Step-by-Step Prep for Your First Tech Job Interview

Your First Tech Interview Doesn't Have to Feel Like Climbing Mount Everest

 

That Knot in Your Stomach? Totally Normal.

Picture this: You've just gotten the email. The one you've been waiting for since you started coding, maybe since you enrolled in that Blip School program. Your first tech interview is scheduled, and suddenly your palms are sweaty.

Here's what nobody tells you, that nervous excitement means you care. And that's already putting you ahead of half the candidates out there.

But here's the other thing nobody mentions: Most people don't fail tech interviews because they can't code. They fail because they walked in unprepared, hoping their technical skills would carry them through.

Spoiler alert: They won't.

This isn't meant to scare you, it's meant to give you the roadmap that transforms those interview butterflies into confident energy. Whether you're in Lagos, Nairobi, or Cape Town, this guide will help you show up ready to impress.

(Related: The 10 Skills You Need to Succeed in Tech in 2025)

Step 1: Become a Company Detective (Yes, Really)

You know that friend who Facebook-stalks everyone before a first date? Channel that energy for your interview prep.

Most candidates do a lazy five-minute website scroll and call it research. Don't be most candidates.

Here's your investigation checklist:

• Dive deep into their website and blog—What problems are they solving? What gets them excited?
• Stalk their LinkedIn (professionally)—What recent wins are they celebrating? Who works there?
• Google their recent news—Did they just secure funding? Launch a new product? Win an award?
• Study their tech stack like your favorite playlist—If they're building with React and Python, make sure you can speak their language

Real talk: If you're interviewing with a fintech startup in Nigeria, you better know what's happening with digital payments in Africa right now. It shows you're not just looking for any job—you want this job.

Step 2: Your Projects Are Your Proof of Life

Here's the thing that trips up so many first-time interviewers: They think listing skills is enough.

"I know JavaScript, HTML, CSS..."

Cool. So does everyone else.

What sets you apart is being able to say, "I built a weather app that handles API calls and here's exactly how I solved the problem when the service went down."

Before your interview:

• Walk through each portfolio project like you're giving a friend a tour—Remember why you made certain choices
• Brush up on the fundamentals—Data structures, APIs, version control aren't just buzzwords; they're your foundation
• Practice explaining your thinking out loud—The interviewer wants to see how your brain works, not just the final code
• If you've used collaboration tools (Slack, Jira, even Google Docs), mention it—teamwork is a superpower in tech

(Related: Portfolio Check: Why Yours Isn't Getting You Interviews (And How to Fix It))

Step 3: The Questions That Make or Break You

Every tech interview is basically two interviews wrapped into one: the technical skills check and the "can we work with this human" assessment.

Technical Questions You'll Probably Get:

• "Walk me through the difference between frontend and backend development"
• "Write a query to find all users who joined in the last 30 days"
• "There's a bug in this function—can you spot it?"

The Human Questions That Matter Just as Much:

• "Tell me about a time you had to learn something completely new under pressure"
• "How do you handle feedback when someone points out an error in your code?"
• "Describe a project you worked on that didn't go as planned"

Pro tip: For those behavioral questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), but don't make it sound like a robot reciting a manual. Tell it like you're sharing the story with a friend.

Step 4: Practice Like Your Career Depends on It (Because It Does)

Reading interview questions is like reading about swimming—helpful, but you're not ready to jump in the pool.

Here's how to actually prepare:

• Find a practice buddy—Ask a friend, mentor, or even your mirror to play interviewer
• Use online mock interview platforms like Pramp or Interviewing.io—they're like dating apps for interview practice
• Time yourself—Most coding challenges give you 30-45 minutes, and adrenaline makes time move weird
• Record yourself answering questions—Yes, it's cringeworthy at first, but you'll catch all those "ums" and fidgeting

Step 5: Your Home Setup Can Make or Break a Remote Interview

Let's be real, most African tech opportunities today involve some remote work. That means your bedroom or living room is now your office, and first impressions happen before you even speak.

The non-negotiables:

• Internet that won't ghost you mid-sentence—Test it beforehand, have a backup plan
• Audio and video that actually work—Nobody wants to hire someone they can't hear or see clearly
• A background that says "professional," not "I live in chaos"—Even if you have to rearrange your entire room
• Your coding environment ready to go—VS Code, PyCharm, whatever you use, have it open and tested

And yes, dress up even for Zoom calls. Something about putting on real clothes makes your brain switch into professional mode.

(Related: Can Bookkeeping Help You Work Remotely? Yes—Here's How)

Step 6: You're More Than Just Code (And They Need to Know It)

Here's what separates good developers from great hires: soft skills.

What interviewers are really looking for:

• Communication skills—Can you explain why you chose React over Vue to your non-technical project manager?
• Collaboration—Even that group project from school counts as teamwork experience
• Problem-solving mindset—They want someone who sees bugs as puzzles, not roadblocks
• Growth mindset—Tech changes faster than fashion trends; can you keep up?

Don't just tell them you have these skills, show them through your stories and examples.

Step 7: The Questions That Show You're Serious

When they ask, "Do you have any questions for us?" and you say no, you've just told them you're not that interested.

Ask questions that show you're thinking about the role:

• "What does a typical day look like for someone in this position?"
• "What's the biggest challenge your development team is tackling right now?"
• "How do you measure success for someone in their first 90 days?"
• "What opportunities are there for learning and growth?"

These aren't just questions, they're conversation starters that show you're already thinking like part of the team.

Step 8: The Follow-Up That Sets You Apart

Most candidates ghost after the interview. Don't be most candidates.

Within 24 hours, send a thank-you email that:

• References something specific from your conversation
• Reiterates your enthusiasm for the role
• Maybe includes a link to a project you mentioned

It's not about being pushy—it's about being memorable in a good way.

Your Pre-Interview Power Checklist

The night before, make sure you've:

✅ Researched the company until you could write their Wikipedia page
✅ Walked through your portfolio projects out loud
✅ Practiced both technical and behavioral questions
✅ Done at least one mock interview with a real human
✅ Tested your interview setup (internet, camera, mic, coding environment)
✅ Prepared thoughtful questions that show you're genuinely interested
✅ Written a follow-up email template (but don't send it yet!)

The Real Truth About First Tech Interviews

Here's something they don't teach you in coding bootcamps: interviews aren't just about proving you're good enough for them. They're also about figuring out if this company, this team, this role is right for you.

The best interviews feel like conversations between future teammates, not interrogations.

Your job isn't to be perfect, it's to be prepared, authentic, and curious. Show them the developer you are today and the one you're excited to become.

At Blip School, we don't just teach you how to code—we help you build the complete package that gets you noticed. The skills, the portfolio, the confidence, and yes, even the interview prep that turns opportunities into offers.

Because your first tech interview isn't just about landing a job, it's about launching the career you've been working toward.

Ready to turn your  skills into career success? Check out Blip School's Career Programs and give yourself every advantage in that interview room (or Zoom call).

Your future self is counting on the preparation you do today.

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