am curious, what was it about my background that attracted you to my candidacy?"

Basically does two things:

It makes the interviewer state all the positives about your application & due to the principle of commitment & consistency, dramatically increases your likelihood of getting the job.

this is interesting but this is a call with a third party recruiter who contacted me on linkedin , i bet without even looking at my profile , just because i had python skill on linkedin and the job is for python development.

Also even if i find this strategy you propose to be interesting is seems a little forced.. it seems more like a movie-like scenario, I would not want to pass for the person who uses strange tactics... do you know what i mean?

Stay calm, be honest, get ready to any outcome.
Remeber, that once you've agreed with something, it will be 'frozen' forever in that company.

True, even though since this is a call with a third party recruiter i guess i have more freedom..

 

[Roger Marquez]

read as many job interview question blog posts available on the internet and be as prepared as you can be

 

[Somenpla]

For your call, be honest: you're stronger in C# but willing to learn Python. Highlight transferable skills from your engineering background and show enthusiasm. Ask questions.
Focus on your eagerness to learn and strong foundation, not being an expert in everything. Good luck.

 

[cl0wn]

this is interesting but this is a call with a third party recruiter who contacted me on linkedin , i bet without even looking at my profile , just because i had python skill on linkedin and the job is for python development.

Also even if i find this strategy you propose to be interesting is seems a little forced.. it seems more like a movie-like scenario, I would not want to pass for the person who uses strange tactics... do you know what i mean?



True, even though since this is a call with a third party recruiter i guess i have more freedom..

Don't have much to add as all of the suggestions above are sound. If you feel a bit anxious, try thinking from their POV and some of the questions they might ask (tho they mostly are boilerplate/same ones), think about your answer and write it down on paper so you don't become flustered when on the spot.

Also good luck and let us know how it went !

 

[PHPInjected]

Do you have any advice on what to say, how to say etc?

Don't be nervous if you cannot answer a certain algorithm question or work out some code.

Break down everything about the problem that you do understand and let them know everything as you see it.

It goes a long way showing that you're willing to display your knowledge as well as learn anything you might need to.

It'll also show them that under pressure, you won't get angry or too frustrated to code.

 

[prodon]

Learn as much as you can about job interview questions on the internet.

 

[castoro]

ok i've done the call.

The guy was very nice and he asked me what do i do now and asked a littel bit about myself. Related to this specific job role he told me that th client was specifically looking for someone whos "good" in python. I told him honestly that i have used python before and wanted to learn more, but that I'm not an expert in it, I'm way better in C#. He told me honestly that for this specific company and specific time they need a good python dev who can even "lead", since the company is very small (a startup more or less).

I think i still made a nice impression and asked him to keep me in mind if other openings more in line with my profile will come up. I will probably text him next week to ask if there are developments in the job offer we discussed or if there are new offers.

Overall satisfied with the call, sadly this role was not for me.

 

[prodon]

ok i've done the call.

The guy was very nice and he asked me what do i do now and asked a littel bit about myself. Related to this specific job role he told me that th client was specifically looking for someone whos "good" in python. I told him honestly that i have used python before and wanted to learn more, but that I'm not an expert in it, I'm way better in C#. He told me honestly that for this specific company and specific time they need a good python dev who can even "lead", since the company is very small (a startup more or less).

I think i still made a nice impression and asked him to keep me in mind if other openings more in line with my profile will come up. I will probably text him next week to ask if there are developments in the job offer we discussed or if there are new offers.

Overall satisfied with the call, sadly this role was not for me.

Better Luck, Next time. At least now, you have something to work on

 

[Hi142]

ok i've done the call.

The guy was very nice and he asked me what do i do now and asked a littel bit about myself. Related to this specific job role he told me that th client was specifically looking for someone whos "good" in python. I told him honestly that i have used python before and wanted to learn more, but that I'm not an expert in it, I'm way better in C#. He told me honestly that for this specific company and specific time they need a good python dev who can even "lead", since the company is very small (a startup more or less).

I think i still made a nice impression and asked him to keep me in mind if other openings more in line with my profile will come up. I will probably text him next week to ask if there are developments in the job offer we discussed or if there are new offers.

Overall satisfied with the call, sadly this role was not for me.

Don’t worry about it. Honesty is the best policy. Here you should honesty which they probably value even more. Keep up the grind!

 

[Smackhead]

You shouldn't be expected to know everything, if that's the requirement you don't want the job. The skill is knowing how to solve problems and learn whilst doing it. When I'm interviewing I'm only interested in the person, their passion and commitment to learning.