I think it depends on the company, but I would do the following:
I usually prefer to overprepare, because it gives a good impression. And the goal is to get more good impressions.
Before interviewing:
1️⃣ Learn about the language I plan to work in. In some interviews they like to ask some language or programming specific questions. For a starter, they would ask less complex questions, but still makes sense to prepare. Maybe if they see you pretty much know basic questions, they can ask more complex ones, and if you ace them, you will have a good impression. But usually the expectation is to be able to answer the questions of your level.
2️⃣ I would do online coding challenges in that language, depending on the language. In some jobs, they give you a task before the interview for the job to see on what level you are. So for these, online challenges are a good preparation and even fun.
3️⃣ Create some portfolio apps, tools. These apps shall be in the programming language you apply for, and if has a connection with the work you will do, that is an extra. I think still if you go as a starter and show some apps you did, and can talk about it, is a good impression.
* If you have a portfolio page that lists these apps/tools and have some information about them is a plus. Makes it easier to demo them.
* If you can demo your apps/tools is also a plus. Sometimes even required.
4️⃣ Create a nice CV, if you can add links to your demo apps, that gives a good impression. It is an art in itself to create a good CV. It could have its own entire note.
5️⃣ Prepare with the most basic interview questions as well. Why would you like to work here? Tell me about your self. Etc. You shall convey a confident look. So if you prepare to these questions you will answer them easily.
6️⃣ Prepare with your own questions. If you ask questions, it conveys that you are interested. Companies usually like interested people more. You can also ask a bit funny/interestin questions like: "What will be the most interesting thing for me on my first week, if I join you?" Interesting but meaningful questions somehow also make an unforgetable impression that could help you get hired. But no silly questions. You need to sound professional.
Next step apply for the jobs. They say it is better to create specific CVs for specific jobs, but I found that if you apply in same field, same type of job, its fine to have 1 CV.
During interview:
1️⃣ Smile and be kind. You would like to make an impression that you are a kind and happy person who lifts people up. Usually people can have stage-fright, that is why it is important to pay attention to this, in my opionion.
2️⃣ When you have a chance, try to show your portfolio independently. Here I mean, that you shall have a small presentation where you explain:
* what you did so far,
* what did you learn from it,
* what were the hard parts and how did you solve them?
3️⃣ Show interest, don't interrupt the interviewer. I think it is also okay to disagree, but you shall be able to explain why. If you can do it properly this can also be a plus, because they will know how you will disagree in the team.
4️⃣ Ask your questions. Also you can ask back on things they say to show interest. Also you could ask what will be your exact job if they hire you, just for you to know.
I hope this helps!
?cid=2154d3d7nmbqeel3s07q5cpmu7jym7s5k80lkxxurk5gd54x&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g
