Interview Prep

In addition to the questions covered in this chapter, which can generally be studied via flash cards and practice, here are some general interviewing tips:

• Update your personal website (don't have one? make one)
• Update any professional social media profiles (e.g. LinkedIn)
• Update your resume (create a copy specifically for the position/company you're applying to) and CV
• Research the company
• Write a cover letter and send it either with your resume or after you submit your resume (you can look up what to write, there are many examples online)
• If the interview is planned more than a week in advance, it may be a good idea to write a confirmation letter to the interviewer a day or two before the interview. For example: >I'm writing to confirm our meeting for Thursday at 9:30 AM. I look forward to discussing my application for the software engineering position at [Company Name]. Please contact me if you have any last-minute questions or comments.
• Bring a clean notepad and pen, copies of your resume, a list of references (if not included on resume), ID and Social Security card (in case you're asked to complete an application on the spot)
• Write down the name of your interviewer(s) and the position and company you are interviewing for beforehand if you think you might forget any of those
• Turn off your phone for the interview
• Write a followup letter after the interview (next day) (you can look up what to write, there are many examples online)