Technical Interviews

A technical interview is commonly utilized to assess the candidate’s technical skills, knowledge, and experience as they pertain to the role being interviewed for or the company.  Some of the questions asked may also be more geared towards how you think or process problems or challenges rather than on the specifics of technical knowledge.

These interviews are most often used for IT, engineering, or professions related to the sciences.  The types of questions asked help to paint a picture for the employer about how you may handle certain challenges or obstacles within the role or company that they are already aware exist, and they may be looking for how well you can analyze things and provide essential explanations of your processes.  Some employers may also have an application part of the interview, in which the employer will be looking for a visual to explain your problem solving methods and expertise.

Tips for navigating Technical Interviews:

1. Practice answering some technical interviewing questions by reviewing the job description and considering how you might address times you’ve been able to demonstrate a skill, thought process, etc. that is listed on the position description.
2. If the employer mentions it will be a technical interview, feel free to ask them about the room that you will have available to you.  You might consider asking if a white board, paper, or other materials will be provided to you should it be necessary.
3. Reflect on previous program projects, technical involvement through Student Organizations and Clubs, or research projects.  Call to mind the skills that were necessary, how you went about taking on the task, what your involvement in the team may have been, etc.  This exercise will help you feel more ready for the questions that may come up.
4. Employers are looking for candidates who are good team members and those who are passionate for their work.  When drawing on examples from previous work or projects, be sure you are showing your personality and allowing the employer to see the enthusiasm you have when it comes to your field.  They will be listening for how well you worked in a team, as many of these roles require collaboration between numerous stakeholders.
5. As previously mentioned, in this type of interview employers are also looking for how well you can articulate your processes and findings.  Practice providing these explanations and details to someone outside of your field and see if they are able to follow your explanation.  Doing a mock interview with the Career and Advising Center can also be great practice, and you can call 701-231-7111 to get one scheduled.