Way Before the Interview

Try to start prepping as early as possible!

🐳 Prepare a good resume! - Yes, it's hard to fit yourself onto a page or two, but you have to try! UPE does resume critiques if you need any help!

🐳 Apply for the right job! - what best suits you?

🐳 Know the company. - Research is key!

🐳 Practice interviews! - Oh look, UPE has an interview bank! We also have mock interviews , so practice as much as you can!

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Night Before the Interview

Twas the night before the interview and all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

🐳 Prep for the big day! - Make sure you have your things in place! Charge your mobile phone and laptop, choose what you'll be wearing for the interview, and get a good night's sleep!

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During the Interview

It's the big day! You've prepped hard ... now give it your best shot!

🐳 Make sure to follow general interview etiquette! - Be it a technical or behavioral interview, etiquette matters!

🐳 SYSTEMATICALLY answer the coding question (if there is one)! - Take your time whilst answering a question, making sure that you understand it completely. Think out loud and state any assumption that you're making. Don't be afraid to ask the interviewer if something is unclear! Remember, solving the problem in the interview is only half of the challenge. The other half is making sure your interviewer understands your explanation and believes that he or she could collaborate with you.

🐳 And don't forget to stay calm! - Remember, you're ready for this -- just give it your best shot!

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After the Interview

Don't forget about the follow-up email!

🐳 Send out a thank you email! - It will help your recruiter remember you and will increase your chances of getting the job! Additionally, if you do not end up landing the position, the thank you email will still keep you in good books with your interviewer, potentially paving way for a future job at the same company.

🐳 Make sure to send out a follow-up email if you haven't heard back from the company after two weeks! Sometimes, people just need a gentle reminder!

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Rejection?

"I take rejection as someone blowing a bugle in my ear to wake me up and get going, rather than retreat." - Sylvester Stallone.

🐳 Learn from your mistakes: Ask yourself (and potentially even your interviewer) where you could have improved. Even if you don't land the job, you gain the experience! Make sure the whole experience didn't go to waste - if you didn't come out with a job, you should come out with the knowledge on how to improve yourself!

🐳 Reply to your rejection email - as mentioned earlier, it's important to get to know where you might have gone wrong. Additionally, if another position opens up, you'll still be in good books with the company!

🐳 Rejection hurts, but it's not the end of the world. - It's hard to do, but you've got to move on! You'll find your perfect fit eventually -- we promise!

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Acceptance? Dealing with the offer

Congratulations! You got the job! Don't forget to negotiate!

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🐳 Just becuause you landed a job, it does not mean that you stop your job hunt! Don't accept your offer just yet! Email companies that you're still waiting to hear back from! You might be able to land a more suitable job if you wait to hear back from your other options!

🐳 Negotiate: Make sure that you negotiate your starting salary and other benefits with your recruiter. There is no harm in asking for more benefits; the company took the trouble to eliminate so many other candidates just becuase they wanted you!