Interviewing in tech often involves multiple steps—phone or email screenings, technical assessments, coding challenges, and several rounds of interviews. With tech companies eager to find the right candidates, the process can feel intense and competitive. While they want to see your ability with the technical side, it’s also your chance to show that you’re a well-rounded candidate who fits in with the team.
In this article, we’ll break down how to prepare, tackle common questions, and make a great impression. Let’s focus on what really matters to stand out in today’s tech interviews.
Tech interview prep: Your guide to getting ready
Tech interviews are about more than just your coding skills—they test your problem-solving, teamwork, and ability to communicate effectively. To stand out, focus on understanding the company, the role, and how you can contribute.
Research the company and role
Take a moment to get to know the company—its culture, products, and mission. Understanding the role you're applying for helps you align your experience with what they seek. Check out the technologies and skills they use, and be ready to highlight how your background fits the job.
Not sure where to start? Read this next: The Ultimate Guide to Researching a Company Pre-Interview
Pay attention to the job description
The job description gives you a good idea of what to expect in the interview—and can even hint at what kind of test you might face. For example, “if it highlights a specific focus on a particular language or framework, it’s a safe bet that the test will reflect that,” says Seth Geftic, vice president of product marketing at Huntress and a 20-year tech industry veteran.
Beyond the technical skills required, it’s important to review the specific tools and technologies listed in the job description. Whether it's a particular programming language, database management, or framework, make sure you're comfortable with these.
Use platforms LeetCode to practice and improve your problem-solving skills and speed. However, Geftic says, “coding challenges are usually just one part of the process, and an average result doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get the job.”
Read this next: How to Read a Job Description the Right Way—So You Can Stop Sending Resumes Into the Void
Practice behavioral and situational questions
Interviewers also want to know how you tackle challenges, work with teams, and solve problems. Prepare for behavioral questions (questions that assess how you've handled situations in the past) using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Think about past experiences, projects, and how you’ve navigated tricky situations.
Prepare your own questions for the interviewer
At the end of your interview, you’ll likely be asked if you have any questions. This is your moment to show genuine interest in the role and the company. Ask about the team dynamics, the challenges they’re facing, or their development processes. Asking thoughtful questions shows you’ve done your homework but also that you’re excited about the opportunity.
Read this next: 70 Smart Questions to Ask in an Interview
Do mock interviews
Mock interviews are a great way to get comfortable with the whole process. Platforms like Pramp or Interviewing.io let you simulate real interviews and get feedback from peers or professionals. This practice helps you fine-tune your answers and build confidence.
“Like anything else, practice is the best way to improve your communication,” says Geftic. “Whether through mock interviews or casual conversations with new people, these experiences help improve how you express yourself.”
Read this next: How to Use AI for Interview Prep
During the tech interview: Questions you’ll likely be asked
From solving complex problems to managing multiple tasks, interview questions for tech roles often focus on your expertise and adaptability. Here are four common questions—and tips on how to answer them.
1. “Tell me about a time you solved a difficult technical problem.”
Share a specific challenge you faced and describe how you solved it. Focus on your approach, including how you analyzed the issue, the steps you took, and the outcome. Show that you can break down problems and find practical solutions.
Possible answer:
In a previous project, we had an issue where the app would crash under high traffic. I investigated the root cause, identified that the database queries were too slow, and optimized them by adding indexes. I also introduced caching to reduce load. After deploying the fix, the app performed much better, even with increased traffic.
2. “How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?”
Explain how you manage competing deadlines. Mention how you assess tasks by urgency and importance, and discuss any tools you use to stay organized. Highlight how you adapt when priorities change.
Possible answer:
I prioritize tasks by first understanding their deadlines and impact on the project’s overall success. I start by categorizing tasks into urgent vs. important, using a tool like Trello or Asana to organize them visually. For larger tasks, I break them down into smaller, more manageable steps, which allows me to make consistent progress. I also regularly check in with my team to align on shifting priorities and make adjustments if needed to ensure we’re on track.
3. “How do you approach learning a new programming language or technology?”
Mention any resources you use, like online courses or forums, and explain how applying your learning helps you improve.
Possible answer:
I start by reading official documentation and doing tutorials to get a solid understanding of the basics. After that, I build small projects to practice and apply what I’ve learned. I also participate in online communities, like Stack Overflow, to ask questions and share knowledge. I find that applying the knowledge in real-world projects helps me learn faster.
4. “What’s your experience with teamwork in a development environment?”
Highlight how you collaborate with others in a team, including how you handle challenges. Mention any tools or methods you use to stay aligned and communicate effectively.
Possible answer:
In my previous role, I worked in an agile team of developers, designers, and product managers. We held daily stand-ups to discuss progress and blockers. I often collaborated with front-end developers to ensure smooth integration between back-end APIs and the UI. One specific example is when we faced an issue with cross-team communication on a feature. I organized a series of meetings to clarify expectations, which led to improved collaboration and a faster resolution.
How to stand out after the tech interview
The interview might be over, but your chance to stand out isn't. How you follow up and stay engaged can make a big difference in leaving a lasting impression. Here are some quick, actionable tips to make sure you stay top of mind:
- Send a personalized thank-you note. Keep it short and sweet. Thank them for their time and mention something cool you discussed during the interview.
- Reinforce your interest. Remind them why you’re excited about the role and how your skills align with the company’s needs. Be clear about why you want to be part of the team.
- Follow up with additional information (if necessary). Forgot to mention a key project or skill? No worries—send a quick follow-up email with that missing info or a portfolio link.
- Stay connected on LinkedIn. Send a connection request with a brief, personalized message. It’s a simple way to stay on their radar. (Here’s how to network on LinkedIn.)
- Be proactive. If they give you a timeline for the next steps, don’t hesitate to follow up. It shows you're on top of things and still interested.
Land that tech job
With the right preparation and mindset, you'll approach your tech interview with confidence and clarity. Focus on showcasing your skills, staying true to yourself, and demonstrating how you can make a real impact. Every interview is an opportunity to grow, connect, and show the value you bring to the table. Stay positive and engaged, and you'll not only leave a lasting impression but also take a step closer to the career you want.
The more interviews you land, the more options you have—check open jobs on The Muse to find your next opportunity »
FAQs
How to prepare for coding challenges?
Candidates can practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode and review key algorithms and data structures, as these are often tested. During the interview, take time to understand the problem, plan your approach, and explain your thought process clearly. “It's common to see candidates get ahead of themselves and start working on a solution without fully understanding the problem,” Geftic says. “To make sure you avoid this, ask questions to clarify the task and put your best foot forward during these kinds of interviews.”
What to do if you don’t know the answer to a technical question?
It’s totally fine if you don’t have all the answers. Just be honest and let the interviewer know you're not sure, but walk them through how you would approach solving the problem. Interviewers are often more interested in your problem-solving process than just the final answer, so take a deep breath and show them your thought process.
How to demonstrate teamwork skills in a tech interview?
When talking about past projects, focus on how you worked with others. Share specific examples where you collaborated with fellow developers, designers, or other teams. Highlight how you communicated effectively and how you handled any challenges together. It’s all about showing you can work well with others and contribute to a positive, productive environment.