If you’re a DevOps professional looking for a new job, participating in interviews is an unavoidable part of the process. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just launching your career, interviewing can be equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. Fortunately, with effective preparation, you can experience more of the former and less of the latter. Here are some DevOps interview prep tips to get you headed in the right direction.
Research the Company
Before diving into interview preparation, research the company extensively. As you explore the organization, aim to understand its core values, products, services, and the technology stack it uses. By doing so, you’ll have an easier time demonstrating your knowledge of the company during the interview, which shows your enthusiasm and genuine interest in working there. Plus, it can help you align your skills and experiences with the company’s specific needs, making you a stronger candidate.
Prepare Relevant Examples
When you answer interview questions, discussing relevant examples from your work history is the most compelling approach. Spend some time reflecting on your career and identifying projects that are similar to what the potential employer likely has on its plate. Then, use the STAR Method to outline what occurred, the tasks you manage, the skills you used, any challenges you overcame, and the end result. When it comes to skills, mention a mix of technical capabilities and soft skills, as that helps you come across as a well-rounded candidate.
Learn About Emerging Trends
Being up to date on what’s happening in the world of DevOps is beneficial if you’re getting ready for an interview. During the meeting, you may be directly asked about emerging technologies or trends related to the field, but even if you aren’t, discussing what’s on the horizon when answering questions in the right arena works in your favor. It shows you’re enthusiastic about your field and that you take the time to learn about it and ensure you remain current. Both of those are marks of a passionate professional, which can help you stand apart from the competition.
Prepare Some Questions
At the end of the interview, candidates usually get a chance to ask the hiring manager a few questions. Make sure to seize this opportunity, as it’s a chance to learn more about the role and company, as well as your position as a candidate.
Asking if there’s anything that makes the hiring manager hesitant to hire you gives you a chance to directly address their concerns, strengthening your position as a candidate. Having them describe a typical day in the job ensures you see what’s involved beyond the most interesting projects they’ve likely mentioned already.
Consider what questions help you determine whether the job is the right fit for you, and make sure you familiarize yourself with them so that you can recall them with ease. That way, when you’re asked if you have questions, you’ll have a few in your back pocket.