Interviewing Tips

Denise Bahs • April 20, 2018

Follow these interviewing tips from the pros.

Interviews are very challenging for both sides of the table. The Interviewer is trying to get to know you enough, in a very short amount of time, to be able to make a wise decision about whether or not to recommend you for the position being considered. For the Interviewee, it is a stressful time of trying to make a good impression with the goal of either gaining more information, being invited back for another interview and ultimately, getting a job offer. Hiring the wrong person does not do anyone any favors. It can cost time, money, and credibility for all parties involved.

In order to make the most of each interview, preparation is the key. Take some time before the interview, follow these easy tips and you will be one step closer to having the job of your dreams.


Research the Company

The more you understand the company you are interviewing for, the better. Do your research and make sure you understand what the company does, the products and services they offer, and the company’s competitors. That way, if the hiring manager asks you why you want to work there, you will be prepared with a solid answer which includes an accurate description of the organization and how you can help them.


Be Ready for Typical Interview Questions

Many interviews include the following prompts:


  • What can you tell me about yourself?

Have a “2-minute elevator pitch” ready that describes your professional self. “I am a software engineer specializing in managing and executing software development from project beginning to end…”


  • Why are you interested in this position?

Looking for a more challenging role, Job moved off shore, etc.


  • Describe a challenging situation and how you resolved it or

Give an example of a recent success you have had

For any prompt like this, remember the STAR approach which includes Situation or Task, Action you took, and Results you achieved.


  • What is your greatest weakness?

Describe one that you know is not a job requirement and follow it with what you are doing to improve it.


  • What is your greatest strength?

Look for one of the Job Description requirements that is one of your strengths.

Time spent at home preparing for these topics will help you be more comfortable the day of the interview. Also remember to carefully listen to the question, answer clearly and concisely, and try to stay on topic.


Have 3-5 questions prepared to ask about the job and/or company

Again, do your due diligence in researching the job and company first, but then ask questions like the following:


  • What do you feel are the necessary skills required to do this job?
  • How would you describe a successful candidate?
  • What would define an unsuccessful candidate?
  • What is the most difficult part of this job?
  • Why is this position open?

Be On Time

Other than a major catastrophe, there is no excuse for being late to an interview. Plan to be at least 15 minutes early for your interview allowing for unexpected traffic and any other unexpected delays. This will give you time to use the restroom, check your appearance and collect yourself before the interview. If for some reason you cannot make the interview, let them know as soon as you can and reschedule.


Dress for Success and to Impress

Dress professionally no matter what you think the everyday attire will be for the job. Suits and ties for men and business professional wear for women is always appropriate. Wrinkly shirts and stains do not portray an optimal candidate for any position. This is time to look your best. Do not overdo the accessories, cologne or make-up.


Let Your Personality Shine

Be yourself! Make eye contact, smile and firmly shake hands. You want to be perceived as professional and approachable. You also want to show energy and enthusiasm. People want to work with others who are energizing and a positive influence. Make sure your body language shows that you are engaged in learning about this position and company as well. (Slouched down in your chair with your leg crossed over the other one and your hands clasped on the back of your head does NOT exude engagement.)


Be Honest

Remember your interviewer is trying to assess whether or not the opportunity on the table is a good fit for you or not. There are no right or wrong answers. Just answer or explain yourself to the best of your ability. It does not do anyone any good to oversell or undersell your skills.


Be Confident

Exuding confidence in an interview situation is sometimes easier said, than done. That’s where all the preparation you have done will help you. With the company research, timeliness and practicing answers to the topics mentioned above, you will have the best chance of feeling confident and relaxed. Then the rest will fall into place.


Follow-up with Email or Phone Call

After the interview, follow-up with an email or phone call thanking everyone who you interviewed with and ask them what their time-line for decision making will be.


Remember that each interview is as much about your job specific hard skills as it is about your soft skills! And smile and enjoy!

For tips on interviewing over the phone, check out our blog post, Top Tips for Phone Interviews.

What Is Agile Software Development?

By Mikayla Mason • December 13, 2022
Agile is a term used in software development and project management that allows a company or team of individuals to deliver faster, higher quality results to the end customer. The agile approach has four key differences compared to a traditional approach of developing software for customers. 1. People & Collaboration Driven The Agile process is people and collaboration driven rather than the traditional approach that is process and tool driven. There is collaboration in every step. Engineers on the service-end collaborate within a team, and the engineering team collaborates with the customer during the process. In a traditional approach to software development, there is little involvement from the customer, and engineers utilize tools along with the software itself to get the job done. 2. Customer Involvement An Agile approach involves the customer in every step along the way; starting at project inception to project launch. The traditional approach sticks to the original plan and shows the customer a finished result at the end. When a customer is involved with each step of the project, it leads to a higher level of satisfaction with the end results as their questions and concerns are addressed by the engineers as they arise. 3. Welcomed Changes As customers work with developers using an Agile process, changes along the route are welcomed which leaves little room for error upon completion of the project. The customer has flexibility and control to change their mind mid-process after reviewing requirements before launch. The customer’s vision is ensured by the engineers with each party working closely together and communicating effectively. 4. Tracking Software Software is used to measure success in the Agile approach instead of the rigorous document storing and rewriting used in traditional developments. This provides more time to focus on getting the project done rather than worrying about the documentation. An Example of Agile Software Development in Simple Terms You have a vision for your office to have white paint on the walls. You hire a team of painters get the job done by the end of the week. You realize on the third day after they start painting the walls that your vision is different than the real-time results and would like to change the color. You bring your concern to the painters’ attention before they are finished. They give a recommendation for a new color based on what previous customers have used in the past. Together, you decide on blue, and they begin painting the walls blue instead of white. A traditional response in this situation would be the painters completing the walls with white paint, only showing you the walls upon completion, and offering no changes or alternatives in color no matter your response or feeling about the result. They may start a new project with you for the walls to be painted blue, however, the white walls and blue walls will always be different projects billed separately. Similar to the paint analogy, the agile software development process involves a team collaborating to complete your request, allowing you to see steps in the process, and is flexible and helpful when you want to change paths. Instead of deciding between the colors of paint, it would be different elements of software design that is changed along the route.

Stand Out from the Crowd with Our Complimentary Resume Review Service

By Cynthia Mason • February 4, 2019
Take advantage of our complimentary resume review and editing service. We will review and edit your resume for free! In the meantime, here are some tips to get started writing a solid resume.

Spotlight on USDI Senior Engineer, John Klaus

By Denise Bahs • October 24, 2018
Congratulations to John Klaus for 20 years of service!

New Hires at USDI - Welcome to the Team! 

By Denise Bahs • September 27, 2018
We would like to welcome Program Manager Greg Dufour, and Engineering Intern Yusuf Dilawar, to the USDI team!

 9 Tips to Keep in Mind for a Phone Interview

By Denise Bahs • April 20, 2018
There are advantages and disadvantages to having a phone interview. When you meet someone in person, your eyes meet, you shake hands and it really helps provide a foundation of getting to know that person. So, talking on the phone can lack the opportunity to really connect with the other person. In order to overcome that disadvantage, you can leverage the fact that you are on the phone (which has its advantages). Here’s how: Research the Company Just like for an in person interview, the more you understand the company you are interviewing for, the better. Do your research and make sure you understand what the company does, the products and services they offer, and the company’s competitors. That way, if the hiring manager asks you why you want to work there, you will be prepared with a solid answer which includes an accurate description of the organization and how you can help them. Be Ready for Typical Interview Questions Many interviews include the following prompts: ● What can you tell me about yourself? Have a “2-minute elevator pitch” ready that describes your professional self. “I am a software engineer specializing in managing and executing software development from project beginning to end…” ● Why are you interested in this position? Looking for a more challenging role, Job moved off shore, etc. ● Describe a challenging situation and how you resolved it or Give an example of a recent success you have had For any prompt like this, remember the STAR approach which includes Situation or Task, Action you took, and Results you achieved. ● What is your greatest weakness? Describe one that you know is not a job requirement and follow it with what you are doing to improve it. ● What is your greatest strength? Look for one of the Job Description requirements that is one of your strengths. Time spent preparing for these topics will help you be more comfortable the day of the interview. Also remember to carefully listen to the question, answer clearly and concisely, and try to stay on topic Be Honest Remember your interviewer is trying to assess whether or not the opportunity on the table is a good fit for you or not. There are no right or wrong answers. Just answer or explain yourself to the best of your ability. It does not do anyone any good to oversell or undersell your skills. Have 3-5 questions prepared to ask about the job and/or company Again, do your due diligence in researching the job and company first, but then ask questions like the following: · What do you feel are the necessary skills required to do this job? · How would you describe a successful candidate? · What would define an unsuccessful candidate? · What is the most difficult part of this job? · Why is this position open? Be On Time Even though this may seem like a casual phone call, be punctual. Find a quiet, distraction-free spot and be ready a few minutes prior to the scheduled time. Keep your Laptop Handy So far this list of pointers may look a lot like the tips for an in-person interview. This is where the advantage comes in. During an in-person interview it is not usually possible to have your laptop open. On the phone, however, you can and should have it in front of you for referencing your notes from all of the research and preparation you have done. Have all of your notes in nice easy-to-read bullets so you can refer to them as needed. Smile Even on the phone, people can tell if you’re smiling and people are drawn to happy, upbeat, energetic people. It’s difficult to show energy on the phone, so sit up straight, get your professional-self on and smile. Listen Carefully Try your best to be in a distraction-free space for the phone call. Listen to the questions and answer to the best of your ability. Follow Up · Before the interview is over, inquire as to what are the next steps in the process. · Send a follow-up thank you email to everyone involved in the interview. · Put a question in the email which will encourage them to reply.