This is the key to nailing your next tech job interview

After weeks of sending applications and resumes, you’ve finally landed an interview at your dream tech company. But how do you make sure you wow the gauntlet of people that will be interviewing you and convince them you are the best candidate for the job?

Good question: That’s why Monster asked Frank Reing, vice president of human resources at software giant SAP, to share his tech interview do’s and don’ts.

Reing has worked at SAP for 13 years, holding multiple positions before landing his current role. Whether you’re entry-level or an experienced tech professional, he’s got some essential tips for nailing your next interview.

Q. Before we even get to interview tips, I’d like to hear your advice for getting the interview itself. What can you put on your resume and cover letter that makes you stand out from other applicants? What will land you that interview or screening call?

A. Sell your personal brand. This is true regardless of whether it’s the tech industry or any other. Know you who are, value it and emphasize how this differentiates you from all other candidates.

That said, I also believe it’s important to underscore adaptability. The pace today is so fast: Underscoring the ability to adapt, having a passion for learning are what organizations value most and are true indicators of future success.

Q. What skills are most desirable to employers in a technical interview?

A. It’s no longer just about the technical skills that you have or where you went to school. Employers want to hire employees that are a good cultural fit with their organization. While skills like coding and programming are still important, having these skills alone is not enough to land you the job. No matter how technical the position, it’s important for candidates to also have soft skills, like the ability to communicate and engage with others.

Hiring managers need to understand that the candidate will integrate with the team and existing ecosystem. That said, I believe it’s critical that employees understand the end customer and demonstrate empathy in the interview. Being able to relate to our customers and illustrating a passion to deliver the simplest, most effective solutions for the end user is what matters at the end of the day, whether it’s a role in development, sales or finance.

Q. Whether it’s a coding problem or a Google-esque curveball, what should a candidate do if they’re stumped by an interview question?

A. First, it’s important not to panic. Likely there is no right or wrong answer to these [curveball] questions; the interviewer just wants to learn about your problem-solving skills and see that you are not one to get discouraged by curveballs or something you don’t know. As such, answering these tough questions in the right manner is important and will give interviewers an idea of how you might handle a tricky situation.

If it’s a highly technical question or problem they are asking you to solve, even if you don’t know the right answer, discuss how you would approach the problem. For example, if they are asking you to read code that you aren’t sure of, be honest and explain what you would do if you ran into this situation while doing your daily work. Usually the interviewer just wants to understand a person’s thought process and logic.

Q. What is the No. 1 mistake you see candidates making in tech job interviews?

A. Relying too heavily on their technical skills. While the technical skills are inevitably a key component of the job requirements, relying on these skills alone will most likely leave you on the outside looking in.

I’d advise candidates to show off their personality as much as possible while answering questions. Don’t forget to keep it professional, but if you have a memorable story that relates to the position you are applying for and your motivation for the job, tell it. Personal stories are relatable to the audience and something they will carry with them beyond the interview.

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to add regarding the application and interview process?

A. Preparation is key. Too many take for granted that they have been afforded an interview, so they come in cold. Take the time leading up to the interview to complete your due diligence and structure thought-provoking questions for the interviewer. This will demonstrate your work ethic, passion and desire for the role. If nothing else, it will leave a lasting impression about your personal brand.

Through technological advancements, the world becomes smaller every day, every minute. You never know when this might be a differentiating factor, either for the role you are interviewing for or something that may not be on your radar today.