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The recruitment process can be daunting, especially with the ongoing debate about the importance of soft skills versus technical skills. To shed light on this topic, we’re talking to Jurgita Žukauskaite, IT Recruiter at Infare, who shares her invaluable tips and insights on understanding and excelling in interviews and the overall recruitment process.

Interview Tips for Women Entering Tech

• Research the Company: Understand the company’s mission, values, and culture. This helps tailor your responses to show alignment and enthusiasm. Identify your biggest motivator for joining and share it during the interview.
• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize both technical and soft skills using real stories from your experience, regardless of the field.
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Practice coding problems, algorithms, and system design on platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank.
• Ask Questions: Show interest in the role by asking insightful questions about the team, projects, and company growth.
• Showcase Your Projects: Discuss personal or collaborative projects to demonstrate your skills and initiative. Create a portfolio to highlight your progress.

The Dos and Don’ts

Dos:

• Network Actively: Join women-in-tech groups, attend meetups, and participate in online forums. Expand your network on LinkedIn.
• Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance and support. Many organizations offer mentorship programs specifically for women.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends through online courses, certifications, and newsletters.
• Confidence: Believe in your abilities and be confident in your skills. Remember your qualifications and achievements.
• Stay Calm and Assertive: Remember, the interview is a two-way street. You are also evaluating your potential workplace.

Don’ts:

• Underestimate Yourself: Don’t apply for jobs only if you meet 100% of the qualifications. Apply if you meet at least 60%.
• Ignore Soft Skills: Employers look for well-rounded candidates with both technical and soft skills.
• Come Unprepared: Research the company thoroughly to avoid asking basic questions covered on their website.
• Drift from the Topic: Stay focused on the topic and questions during the interview.
• Interrupt or Get Defensive: If you don’t know an answer, acknowledge the gap in your knowledge respectfully.

Let’s do this!