I've been working as an engineer for 25 years, primarily as a Unix administrator, DevOps engineer, infrastructure engineer, and SRE. Despite my extensive experience, I've struggled with interviews, mostly due to nerves and not wanting to take too long to find answers. I know a range of tools, but it's been a while since I used some of them, which can make me freeze up in the moment. I have a technical interview coming up next week, and I've mostly been winging it in previous interviews, which hasn't worked well. I'm hoping to find a concise refresher course on topics like AWS, Python, Azure, Terraform, and Jenkins, ideally one that covers the essentials in just a couple of days. Any advice or resources? Thanks!
5 Answers
Honestly, practice is key! Try doing mock interviews with a friend or even simulate an interview with as many job-specific questions as possible. Plus, researching the company beforehand can help you relate your answers to their specific needs. Good luck! You got this!
It’s all about preparation and mindset. Don't compare yourself to your past interviews—just focus on showing what you know and how you can contribute. Remember, most candidates are nervous! Good luck with your upcoming interview!
You might want to brush up on the key tools you're likely to be asked about, like Terraform and Jenkins. If you haven't used them recently, a quick refresher course could definitely help. And remember, honesty is key—if you don’t know something, it’s better to admit it and demonstrate your problem-solving skills instead.
I totally get this! Interviews can feel like a lottery, especially with how random some questions can be. It might help to focus on the skills you're most confident in and steer the conversation there. Practice mock interviews focusing on those areas to build confidence. Also, if there's a topic you're slightly rusty on, it's okay to admit that while highlighting your past experience with it. You'll find your rhythm!
Yes! I've done the same. Steering the conversation and relating it back to your strengths really makes a difference. It shows you’re engaged and it helps the interviewer understand your experiences better.
I’ve been in DevOps for years too, and interviews can be tough. One strategy that helped me is to keep my resume honest—only include what I've actually worked on thoroughly. Also, asking what the must-have skills are during the HR screening can help you focus your prep on what's truly important. It takes a lot of pressure off!
That’s a solid approach. Knowing what they prioritize helps you prepare effectively and keep the interview focused on your strengths.
Exactly! Showcasing your thought process and how you tackle new challenges can impress interviewers more than just rote knowledge.