Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Web Developer interview -- pointers needed *UPDATE*

N

noelister

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jan 15, 2005
275
0
Hello Everyone,

I am going to be interviewed for a Web Developer/Design position on Friday and would like some pointers, tips for interviewing and what I should expect. This will be my first interview experience at this level and I am a little intimidated by it all. Could anyone help me out?

Thanks,

N
 
noelister said:
Hello Everyone,

I am going to be interviewed for a Web Developer/Design position on Friday and would like some pointers, tips for interviewing and what I should expect. This will be my first interview experience at this level and I am a little intimidated by it all. Could anyone help me out?

Thanks,

N
Click to expand...

1. Have questions of your own prepared for the interview. Show that you are knowledgeable about the company. Have a conversatio with the inyerviewer, rather than just answer their questions. Ask insightful and knowledgeable questions if at all possible.

2. Have a good solid portfolio that you can show and explain at the interview. Point out differences between projects and exlain your reasoning/role/experience and so on for each project. But keep it breif and concise. Dont say anything negative, complain about clients/bosses/team members, or make excuses.

3. Speak calmly, clearly and make eye contact thru the interview. Be calm, confident and polite. Show up 5 minutes early. Bringa pen, Over dress for the position.

If you can do these three things then you'll nail it and be far better than most people I interview. Good luck.
 
Another common interview pointer is that if you're asked about something you're not familiar with (a specific skill, a certain tool or technology), instead of saying "Sorry, I'm not familiar with it", explain that while you may not know exact skill/tool, relate it to something you *have* done, and give some examples:

"While I haven't used Frontpage, I'm very familiar with Dreamweaver, and have used it extensively for years. In fact, I just used it to complete a large-scale project last month that resulted in the client being extremely happy."

That kind of idea...and if you can't think of anything similar, tell them that while you don't have that skill, you're eager to learn it, then give them an example of some other project that required a new skill, and how fast you picked it up and applied it...

Basically - find a way to turn tougher questions into something you can answer positively, and use it as an opportunity to provide real world examples that illustrate your related skills/background (even if they're not exactly the same as the questions being asked, which are often put together by someone who doesn't really understand the role).

Hope that helps...
 
Interview

When you don't know the answer to a question just answer... I don't know... and add that you do know how to search and learn new things and give examples.

Don't forget body langage, don't cross your arm (wich is interpretated as being close to discussion). Lay back when you listen and go formard when you answer. Always look at the person you speak to and answer to the person who ask the question at first.

Good luck.

nomade
 
Here's a few things I picked up while looking for new people over the past few weeks:

0. Re-read the job posting details, and get clues out of it. See if you missed any of the requirements or hints when you sent out your application letter.

1. Be prepared, bring your portfolio, CV, transcripts, etc. Pen is a must, too. Pencil is optional.

2. Always expect to be tested verbally, logically, technically, and abusively ,)

3. Dress neatly, but don't overdress if that's not the usual you. We can see through anyway.

4. Know when to answer and when to ask a question. Do not give "I don't know what to ask" when you're asked "Any questions?"

5. If possible, learn about the company. At the very least, you should know the company website or the product / project they're working on (you'd be surprised at how many people who "didn't remember" the URL of our company website).

6. Did you remember to ask the interviewer what to expect for your interview? Things like: Who you should be meeting, how long the interview would take, and if there's anything you should prepare for? Things like that scores you some points since it shows your preparation.

7. If you're going to end up late (even if it's only for 5 minutes) or not show up, give the interviewer a call at least 15 minutes before the appointment.

8. Be ready to answer seemingly stupid and innocent questions like "What is your favourite pet?" or "Do you know the difference between web designer and web developer?" or "What do you think about ad XYZ?". They're there for a reason.

Here's a test for you: Why did I start my item numbering at zero? ,)


Add that to the list of items mentioned by D0ct0rteeth, colinmack, and nomade, and you should stand out from the rest. And of course, like hanschien mentioned: have fun during the interview. Don't get too anxious or we'll get bored easily.


By the way, there IS a difference between a web designer and a web developer.


-stndn.
 
Thanks again, This stuff is really helpful.

stndn - what is the correct answer to the zero numbering question? Is the answer you are looking for - because an element to an array starts at 0?

Thanks again everyone!

N
 
The correct answer to the question is actually how you react and how you answer the question.

It's just an example of questions we throw out to see how you deal with unusual questions and how you come up with the answer. We don't really care much about the answer. It's how you answer that we care about.

Tricky interviewers like to do that. I'm one of them, depending on whether I have the evil mood at that time or not >D

In any case, have fun at the interview! -)


-stndn.
 
I just received a phone call and verbally agreed to the position that I was interviewing for and I am really excited.

I just wanted to take time to thank everyone again that helped me out.

Thanks everyone!

Noel
 
I was actually wondering how it went.
But hey, congratulations on your getting the job! -)

When is the starting date, btw?

Now, make sure you enjoy your holidays before you start working. Once you're in the working group, you'll wonder where your life goes....

Have fun -)


-stndn.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back