Landing your first tech interview is a huge milestone, but it can also feel intimidating. Whether you’re applying for a junior developer role, a data analyst position, or a support engineering job, the interview process is designed to test not just your skills, but your mindset and problem-solving approach.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to prepare for your first tech interview as a beginner, including what to expect, how to practice, and how to showcase your portfolio with confidence.
🧠What to Expect in a Beginner Tech Interview
Most entry-level tech interviews follow a 3-phase structure:
- Phone or Video Screening
A short conversation to assess your enthusiasm, communication, and basic qualifications. - Remote Coding Challenge
You may be asked to solve 2–4 coding problems using platforms like HackerRank or CodeSignal. - Onsite or Virtual Technical Interview
This may include whiteboarding, pair programming, or system design questions.
🧩 How to Prepare Effectively
1. Choose Your Interview Language
Stick with the language you’re most comfortable in, whether it’s Python, JavaScript, or SQL, and practice consistently.
2. Master the Fundamentals
Focus on:
- String manipulation
- Arrays and loops
- File I/O and command-line arguments
- Basic object-oriented programming
3. Practice Data Structures & Algorithms
Use platforms like:
4. Review Your Portfolio Projects
Be ready to:
- Explain your project choices
- Walk through your code logic
- Discuss challenges and how you solved them
5. Prepare for Behavioral Questions
Expect questions like:
- “Tell me about a time you solved a problem.”
- “How do you handle feedback?”
- “Why are you switching careers into tech?”
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
đź’Ľ How to Showcase Your Portfolio During the Interview
Your portfolio is your proof of progress. Make sure it’s:
- Hosted on GitHub or Netlify
- Includes clear README files
- Has live demos or screenshots
- Organized by skill or tech stack
đź”— Need help? Revisit Part 3: How to Build Your First Developer Portfolio
🗣️ Interview Mindset Tips
- Think out loud during coding challenges
- Ask clarifying questions if something’s unclear
- Don’t panic if you get stuck—talk through your thought process
- Follow up with a thank-you email that reiterates your enthusiasm
🆓 Free Resources to Practice Interviews
- Interviewing.io – Anonymous mock interviews
- Pramp – Peer-to-peer interview practice
- Exercism.io – Practice coding with mentorship
- CS50 Interview Prep – Behavioral and technical prep
- Educative’s Interview Roadmap – Structured prep plan
đź’ˇ Final Thoughts
Your first tech interview isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing potential. With the right preparation, mindset, and portfolio, you’ll be ready to turn that opportunity into a breakthrough.
Coming Up Next:
In Part 7 of the Switching to Tech series, we’ll explore how to network in tech, online and offline, and how to build relationships that open doors.
Missed Earlier Posts?
- Start with Part 1: Want to Switch Careers Into Tech? Here’s How to Start🚀
- Explore Part 2: Switching to Tech: The Best Free Resources for Beginners đź’»
- Stay on track with Part 3: Learning Tech for Career Changers: How to Stay Consistent đź“…
- Create your portfolio with Part 4: Switching to Tech: How to Build Your First Developer Portfolio🧰
- Build a strategy in Part 5: How to Apply for Entry-Level Tech Jobs 📬