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How to pass an interview without an academic background?

by terrie7
3 replies
Hey guys,

I'll be having an interview for my first serious job (a remote Javascript position) and I'm not sure I'm up to the task. I get terrified at interviews and there's always a question that seems like any decent developer should know, but I get stumped. Things like bubble sort, big O notation, etc. I worked on many websites in the past (5 yrs experience) but I don't have an academic background.

I was wondering if you guys could help me with tips on how to pass interviews and brush up my skills. My friends referred me to this forum.

PS: The interview is for a software outsourcing company called BairesDev,

Do any of you have any experience with this company and its interview process?

Thanks a lot and sorry for the bad english!
#academic #background #interview #pass
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  • Profile picture of the author unihawk
    I have interviewed hundreds of people and have been interviewed several times.

    I have hired people that I like personally over those with more experience and education. This is because I'm going to have to spend 40 hours a week with this person. 99% of the time it was a great decision.

    Things you can do to be the most likable candidate:

    First, get a copy of Dale Carnegie's How To Win Friends And Influence People. Then read it cover to cover.

    Next, think of answers that are in story format (people love stories). For example:

    Question - What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

    Poor answer - I worked on the OnStar application that are in GM cars.

    Good answer - I spent 2 years working on the OnStar application that is in GM cars with a team of 8 other engineers. I took the initiative to coordinate development between everyone in the department. It was very difficult at times getting all the development to work together, but I was able to overcome this by using the project management skills I have learned...

    And lastly: LIE! I don't mean lie about your education, experience or anything that can be found out. I mean embellish your story answers. Like in the above example you could add that you received a bonus for your good work or that you were given more responsibility due to your performance.

    I hope this helps. Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
      Don't lie. Be 100% upfront and honest. Unless you can fool People, they will be able to tell if you're lying or not.
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      "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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  • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
    Originally Posted by terrie7 View Post

    Hey guys,

    I'll be having an interview for my first serious job (a remote Javascript position) and I'm not sure I'm up to the task. I get terrified at interviews and there's always a question that seems like any decent developer should know, but I get stumped. Things like bubble sort, big O notation, etc. I worked on many websites in the past (5 yrs experience) but I don't have an academic background.

    I was wondering if you guys could help me with tips on how to pass interviews and brush up my skills. My friends referred me to this forum.

    PS: The interview is for a software outsourcing company called BairesDev,

    Do any of you have any experience with this company and its interview process?

    Thanks a lot and sorry for the bad english!
    It can be a REMOTE job, so your personality may not be as important as your confidence in your results.

    First, make sure you know the company up and down, front and back. Watch every youtube video, visit every page, and find out all you can about them.

    Then, when you know everything you can about them, present yourself with confidence, and if education does come up (it may not), then you ask for a trial or probation, being confident you can do the jobs.

    GordonJ
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    Writer's Toll Booth.
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