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What is the difference between a Technical Interview and a Non-Technical Interview?

2 min read

Technical Interview:

If you’re applying for a technical role such as software engineering, data science you will usually have to complete a technical interview

  1. Purpose: To assess the candidate’s technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and depth of knowledge in the relevant domain.
  2. Content:
    • Coding Challenges: For software engineering roles, you may be asked to write code, debug existing code, or optimize algorithms. (Very frequent)
    • Domain-specific Questions: For roles like data science, you may be asked about machine learning algorithms, statistical methods, or data analysis techniques. (Frequent)
    • Technical Quizzes: Questions related to specific technologies, languages, or tools relevant to the role. (Frequent)
    • Maths & Brain Teasers (Less common)
  3. Format: Can be conducted on a whiteboard, through pair programming, on platforms like HackerRank, or even through take-home assignments.
  4. Evaluation: Based on the correctness, efficiency, and clarity of the solutions provided. Soft skills like communication and collaboration might also be assessed, especially during pair programming or system design discussions.

Non-Technical Interview:

  1. Purpose: To see if you fit cultural values, motivations, the company’s mission and team dynamics.
  2. Content:
    • Competency & Behavioural Questions: Often start with “Tell me about a time when…” to assess past behaviour and predict future behaviour in similar situations.
    • Situational Questions: Hypothetical scenarios to gauge how a candidate might handle specific situations.
    • Values and Motivation: Questions about what drives the candidate, what they’re looking for in a role, and how they align with the company’s values.
    • Team and Collaboration: Questions about teamwork, handling conflicts, and collaboration.
  3. Format: Typically, a conversation with HR representatives, hiring managers, or potential team members. It can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing.
  4. Evaluation: Based on your response, demeanour, communication skills, and perceived fit with the company culture and values.

** If you’re applying for a technical role, you will have both types of interviews whereas if you’re applying for a non-technical role, you will only have the non-technical interview.