Fancy internships or new grad roles at top tech companies first start with a conversation.
When it comes to securing tech internships and new grad positions, many candidates focus on acing the online assessment. However, you should be just as concerned about the prescreen interview, especially if you're planning to attend any in-person recruiting events such as campus career fairs or conference expo halls. This initial interaction often involves communicating technical concepts to non-technical decision-makers, making your communication skills just as crucial as your technical knowledge. Here are a few tips for winning at those important first impressions.
1. Break it Down
During the prescreen, you’ll likely talk to recruiters who may not have a deep understanding of technical details. They are evaluating how well you can explain complex concepts in simple terms. Many technical candidates struggle with this because it requires a true understanding of the subject matter. To excel, you need to break down your work into language that someone without a technical background can grasp. For instance, if you developed an API, explain in high-level what it achieves, rather than the technical specifics.
2. Show Up Ready
This one is especially for in-person events, but also really imporant for virtual meetings as well. It's not about wearing some fancy suit, it's more about showing up professional and ready. Wearing a nice blouse, maybe a memorable color, like yellow, or even a clean, steamed black blouse with jeans. You don't have to go all out, but show up like you care. If you're meeting them virtually, this is not the time to go to Starbucks. Have a quiet background, use your laptop not your phone, use a virtual background if you need to / blur your background, and be in a still place so they feel like all your focus is on that interview. All these little things help you and the recruiter focus on your conversation instead of the background.
3. Be Excited
Recruiters are looking for enthusiasm and interest in the role and the company. This can be challenging for introverts who may feel excited internally but have difficulty expressing it outwardly. Practice conveying enthusiasm in your tone, word choice, and body language. That also means smile and show strong eye contact. Tell them how you researched some of the companies values and projects and how they sparked your excitement for the role. The more the company actually is a match for you and your goals, the more passionate you come across. The key here is don’t just make stuff up but find genuine connections. (Of course, The Dev Difference mock interviews can help with that!)
4. Be your unique self
Recruiters play a significant role in deciding who progresses to the next stage of interviews. Your personality and unique attributes can make a big difference. Think about what makes you memorable. This could be a project that aligns closely with the company’s goals, or a unique personal experience that sets you apart. For example, if you’re applying to Disney and have a background and passion for theater, mention this as it highlights your connection to the brand.
5. Brag about yourself
You're amazing, don't be afraid to say it! Be clear about your competitive strengths and how you stand out among other candidates. Highlight achievements such as hacking projects, being at the top of your class, or receiving selective honors. These accomplishments show that you are not just a capable candidate but an exceptional one. Presenting these points confidently will make a strong impression and demonstrate your superiority over other applicants. This can be during the “Any other questions?” part of the interview. Or you can at the end of the “tell me about yourself” question, you can throw in some accomplishments and fun facts!
Final Thoughts
The prescreen interview is super important in any job application process. It’s an opportunity to showcase your communication skills, enthusiasm, and unique attributes. For technical roles, being preparing to explain technical concepts clearly, expressing genuine interest, and highlighting what makes you unique, you can increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process. Remember, it’s not just about your technical skills; it’s about how well you can communicate and connect with the recruiter.
Go out there and be great!
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This article was written by Jovanay Carter, Co-Founder and CEO of the The Dev Difference. Check out thedevdifference.com for AI-based mock interview prep and more job-related content.
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