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Technical Interview Phases & Preparation Guide
Congratulations! 🎉 You’re taking the right step by understanding the structure of a
technical interview before appearing for one. Every interviewer follows a pattern, and
knowing what to expect will give you an edge.
This guide breaks down the 8 phases of a technical interview and provides preparation
tips for each phase.
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1. Introduction
💡 What Happens?
● The interviewer asks you to introduce yourself.
● A brief, professional self-introduction (30–60 seconds).
📝 How to Prepare?
✅ Keep it structured: Name, education, experience (if any), skills, and interests.
✅ Mention your strengths relevant to the job.
✅ Avoid unnecessary personal details.
🔹 Example:
"Hi, I’m [Your Name], a recent Computer Science graduate. I have experience in Python,
Java, and Web Development. During my internship at XYZ Company, I worked on
developing APIs for a real-time application. I enjoy problem-solving and have participated in
competitive programming contests. I’m excited about this opportunity because I’m
passionate about software development and eager to contribute to your team."
2. Resume Deep Dive
💡 What Happens?
● The interviewer will pick projects, internships, or achievements from your resume and
ask questions.
📝 How to Prepare?
✅ Be thorough with your resume—you should know every detail you’ve mentioned.
✅ Prepare answers for:
● What was your role in this project?
● What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
● What technologies did you use?
✅
● What was the outcome?
If you don’t know something, be honest!
🔹 Example Question:
“Tell me about your project on XYZ. What problem did it solve?”
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3. Technical Knowledge Assessment
💡 What Happens?
● The interviewer asks questions based on the job description and required technical
skills.
● Topics include: Data Structures, Algorithms, OOPs, DBMS, Operating Systems,
Networking, Web Development, etc.
📝 How to Prepare?
✅ Revise CS fundamentals—especially the topics mentioned in the job description.
✅ Understand concepts deeply rather than memorizing answers.
✅ Practice explaining concepts out loud as if you’re teaching someone.
🔹 Example Question:
“What is the difference between an abstract class and an interface?”
Sample Questions : Click Here
4. Coding Challenge
💡 What Happens?
● You’ll be given a problem statement to solve using code.
● Interviewers evaluate your logic, efficiency, edge cases, and debugging skills.
📝 How to Prepare?
✅ Focus on Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA) (Arrays, Linked Lists, Trees, Graphs,
✅ Solve coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, CodeChef, HackerRank.
DP, etc.).
✅ Learn to write optimized code and explain your approach.
✅ Practice solving problems live on a whiteboard or a coding platform.
🔹 Example Question:
“Write a function to check if a string is a palindrome.”
Sample Questions : Click Here
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5. System Design (For Experienced Roles)
💡 What Happens?
● If you’re an experienced candidate, you may be asked to design a system (e.g.,
URL shortener, chat application).
● The interviewer checks your understanding of scalability, architecture, database
design, caching, APIs, and microservices.
📝 How to Prepare?
✅ Study High-Level Design (HLD) and Low-Level Design (LLD).
✅ Learn about database scaling, load balancing, and distributed systems.
✅ Read system design case studies (e.g., How does Netflix handle millions of users?).
🔹 Example Question:
“How would you design a URL shortener like Bitly?”
6. Behavioral & HR Questions
💡 What Happens?
● Questions about your work ethic, teamwork, problem-solving skills, leadership,
and adaptability.
● Common HR questions like relocation, salary expectations,
strengths/weaknesses.
📝 How to Prepare?
✅ Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer situational
✅ Prepare for common HR questions like:
questions.
● Why do you want to join our company?
● Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
● Tell me about a time you handled a conflict in a team.
🔹 Example Question:
“Describe a time when you had to meet a tight deadline. How did you handle it?”
Sample Questions : Click Here
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7. Candidate’s Turn (Q&A)
💡 What Happens?
● The interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?”
● Asking good questions shows your interest and enthusiasm.
📝 How to Prepare?
✅ Ask about team culture, projects, technologies used, growth opportunities.
✅ Avoid questions about salary unless the interviewer brings it up.
🔹 Example Questions to Ask:
● “Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?”
● “What challenges is the company currently facing?”
● “What does a typical day in this role look like?”
8. Closing & Next Steps
💡 What Happens?
● The interviewer may discuss the next steps, feedback timeline, and additional
rounds.
● A polite wrap-up and thank you.
📝 How to Prepare?
✅ End the interview on a positive note.
✅ Thank the interviewer for their time.
✅ If not mentioned, politely ask, “May I know the expected timeline for the next steps?”
🔹 Example:
“Thank you for your time! I really enjoyed our discussion and learning more about the role
and the team.”
Final Tips to Crack Your Technical Interview
✅ Practice mock interviews (use Pramp, Interviewing.io).
✅ Work on your soft skills (communication & clarity matter).
✅ Be confident & stay calm—it’s okay to ask for clarifications.
✅ Keep learning & improving—even if you don’t clear one, take it as a learning
experience.
📩 Want More Placement Tips? Follow me on Instagram for regular updates!
