Prepping for technical interviews
Navigating a job search while preparing for interviews, strengthening your portfolio, and developing new skills can feel overwhelming. Whether you're transitioning into a new field, aiming to advance in your current career, or stepping into the job market for the first time, it's normal to feel uncertain at times.
This guide is designed to help you break down these tasks into manageable steps, so you can approach your job search with confidence. By allocating your time effectively and focusing on the areas that matter most, you’ll be better equipped to showcase your strengths, grow your skills, and land the job that’s right for you.
Prepping for technical interviewsGoal: Build confidence and proficiency in the technical skills required for your target roles, whether in data analytics, web development, data engineering, or another technical field. Time Allocation: 25-30% of your weekly prep time. |
Assessment: Begin by assessing your current skill level in the key technical areas relevant to your field. Identify your strengths and areas where you need improvement.
Daily practice:
For data roles (SQL, Python): Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or DataCamp. Focus on areas such as data manipulation, algorithms, and statistical analysis.
For web development (JavaScript, React, Node.js): Use platforms like Codewars, HackerRank, or freeCodeCamp to practice coding challenges. Concentrate on front-end or back-end development tasks relevant to the roles you’re targeting.
For data engineering (SQL, Python, ETL Tools): Focus on mastering data pipelines, database management, and data transformation tasks using resources like DataCamp or Coursera.
For digital marketing & analytics (Google Analytics, SEO, SEM): Prepare by reviewing key concepts and practicing with real-world scenarios using tools like Google Skillshop or HubSpot Academy.
Mock interviews: Simulate the interview environment by conducting mock interviews. You can use resources like Pramp or Interviewing.io for coding roles, or practice with a peer for other technical roles.
Pro tip: Regularly track your progress by keeping a log of the problems solved and concepts mastered. This helps identify areas that need more focus and ensures consistent improvement. |
Prepping for HR interviewsGoal: Prepare to articulate your experience, handle behavioral questions, and align your answers with the company’s culture and values. Time Allocation: 10-15% of your weekly prep time. |
Research: Spend time researching the company, its culture, and recent news. Use this information to tailor your responses so they align with what the company is looking for. Explore the company’s website, LinkedIn page, and recent press releases. Sites like Glassdoor can also provide insights into company culture and common interview questions.
Practice behavioral questions: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to prepare for common behavioral questions. Write out your answers and practice them aloud to improve your delivery. The more familiar you are with your own stories and how to articulate them, the more confident you’ll be in the actual interview.
Mock interviews: Simulate the interview experience by practicing your responses either on your own, with a peer, or using free online resources. For example, you can record yourself answering questions using your phone or computer. Review the recordings to evaluate your tone, body language, and content.
Free online resources:
YouTube behavioral interview simulations: Watch mock interview videos on channels like "CareerVidz" or "Work It Daily." While not interactive, these videos can give you an idea of how to structure your answers.
Pramp: Sign up for Pramp and choose the behavioral interview option. You’ll be paired with another user to practice live, for free.
Pro tip: Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you gather important information about the company. |
Identifying and applying for jobsGoal: Efficiently search for and apply to jobs that align with your skills and career goals. Time Allocation: 20-25% of your weekly prep time. |
Job alerts: Set up job alerts on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to automatically receive daily or weekly updates and stay informed about new opportunities that match your criteria.
Polishing your profiles and application materials: Ensure all your job search profiles (on LinkedIn, job boards, etc.) and application materials (resume, cover letters) are polished and consistent.
Profile consistency: Make sure your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other job search profiles are aligned. Ensure that your job titles, dates, and key achievements are consistent across all platforms.
Resume optimization: Periodically update your resume to highlight your most relevant experiences and skills. Tailor your resume for each application by emphasizing the skills and experiences that best match the job description.
Cover letter customization: Create a personalized cover letter template that you can easily adjust for each application. Make sure to address the specific company and role, and highlight why you’re a strong fit.
Customized applications: Tailor your resume and cover letter for your applications. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description to show employers that you’ve taken the time to align your experience with their needs.
Job application tracking: Keep track of all your job applications to stay organized and ensure timely follow-ups.
Pro tip: Review and update your job application tracker regularly to stay on top of deadlines and follow-ups. Consistent tracking can also help you identify patterns in your applications, such as which types of roles or companies are responding. |
Bonus tip: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Ensure that your resume and profiles include keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing the initial screening. |
Strengthening your portfolioGoal: Build a strong portfolio that showcases your skills, projects, and accomplishments, tailored to the roles you are targeting. Time Allocation: 10-15% of your weekly prep time. |
Project selection: Choose a few key projects that demonstrate the range of your abilities and are relevant to the jobs you’re targeting. These could include:
Data analytics/science: Data analysis, machine learning models, dashboard creation.
Web development: Full-stack applications, front-end designs, back-end integrations, responsive web pages.
Data engineering: Data pipelines, ETL processes, database management, cloud data solutions.
Digital marketing: SEO strategies, social media campaigns, analytics reports, content creation.
Documentation: Clearly document each project, including a description of the problem or goal, your approach, the tools and technologies used, and the outcomes achieved.
Tools:
GitHub: Ideal for coding and technical projects. Include detailed README files.
Personal website or portfolio sites: Use platforms like WordPress, Wix, or GitHub Pages to showcase a broader range of work, including non-technical projects.
Case studies: For non-technical projects, create case studies that outline the project’s objectives, process, and results. Include visuals like screenshots, graphs, or links to live projects.
Continuous improvement: Regularly update your portfolio as you complete new projects, learn new skills, or refine existing ones. This keeps your portfolio current and reflective of your growing expertise.
Pro tip: Seek feedback from peers, JTL’s, STL’s, or industry professionals to refine and improve your portfolio. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure your portfolio meets industry standards. |
Bonus tip: Consider presenting your work in various formats: videos, interactive demos, blogs, or downloadable PDFs to make your portfolio more engaging and accessible to different audiences. |
Networking and personal brandingGoal: Build a strong professional network and establish a personal brand that reflects your expertise and career aspirations, making you more visible and attractive to potential employers. Time Allocation: 10-15% of your weekly prep time. |
Networking: Dedicate time to networking on LinkedIn, attending industry events, or joining relevant online communities. Networking allows you to build connections that can lead to job opportunities, both visible and hidden.
Steps:
LinkedIn networking: Connect with professionals in your field, comment on industry posts, and join LinkedIn groups related to your career interests.
Informational interviews: Reach out to connections or people in your target companies for informational interviews. This can provide insights into the company and potential job openings.
Industry events: Attend virtual or in-person industry events, webinars, and meetups. These are great opportunities to meet people and learn about unposted job opportunities.
Tools:
LinkedIn: Use the “People You May Know” and “Groups” features to expand your network.
Meetup: Join local or virtual groups related to your industry for networking opportunities.
Eventbrite: Search for industry-related events or webinars that can help you connect with others in your field.
Personal branding: Develop and maintain an online presence that clearly communicates your professional strengths, values, and aspirations.
Steps:
LinkedIn profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and up-to-date. Include a professional photo, a compelling headline, and a summary that highlights your key skills and career goals.
Content sharing: Regularly share articles, insights, or your own content related to your field. This demonstrates your expertise and keeps you visible in your network.
Personal website or portfolio: If applicable, create a personal website or portfolio to showcase your work, projects, and achievements. This serves as a hub for your personal brand.
Tools:
LinkedIn: Update your profile, share content, and engage with your network regularly.
WordPress, Wix, GitHub pages: Use these platforms to create a personal website or portfolio that showcases your work.
Canva: Use Canva to design professional-looking social media posts, resumes, or other branding materials.
Consistency and engagement: Regularly engage with your network and update your personal brand to keep it aligned with your evolving career goals.
Weekly check-ins: Dedicate time each week to engage on LinkedIn, update your profile, and share or comment on content.
Brand alignment: Periodically review your online presence to ensure it reflects your current skills, goals, and values. Update your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or portfolio as needed.
Pro tip: Your personal brand should be an authentic reflection of who you are as a professional. Consistency across platforms, from LinkedIn to your personal website, helps build trust and recognition in your industry. |
Bonus tip: Request recommendations or testimonials from colleagues, mentors, or clients on LinkedIn. These endorsements can enhance your credibility and strengthen your personal brand. |
Acquiring/strengthening secondary skillsGoal: Develop additional skills that are frequently required in job listings but are not yet part of your core skill set, enhancing your competitiveness in the job market. Time Allocation: 10-15% of your weekly prep time. |
Identify key skills: Review job listings in your target field to identify secondary skills that employers commonly seek but that you haven’t fully developed yet. Prioritize the skills that appear most frequently in the job descriptions of roles you’re interested in.
Online courses and tutorials: Use reputable online platforms to acquire these secondary skills through targeted courses and tutorials. Choose courses that provide practical, real-world projects, and focus on applying what you learn immediately.
Practice and integration: Integrate these newly acquired skills into your existing projects or start new ones specifically designed to showcase your abilities in these areas. Add these projects to your portfolio to showcase your expanded skill set.
Pro tip: Keep a log of the skills you’ve developed, noting how they align with the job descriptions you’re targeting. This not only helps in tailoring your resume and interview responses but also ensures you’re strategically building the right competencies for your desired roles. |
Bonus tip: Engage in forums, online communities, or study groups related to your new skills. This can enhance your learning experience, provide support, and offer additional resources or feedback. |
The time allocation percentages provided in this guide are meant to offer a general structure to help you organize your job search activities effectively. However, these are just estimations and should be adjusted based on your unique needs, goals, and areas of focus. There’s no right or wrong way to balance these activities; what’s most important is that your approach feels sustainable and aligns with your personal job search strategy. Feel free to shift your focus or reallocate time as needed. For example, if you feel that you need to spend more time strengthening a particular skill or if you’re at a stage where networking requires more attention, adjust your schedule accordingly. The goal is to create a plan that works best for you, helping you to stay motivated and make steady progress toward your career goals. |
Final thoughtsConsistency is key! Regularly set aside time for each aspect of your job search, and don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy as you go. By creating a schedule that is both realistic and sustainable, you can avoid burnout, frustration, and procrastination. Whether you’re building technical skills, enhancing your portfolio, or networking with industry professionals, every step you take brings you closer to your goals.
Remember, your job search is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s important to pace yourself and maintain a balance that allows you to stay motivated and focused without feeling overwhelmed. Staying connected with your peers, mentors, and industry networks can provide invaluable support and feedback, helping you refine your approach and keep moving forward.
Your efforts will pay off. With persistence and a well-organized plan, you’ll find the right opportunity that aligns with your skills and aspirations. Keep your eyes on the goal, stay consistent, and trust the process; you’re on the path to success.