Programmers find it hard to land a job, and getting hired successfully is even harder. The most common way is to figure out interview skills on your own after repeated interview failures. Of course, you can also pay some training institutions for professional guidance on written resumes and mock interviews. These methods may work, but they are not the most time- and money-efficient options. The software industry has higher job expectations than most other positions. Under this strict talent-selection mechanism, as long as we put some thought into it, we can still handle it with ease and smoothly secure the desired position.

Writing a Resume

• Keep it short and highlight the key points. No more than two pages. The interviewer doesn't need a personal biography.
• Avoid long-winded descriptions when describing each project. Note the technologies used in each job and project so you can have in-depth discussions with the interviewer.
• Briefly describe each of your previous jobs.
• No need to include information involving non-technical content. For example, work experience in fast food, retail, or any other non-technical positions doesn't need to be mentioned.
• Never lie on your resume. The interviewer will know the truth the moment they ask.
• If possible, ask a friend in the industry to give you feedback on your resume. Sometimes even a tiny mistake on the resume might happen to be a minefield for certain employers.
• In addition to your resume, you can also create a visual portfolio. It can be screenshots of software or some code examples you've written. The key is to show that you are very proud of your work.
• Save your resume in multiple formats in advance, including Word and PDF.

Before the Interview

• Check your browsing history, look at Google, Bing, and Yahoo, and clean it up if necessary.
• Plan how to get to the interview location and the route, to avoid getting lost.
• Review your past work experience and talk in detail about previous projects. The interviewer will infer how capable the developer is from the discussion.
• Do a mock interview and ask a friend to point out your weak areas.
• Don't be too nervous, and don't expect too much.
• Get the interviewer's contact information, just in case (traffic jams, car trouble, etc.).
• Research the company and the position. The key is that the company and the job requirements fit your profile.
• Print an extra copy of your resume. Also, bring a notebook and a pen.

During the Interview

• If you have to be late, call in advance and apologize. If there's no way around it, you can reschedule.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Pay attention to your body language and posture. Don't get distracted.
• Keep smiling and show a positive attitude. Be an active listener and participant. Don't be arrogant, and don't look bored or uninterested.
• Answer questions methodically. Don't be too eager. A well-thought-out answer is always better than one blurted out without thinking.
• You can directly say "I don't know," but you should show a keen desire to learn about this area of knowledge.
• Don't proactively reveal too much information. Speak simply and clearly, and avoid rambling. Also, don't disclose too much personal information.
• Always watch your behavior and manners during the interview, and know what to do and what not to do.
• Don't discuss salary unless the interviewer brings it up first.
• When the interview ends or during a break, write down unfamiliar topics and research them.

I hope this information can help you. You are welcome to add more and share your thoughts.

Chinese source: http://www.codeceo.com/article/programmer-hired-guide.html