Hi guys,

 

I know Panda posted a similar topic a while back, but I figured since he succeeded in his interview I could get some suggestions tailored to my situation and hopefully equal his success.

 

I have an interview this Thursday for a front-end web developer job, which requires good understanding of HTML/CSS3 (which of course I'm very confident in) and some knowledge of JavaScript. So this job is right up my street, but it dawned on me today that I know only a handful about the 'why's' and 'how's' of coding.

 

I've read that the interviewer tends to quiz people on their knowledge, and while my knowledge is quite comprehensive, I code and always have - I've never studied why things work the way they do. Don't get me wrong - I do know why a lot of coding attributes work the way they do, but not enough for an interview.

 

Additionally, my JavaScript skills may not be up-to-scratch. I know the job description asks for "some" knowledge, but what if this is still more than I'm expecting?

 

I've done research into front-end developer job interviews and I'm confident talking to the interviewer about my work (I plan to take printed copies of my recent sites and code to discuss it all in detail), and I can sell myself as a developer and I'm super confident as a person anyway. It's just I'm concerned about being thrown into uncomfortable water and not knowing what to say.

 

Can anybody who's been for a web developer interview give me some tips and a head's up with a few things? It's suddenly occurred to me that this is my golden opportunity and I need to seize it.

 

Thanks.

The fact that you have practical knowledge more than theoretical is your advantage. If you won't know the answer to some tricky theoretical question, try to turn it into something like this " I don't know how exactly it works, but I know how to implement it on my project and did it a few times". Don't be nervous and tell what you know about the topic, it will be alright

"I don't know how exactly it works, but I know how to implement it on my project and did it a few times". Don't be nervous and tell what you know about the topic, it will be alright

That's pretty much exactly the case with some parts of coding - I know when to use it, what it does and how it impacts the document, but I'd struggle to explain the science behind it. Good advice, thanks.

What areas are you struggling with?

 

as long as you can explain how HTML, CSS and Javascript are able to effect the web page, talk about some developments in it such as SASS / LESS, HTML5 and what it's capable of, so on and so forth, you'll be fine

 

Just talk about it like you would to another developer, have confidence and you'll be fine!

 

Edit: also reusable code, people love that ****.

Edited July 21, 201313 yr by Yakindo

What areas are you struggling with?

 

as long as you can explain how HTML, CSS and Javascript are able to effect the web page, talk about some developments in it such as SASS / LESS, HTML5 and what it's capable of, so on and so forth, you'll be fine

 

Just talk about it like you would to another developer, have confidence and you'll be fine!

 

Edit: also reusable code, people love that ****.

 

I think I'm just doubting my ability in general, even though I know I'm a decent developer. I've got it into my head that they'll be expecting waaayyyy more than I know, but that could just be me - I know almost everything there is to know about HTML and CSS, so I guess I just have to convey that message across.

Don't worry you will do fine, just show off your skills, they will give you a small PSD file to put together, and just be pleasent to work with, they are after attitude at work just as much as ability. Be confident and don't say anything STUPID lol

 

Most of the time they will employ people depending on their attitude and if they will fit into a team.

 

Don't worry about it, just make sure your passion for front end development comes across and be yourself. If you feel comfortable you'll come out with the right answers.

 

A few questions that I've been asked are...

 

1. What does semantic mean?

2. What websites have you currently visited and what aspects do you like about them?

3. Have a couple of your best websites in mind to use for examples.

4. When do you use id's and classes?

5. What changes has HTML5 brought?

 

I'm sure you know all those answers so try to anticipate some curves balls like number 3.

 

The interviews I've had have varied from cool laid back agencies to more corporate ones, just tailor your presentation slightly i.e. the cool agencies are more a chat style of interview on a couch lol.

 

Hope those little nuggets help and good luck!

How did your interview go?