Interview Tips & Tricks
Tech interviews focus on how you think and solve problems, not on rigid frameworks. Preparation, company research, and genuine enthusiasm are your keys to success.
Go deeper
Question bank by category
Leadership, conflict, failure, ambiguity, ownership.
Tech cases ≠ consulting
Archetypes, frameworks, and HTC casing materials.
Company-specific questions
Amazon's Leadership Principles, Googleyness, Apple craft, and more.
General Structure
Tech interviews generally consist of a mix of behavioral and case interviews. Cases are not like consulting. They're meant to uncover how you think and what your ideas are. There is no rigid structure to adhere to; hiring managers evaluate the quality and creativity of your ideas, aligned to the day-to-day responsibilities of your specific role.
Your Prep Checklist
There is no formula for tech interviews, so do your research on the company itself and really dig into what matters to them.
Look for hints in the job description
Companies will usually indicate which skills they're looking for. If the description mentions launching a campaign, be prepared to explain how you'd approach it.
Skim the company's 10-K, its annual report
Understand how the company is structured and which areas leadership is invested in. This shows you've done your homework.
Talk to 2nd years and peer advisors
Understand what the interview format might be like. Alumni are also extremely helpful in uncovering the culture of a particular company.
Tailor your resume for the role
Customizing your resume for each position is more important than a cover letter.
Apply early
Tech companies don't always require a cover letter or referral. It's better to get your application in early than to delay over peripheral materials.
Express genuine enthusiasm
Have a clear reason why this company and role are aligned with your goals. A surprising number of candidates are ill-prepared to answer why they want to work at the company they applied to.
Research the company's recent product launches, quarterly earnings, strategic initiatives, and competitors. Weave this knowledge naturally into your responses to demonstrate genuine interest and business acumen.
Take Care of Yourself
Breathe, and give yourself a break from recruiting every now and then.
Recruiting can become an incredibly stressful process, so do whatever you can to take time for yourself and relax. Remember that you are worthy of the jobs you are applying for. Trust yourself and be confident in the skills you bring to the table.
In moments of doubt, write down your strengths and repeat them back to yourself. You made it this far and are an incredible candidate: one company will see that and recognize it. Once you get to a final round, it is often a numbers game and can be a toss-up.
You got this.