People laugh when I say you can land a job by answering only 30–40% of the questions in a technical interview. I laugh too—because it’s deceptively simple, yet undeniably true! 😄
As an interviewer, I’ve seen many candidates get hired because they showed the right attitude, curiosity, and eagerness to learn and grow, even when they didn’t know all the answers. For example, one candidate answered less than half of the technical questions but impressed the team with his problem-solving approach and openness to feedback. He was hired and became a top performer.
A TestGorilla report backs this up, showing a trend towards skills-based hiring, where the focus is on adaptability, enthusiasm, and problem-solving, not just technical knowledge. It’s no surprise; things have been going in this direction for at least a decade now.
Why the Shift Toward Skills-Based Hiring?
Hiring managers are increasingly valuing adaptability and potential over perfect technical knowledge. Here’s why this shift is happening:
- Specific Tools and Technologies: Many companies use a unique combination of tools and technologies, making it difficult to find candidates who perfectly match every requirement they put in the job ad. Instead of searching for someone who checks every box, hiring managers focus on those who meet the core requirements and display enthusiasm to learn the rest. The ability to quickly adapt and pick up new tools has become more important than knowing them all from the start.
- Rapid Technological Changes: In the fast-paced IT world, today’s skills can become irrelevant tomorrow. New technologies, frameworks, and tools are constantly emerging, and companies want employees who are quick learners, capable of adapting to these changes. It’s not just about what you know now—it’s about how you handle learning new things on the job.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: In modern work environments, even the most technically proficient person won’t succeed if they can’t work well with others. Collaboration, communication, and being a team player are highly valued skills. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who not only bring technical expertise but also contribute positively to team dynamics. Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively are essential to thriving in most tech roles.
How to Improve Your Chances in Interviews
So, what can you focus on during your next interview to increase your chances of getting hired? Instead of solely focusing on technical knowledge, make sure to also demonstrate proper non-technical qualities:
1. Answering with Clarity and Confidence
When you know the answer to a technical question, the way you present it is crucial. Instead of rushing into an explanation, take a moment to organize your thoughts and deliver a clear, structured response. Aim to not only state the correct answer but also demonstrate why it’s relevant to the role you apply for. Offer a brief example of how you’ve applied this knowledge in real-world scenarios, whether it’s a past project or solving a similar problem.
However, confidence shouldn’t turn into arrogance. Even when you’re sure of your answer, remain open to the interviewer’s feedback or alternative perspectives. Express your reasoning clearly but be receptive to discussion. Sometimes, interviewers are less interested in the correctness of your answer and more focused on your ability to communicate it effectively and engage in dialogue. Being willing to learn from the conversation, rather than shutting it down, can demonstrate humility and maturity.
Tip: If the interviewer offers a different perspective, don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions. This shows you’re willing to deepen your understanding rather than clinging to what you already know.
2. Attitude When You Don’t Know the Answer
Not knowing an answer is common in technical interviews, but how you handle it can set you apart. Admitting you don’t know something isn’t a weakness—it’s a chance to showcase your problem-solving ability and eagerness to learn. Instead of guessing, say, “I’m not familiar with that, but I would approach it by…” This shows you can think on your feet and apply logical reasoning to new problems.
Ask clarifying questions to better understand the context of the issue. This approach demonstrates active listening and a genuine interest in learning more. You can even offer a related example from a time when you faced a challenge with an unfamiliar technology but learned it quickly.
Tip: Highlight how you would go about finding a solution. Mention specific resources you rely on, such as documentation, tutorials, or collaboration with peers. This conveys that you’re resourceful and have a strong learning process in place.
3. Be Honest About Your Knowledge
It’s tempting to pad your résumé with extra skills, but overstating your experience can backfire during interviews. If you claim expertise in a particular technology or tool, interviewers will likely probe deeper into that subject. If you struggle to provide detailed answers, it raises doubts about your credibility and the depth of your knowledge.
Instead, focus on being authentic and transparent about your experience. If you’re not an expert in a particular skill but have some exposure to it, frame it accordingly: “I’ve had some experience with this but would need to deepen my knowledge further.” This honesty helps set clear expectations and shows that you’re realistic about your abilities while also open to growth.
Tip: It’s better to highlight fewer skills but demonstrate depth in each of them. For example, if you have in-depth experience with a specific programming language, share how you’ve used it in complex projects and the challenges you’ve overcome.
4. Demonstrate a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is highly valued by employers, especially in fast-evolving industries like tech. Instead of simply answering questions, use the interview to ask thoughtful, forward-looking questions about the role and the company. For example, asking, “What’s the biggest challenge your team is working on, and how could I help solve it?” not only signals your interest in contributing to their success but also shows you’re proactive and eager to make an impact.
It’s not just about showing that you can do the job today—it’s about demonstrating your potential to grow into future roles. Discuss how you stay current with industry trends, learn new technologies, and actively seek out opportunities for professional development. Employers want candidates who are lifelong learners and who can adapt to future challenges as they arise.
Tip: During the interview, bring up recent projects or technologies you’ve learned outside of work. This reinforces your desire to grow and keeps you positioned as someone who embraces continuous learning.
The Takeaway
Interviews are ultimately about potential rather than perfection. Employers seek candidates who not only possess the necessary skills but also demonstrate the ability to learn and grow. Focus on showcasing a blend of competence, curiosity, and character throughout the conversation. Instead of stressing over every technical question you can’t answer, concentrate on conveying your enthusiasm for the role, your willingness to tackle challenges, and your commitment to continuous learning. By doing so, you’ll leave a lasting impression that goes beyond mere technical knowledge, positioning yourself as a valuable asset to any team.