We know interviews can feel a bit intimidating, especially when you’re not sure what to expect. With solid preparation, though, you can answer with more confidence and stand out for the way you think and communicate.

Below are some practical tips to help you get ready for any interview.

1 Strengthen the fundamentals

Before worrying about ultra-complex problems, make sure your core concepts are rock-solid. Review these topics:

  • Programming logic
  • Data structures (arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, hash tables, trees)
  • Sorting and searching algorithms (merge sort, quick sort, binary search)
  • Algorithmic complexity (Big-O notation)
  • Object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts
  • Relational databases: SQL, joins, normalization
  • If applicable, networks and protocols (HTTP, TCP/IP, DNS)

Even if you already have experience, it’s worth revisiting the basics – they come up often in interviews.

2 Practice answering simple, direct questions

Not every technical interview involves complex algorithms or live coding. Often the interviewer just wants to understand how you think, whether you master the basics, and how clearly you express yourself. Here are some real examples of straightforward questions, common for Java or .NET profiles:

Logic and reasoning

  • How would you check whether a number is even or odd?
  • What happens if you divide by zero?
  • What does it mean when a variable is “null”? What problems can it cause?
  • How would you avoid a null-reference error (NullPointerException / NullReferenceException)?
  • What’s the difference between comparing objects with == and with .equals() (Java) or .Equals() (C#)?

Data structures

  • When would you use a List and when would you use a Set?
  • Explain the difference between an Array and a List.
  • What is a Dictionary (C#) or Map (Java) and what is it for?
  • Give a simple example of when you’d use a Queue.

Object-oriented programming

  • What is encapsulation, and why is it important?
  • What’s the difference between inheritance and composition?
  • What advantages do interfaces provide?
  • Explain polymorphism with a simple example.

Lifecycle and best practices

  • What happens when you run a Java /.NET application from start to finish?
  • How do you handle errors in an application? What types of exceptions do you know?
  • How would you implement logging in an application?

Day-to-day practical questions

  • How do you read data from a file in your project?
  • How would you call an external API?
  • Imagine you need to validate a user’s e-mail: how would you do that simply?
  • What would you do if a feature worked on your computer but failed in production?

These questions look basic but reveal a lot: clarity, hands-on experience, and your ability to explain. Practice answering them aloud.

3 Learn to think out loud

In many interviews, how you arrive at the solution matters more than the code itself.
Practice verbalizing your reasoning, e.g.:

“I’ll check whether the variable is null before calling the method to avoid an exception. Then I’ll validate the input before proceeding.”

You don’t need a memorized speech, just show that you can structure your thoughts and justify your decisions.

4 Refresh your projects

An interview isn’t only about pure tech: you’ll talk about what you’ve actually done. Be ready for questions like:

  • What problems did you solve on your last project?
  • What technical decisions did you make, and why?
  • If you could go back, would you do anything differently?
  • How did you lead your team when deadlines were tight?

Having concrete examples shows maturity and gives real-world context to your technical knowledge.

5 It’s not just technical, mindset counts too

Highly skilled candidates can stumble because of attitude, while someone with gaps may advance by showing strong learning ability and a positive outlook. Quick tips:

  • If you don’t know something, say so honestly, explain how you’d find the answer.
  • Show curiosity. Ask about the product, the stack, the team.
  • Be clear, humble, and transparent. It always works.

Quick checklist before the interview

✔ Have you reviewed the key technical concepts for the role?
✔ Thought through answers to common, simple questions?
✔ Prepared examples from your past projects?
✔ Ready to explain your reasoning out loud?
✔ (For remote interviews) Do you have a quiet space, a good webcam, and a clear-sounding microphone?

Preparing for an interview takes effort, but it pays off. It shows commitment, professionalism, and that you care about doing a great job.

If you’re getting ready for an interview with us, go for it, and if you’d like to share your experience or ask questions, we’re here.

Good luck!

  • Ana Correia – IT Recruitment & Employer Brand Specialist