Developer application: Don't come across as a diva!

Do you consider yourself a "Rockstar Super Talent" but can't find a job? Despite your skills and professional experience, is your inbox full of rejections? Your behavior in the application process may need to be adjusted a little. If you are very smart and capable, you may (mistakenly) be perceived as a selfish expert who is difficult to work with. While tech recruiters are always on the lookout for the brightest minds, many also believe that too many internal divas create chaos and conflict.

But what criteria do HR managers use to identify “divas” in the application process? According to an HR manager friend, they are very inflexible and do not value the opinions of others. "A sign is, for example, if they are not really open to other programming styles," claims Harald, my friend.

Of course you want to show your best side during a job interview. This article shares behaviors to avoid and techniques to help you come across as confident but not arrogant.

Punctuality

Being late for an interview can convey a lack of interest, if not respect, for everyone's time. "If you can't show up for an interview on time, that's also a sign that you won't meet deadlines," claims Harald. Prima donnas often assume that their work alone counts and tend to ignore team meetings or are rarely on time. By prioritizing their interests over others, they hurt team morale. If you make it to the interview on time, you can at least reduce the impression that you only care about your own schedule.

Moderate your opinion

Most tech leaders want to hear from you about improving code quality or building scalable applications. However, if you insist on doing everything your way, or don't care about business priorities, you may very well come across as controlling and arrogant. Avoid phrases that come across as critical and derogatory. If you formulate your opinion positively and appreciatively towards the team, everyone feels comfortable with it. For example, instead of saying, "I really don't understand why anyone would choose Python," outline the reasons you jumped on the JavaScript bandwagon, or why another "non-Python programming language" might be better for a particular project choice would be.

Don't waste unnecessary time belittling the company's technology decisions. Especially when you know that the HR manager, who is also the head of development, introduced this technology. Communicating openness and flexibility is very often the key to a successful and positive job interview. Certify that you are open to all kinds of solutions to technical problems, rather than positioning your opinion on a particular technology as "the only right way". Also ask for feedback from the interviewer. Not only does this show that you are open to listening to others, but it helps you gain valuable insight into how the company works.

Success is teamwork

You definitely want to highlight your greatest professional achievements during the interview. However, this also poses the risk that they will see you as a self-absorbed stage pig. "Be sure to mention the role and contributions of team members when describing a successfully implemented project," recommends Harald. How have other people helped you and how did you support them? It is important to place soft skills that require teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition, do not blame others, such as customers or other stakeholders, for problems or failures. Instead, focus on what you and your team did to resolve the situation. Describe the high standards and requirements of the stakeholders and how they have helped you and your team work at a higher level.

Be a giver

Prima donnas very often have excessive self-esteem. In doing so, they focus intensely on negotiating high pay and forget to mention what they can contribute to the team and the organization. If you don't want to be seen as selfish and hard to please, before you ask, "What's in it for me?", express your interest and willingness to solve the recruiter's biggest visible problem.