Hi guys!

Hopefully going to be heading to a job interview as a Junior Front End Developer over the next few weeks. Primarily a web designer but taught myself to code as well. The job uses HTML, CSS, JavaScript and Angular. I've heard a few people mention tests companies use in interviews, has anyone had any experience with these? What type of things should I prepare for?

The most common tests you get are take home style tests. In those the company will usually ask you to write a test project that handles some abstract scenario (E.G. project to handle widget production in a factory).

Another common test is "pair programming" with a developer from the team where you are assigned a task and you both work on solving it together. This is common in larger companies for more senior level roles, not usually a jr. Level interview.

The least common scenario is the whiteboard (which I have never had to do personally). In this scenario they ask you to write a program on the whiteboard with just a marker and a blank board.

Usually, for junior development roles I have seen and administered interviews where we get a sense of who you are and what your mindset is. There are general javascript questions (e.g. what is an anonymous function, what is the scope of a variable, is javascript multi-threaded). But, we usually are trying to figure out how you think.

In my experience, if you are applying for a Jr role - any interview that has a test will expect too much if you.

Thanks for the feedback guys!

:)

@jacubsmith
Following up from my previous comment. This is only true if you are completely clear with them that you are a beginner and don't lie about your skills. If they are aware of this, they won't want to test you about something they know you don't know/or you aren't experienced in. If they do, they typically aren't going to be open to you taking your time and learning new things as they're already expecting it from you.

@JakeHL totally, it makes perfect sense to be clear about your skill level otherwise it's a waste of time. I guess my question was really what level/difficulty of test will a Junior role application involve which has been answered. Junior roles seem to be a double edged sword of having the right amount of experience If any!

@jacubsmith
I would suggest then if you are going to be taking tests. If they are aware of your skill level prior to the test but want you to take it anyway, discuss with them what they will be taking from the test. Is it just to see the way you work regardless of the result of the test? Is it just standard procedure? These kind of questions don't hurt and they'll allow you to get an idea before you take the test.

If you're lucky, they might tailor the test to your ability.

When I was looking at junior roles though, it basically comes down to my first comment. The roles that didn't have a test in the interview were the ones that expressed a big interest in my willingness to build upon my basic knowledge and the potential investment for them.
The roles that had tests were the ones that wanted to gauge my skill level, get me out on the development floor and use me as cheap labour with no interest in helping me grow as a developer.

@JakeHL
I hit the char limit.
I hope this helps, I know it's still not the straightforward answer you want, but honestly it's different in pretty much every case.

@JakeHL
Also all of this is based on my experience, someone else may have had the complete opposite experience so it's worth considering.

@JakeHL

Haha it's no problem at all! The more info the better!

I see what you mean about it being completely dependent on the role/company and what they're after. I'm applying for the role in a company that boasts about their value beliefs and improving employees. I'm hoping for this reason they're interested in my growth mindset and the experience I already have from freelancing.

Guess that's the good thing about inexperience, it's only temporary!

@jacubsmith
Yeah, of course! Everyone has to start somewhere and a company that respects and even values that is a good company to work for.

@JakeHL

Thanks so much for the info compadre!

It almost seems there's a lot of Junior role anxiety floating round and I see why! You learn in classroom environments or via books and websites like myself. Think you have a grasp on how everything works, head out into the big bad world and grab a freelance job and it's nothing like what you've been taught!

Looks like the best way to learn this craft is to dive in head first and work your ass off!

@jacubsmith
It sounds like you have the right idea, I don't think you'll have any issues. Let us know how it goes. Good luck!

Any update on this? :)