Stepping into an interview is an exciting opportunity, especially when you’re aiming to launch or grow your career in tech – and our Academy team believes that early preparation sets you up for success from the very start.
So, before diving into practical interview tips, we’ve outlined essential skills to give you a sense of what our team looks for when meeting new candidates.
The Core Skills Behind Early Career Success
Our Academy is built on the belief that Tech Is For Everyone.
That means when it comes to hiring new candidates, we focus on potential just as much as experience, looking closely at both technical aptitude and soft skills.
For soft skills, this includes how well you communicate, your ability to problem‑solve, and evidence of how well you collaborate with others in a team. These skills can come from experience you’ve gained in previous roles, during your studies, or even personal projects where teamwork and communication have played a part.
Find out more about the transferable skills you can use for your tech career here.
On the technical skills side, our expert instructors are here to help you build the essential skills needed to develop and thrive in your early career. While we don’t expect you to be an expert in tech before you apply for our Academy, having a passion for tech, curiosity about the industry, and some exposure to tech is a great advantage.
“When speaking with new candidates, I initially look for a genuine enthusiasm for continuous learning and development. So, it’s always worth jotting down any relevant experience you’ve had before your interview with us. And don’t forget – we’re here to help you develop these technical (and soft) skills throughout your training with us too!”
Gemma Smith
Recruitment Coordinator
5 Interview Preparation Tips
With the above core skills in mind, our recruitment coordinator, Gemma Smith, shares the additional qualities we look for during interview stages, what our clients value most, and the simple ways you can present your strengths with confidence.
1. Clear Communication & Personality (be yourself!)
“Strong communication skills are essential. I pay attention to how well you structure your answers, but I’m also looking for some personality to shine through! We look for candidates who present themselves authentically, so it’s super important to just be yourself.”
2. Sharing Your Skills Effectively
“I look for candidates who can clearly and confidently explain both their technical and soft skills. It’s important not just to list what you know, but to articulate how you’ve applied those skills in real situations.”
3. Research Corecom Tech Academy or our Client prior
“Taking the time to research Corecom Tech Academy and/or the client you’re interviewing for is always a nice touch. It demonstrates genuine interest, initiative, and preparation. Even referencing a recent project, company value, or industry trend can make a solid first impression.”
4. Show Passion for the Role & Tech Industry
“Whether it’s through your previous studies or extracurricular activities you’ve partaken in, a willingness to learn continuously is also something I look out for. This could include hackathons, tech meetups, personal projects, online courses, tech-related certifications you’ve gained and more.”
5. Ask Insightful Questions
“This can be during or at the end of interview. These questions could be tailored towards company values or culture, technologies we use, progression opportunities, or general questions about the role requirements. Candidates who ask thoughtful questions stand out as it shows keen interest in what they’re applying for.”
Final Thoughts
With the right preparation and mindset, interviews are a brilliant opportunity to show who you are and what you’re capable of.
Nerves are very natural at this stage – but once you take these tips on board, reflect on your tech experiences, and take a moment to highlight your key strengths, you’ll be able to step into your interview with us feeling confident and ready.
We’re excited to meet you, learn about your journey, and help you take the next step toward a rewarding career in tech!
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