Navigating the competitivetech industrywith Capital One

A Capital One recruiter is here to help you prepare and showcase your skills in an interview. Check out his three tips.

Landing a job in tech — even the roles in high-demand — isn’t easy. Anyone looking to break into the tech space will need to bring their A-game and be prepared for multiple rounds of interviews.

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At Capital One, teams of engineers are transforming the world of banking with innovative technology. Zach, a Capital One tech recruiting manager, has seen his fair share of job interviews and knows that these first impressions make all the difference when competing for highly coveted tech positions. We sat down with Zach to learn the most important tips for acing a tech interview at Capital One.

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Tip 1

Review your resume

By reviewing your resume in advance, you’ll be able to speak confidently about your career trajectory when the big day comes. Identify two or three responsibilities or technical skills for each role that you can also apply to this new opportunity.

In addition to reviewing your resume beforehand, bring at least two copies to the interview. Your potential employer will likely appreciate having a copy of your resume to refer to during the interview as well.

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Tip 2

Utilize the SAR method

The SAR method, which stands for situation, action and results, is a proven way to answer interview questions concisely and ensure potential employers know exactly how you contributed to a team or project.

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Situation: Think of this as scene-setting. If asked for an example of how you overcame a technical issue, describe the nuances of the problem your team was facing.

Action: This is where you become the main character. Describe what actions you took to solve that technical issue.

Results: End by focusing on the specific outcomes of your actions: “Because I [insert action here], we saw an increase in positive user experience.”

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Situation: Think of this as scene-setting. If asked for an example of how you overcame a technical issue, describe the nuances of the problem your team was facing.

Action: This is where you become the main character. Describe what actions you took to solve that technical issue.

Results: End by focusing on the specific outcomes of your actions: “Because I [insert action here], we saw an increase in positive user experience.”

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Tip 3

Slow down!

Nerves are an unavoidable part of the interview process, and unfortunately, a lot of people tend to speak faster when nervous or anxious. This can result in mumbled speech and misunderstandings.

Counting to three before each interview answer will give you time to fully consider the information you’re being asked and ensure you answer appropriately. You can always ask the interviewer to repeat their question or refer back to your resume. When you’re ready to answer, remember to speak clearly and slowly, and take a breath after each sentence.

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These tips should help you ace your next interview and stand out from the crowd. For careers in tech, consider Capital One, which is consistently ranked as one of the top workplaces in the country.

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