Picture this: You are ready to work on a new IT project, but you are wondering where to begin. You may have had recruiters reach out before, but since you are unsure of what the process looks like, the message remains unaddressed. Working with a recruiter can vary depending on the company you work with, but KellyMitchell holds your hand every step of the way! So, the next time a recruiter reaches out to be your trusty sidekick, the technical interview process will probably look a little something like this...
Meet and Greet
You send your resume to the recruiter who reached out and now eagerly wait for the phone to ring. Suddenly, your cell phone chimes with the news that could potentially change your life. You pick up, and your recruiter is on the other lines, calling to learn more about you. Your resume can only share so much. We want to hear your story and learn more about your past experiences. This screening call is the first step in a technical interview process with a recruiter.
It's our job to unravel the secrets of your skills and motivations. One of our Senior Talent Acquisition Specialists, Tom Ott, shares:
“We don’t think of ourselves as recruiters, we think of ourselves as career matchmakers. Whether you’re just getting started in your job search or have been a long-term consultant of KellyMitchell, each of our team members lives by our core values of motivation, taking accountability, and delivering the best service in the industry."
We ask you about what type of position you are looking for, what environment you want to work in, and what compensation you have in mind. This is an important step for us, as recruiters, because we want to be able to listen to you and prioritize what you want. We connect with you personally to get to know you and your special quirks! Once we connect — and enjoy a great conversation with you — we submit your resume to a position on your behalf!
The Whiteboard Test
We’ve reached the next step! Now, it's time to gauge how high your tech-savvy skills reach! Graphic designers share portfolios; content writers share writing samples. In the tech industry, whiteboard tests are the standard practice. Think about the different ways a teacher uses a chalkboard, a whiteboard, a smartboard, or doodle pads. They use these tools to present information to students visually, so students can work together — or collaborate — more effectively.
In a whiteboard test, you are the teacher. Individuals watch you while you work and explain your work. You are asked to solve a theoretical problem while you walk through your thought process — communicating your solutions. It’s a bit like teaching the group at large how to solve the problem. As you walk through this problem solving session, here are some great reminders to keep in mind to create a step-by-step process:
Clarify the problem
Define your inputs, outputs, and edge cases
Outline your solution
Know what your acronyms mean
Write down and talk through your approach to the solution
If you hit a snag or two, remember to try not to get flustered. Everyone makes mistakes, but practice helps! If you practice, you gain confidence in your ability to react and respond clearly. Stephanie Thoma, a career coach and author of Confident Introvert, shares “It’s important to feel confident in an interview because self-belief allows others to believe in you.” Belief in yourself is one of the most powerful tools you can bring to a whiteboard session! And, we got your back because we believe in you too!
The Final Step
The final step in a tech interview process is a meeting with the hiring manager or team. The interview may take place in person, but technology has simplified the process. More and more, meetings are virtual! The tools that are used in the remote hiring process look a little different whether it’s Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or another. Your recruiter knows which platform you will be interviewing on, so you can test the tool prior. This way you can make sure you know how to easily find the visual and audio settings to be able to change and adjust as necessary. You will want to know how to unmute when you begin to talk. And, seeing the tool beforehand gives you the chance to adjust the background lighting and check the quality and connectivity you have.
And there you have it, the steps of a technical interview process with a side-kick recruiter to help you along the way! The best part is that you have a resource to ask questions and ensure you find work on your terms. Interviews can be a rollercoaster of emotions, but they're also a chance to show off your skills, personality, and unique tech flair. We can help you find the team that will value your uniqueness, and we’re here to be with you every step of the way as you go forth and conquer those interviews like the tech-savvy rockstars you are!
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If you’re ready to take the first step, explore open job opportunities to apply to here!