Navigating the Challenges of Job Interviews in Software Development
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Chapter 1: My Experience with a Job Interview
I encountered a software company that specialized in creating casual video games for mobile devices through a recruiter. Despite their reputation, I found little enthusiasm for their offerings. The company was situated in a quaint village in central England, and their games, in my opinion, lacked depth and excitement. Nevertheless, I decided to participate in the interview to gain experience, as I was eager to leave my then-current job.
The interview process unfolded over Skype and comprised three stages within a week: an initial cognitive interview, a project development task using Unity, and a final discussion with the company’s CEO, CTO, and HR manager. I managed to complete the first two stages successfully. However, I stumbled in the final interview. When asked about my professional aspirations, I, constrained by anxiety and a lack of passion for mobile development, expressed a desire to see a game I created published on the Steam platform or on consoles. This response was not well-received, considering their focus on mobile gaming.
Another significant error occurred when I was asked about my favorite game from their catalog. During remote interviews, I typically keep notes, including the names of individuals I’m speaking with and relevant details to avoid forgetting due to nerves. When I glanced at my notes to recall a game title, the HR manager noticed and laughed, leading to a swift conclusion of the interview.
A few days later, I received feedback from the recruiter. Unsurprisingly, it was negative. However, they included a remark that made me feel somewhat exposed, as though my intentions were laid bare: “You didn’t seem particularly interested in the company. It appeared you were more focused on breaking into the video game industry rather than being genuinely engaged with us.” Initially, I felt offended, but I realized they were correct; I likely would have departed shortly after if hired.
This experience taught me the importance of being completely honest in interviews, even if it may lead to rejection. If that happens, I’ve learned to accept it without taking it personally and to use the feedback to foster my growth.
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