Coffee break #16. Tips for remote teamwork and technical interview preparation

Tips for remote teamwork

Source: Laurietech You have probably noticed that due to the coronavirus epidemic, many are forced to switch to a remote schedule. While there are a number of benefits to working remotely, unforeseen changes can be detrimental to a programming team. And not only in communication, but also in writing code. To avoid trouble, follow a few simple tips.

Agree on the list of tools

Be sure to agree on the communication tools needed for video conferencing and messaging. Agree on how documents will be exchanged and reviewed. It makes sense to agree to use one IDE so everyone can use built-in tools like Live Share in VS Code.

Integrations

Are you used to all your meetings needing a video link? It's time to get used to it! How about being able to chat and make calls at the same time? It is very comfortable. There are great tool integrations that can improve communication within a remote team. For example, you can integrate Zoom with Google Calendar and schedule a call for each meeting. You can also integrate Zoom with Slack and initiate a call by typing /zoom meeting <title>. It's a good idea to integrate your calendar with your status in Slack (or another similar program). Since you can't just turn your head towards a co-worker's desk to see if he's busy, integrations like these can be quite helpful. I use Clockwise for these purposes.

Give preference to video calling

Video has an advantage over a telephone conversation. When you see a person's face, it is much easier for you to understand that he has already finished speaking. This improves communication.

Chats and communication

If remote work is new to you, you can’t even imagine how much familiarity you’ll have to lose. You can no longer just walk up to a colleague’s desk to agree on some detail. And you won't be able to discuss the project during lunch. The office is much more conducive to spontaneous conversations. In remote work, too, not everything has to happen exclusively according to a schedule, even if it sometimes seems so. Collaboration within a remote team is well facilitated by general chats. Unlike emails, they speed up feedback and exchange of ideas. Chats also boost team morale by creating the friendly, fun moments that you might miss when working remotely.

Information about the state of affairs

Set up a special bot for daily updates on the current status of the project. Geekbot, for example. Even if you don't have daily office huddles, improving communication and visibility goes a long way when working remotely. You can set the status for each team member in the team chat. This will allow everyone to clearly understand who is busy at the moment and who can be attracted to something else.

You can!

If your team actively implements new approaches to work, you will be able to overcome all difficulties. We don't know how long remote work may last, so it's best to make sure everyone can be as productive as possible right away.

What to pay attention to when preparing for a technical interview

Source: Dev.to Every time I've done a phone or video interview, I've learned something new about my speaking style. Over time, I realized what exactly helps me feel more confident. Perhaps my advice will help someone, but remember that the actions described in this article must be performed immediately before the interview (within an hour).

1. Make notes about what you want to ask.

Write down (if possible) the name of your interviewer, their position, and the questions you would like to ask them. During the interview, all this can fly out of your head.

2. Get dressed

Be sure to wear something you feel confident in. It doesn't have to be a business suit, but it's still better to change your pajamas to something else. Dressing appropriately will give you confidence and the interviewer will sense it. Dress appropriately, even if you don't plan to turn on the camera. It's better to be well dressed with the camera off than to turn the camera on and expose yourself in front of a pillow. (Seriously, one day I was barely dressed, and that was the only time in my entire career that the interviewer suddenly wanted to see me).

3. Let others know that you have an interview.

If you have other people living with you, tell them you have an important interview scheduled. This will ensure the necessary silence.

4. Check the camera and sound

Look in advance on your laptop or PC screen to see how you look through the webcam. This will help ensure that the interview location is chosen correctly. Try to position the camera at eye level. This way you won’t have to turn or bend in any particular way when speaking. Take the time to find a neutral background. I usually sit with my back to the wall so that things around me don't distract the interviewer. Be sure to use wired headphones! If your Bluetooth headphones die out during an interview, it won't be a pleasant experience, trust me. Test your headphones: listen to music or watch a video.

5. Check the quality of your Internet connection

Visit several sites to make sure everything is working fine.

6. Keep your resume and job description handy

Before discussing a future job, you need to have the job description and your resume nearby. This way you won’t have to frantically remember what you wrote there. Also have a pen and a blank piece of paper ready.

7. Turn off notifications on other devices

I once had an interview without turning off notifications on my computer. This was a big mistake! During the interview, I received several messages from my mother, and since I was sharing the screen with the interviewer, he, too, saw the constant pop-ups. It was very distracting! If you use a smartphone, turn off notifications there as soon as you start a conversation.

8. Clear the space around you

Remove unnecessary items. If you need water or tea, make sure that the mug cannot accidentally tip over during a conversation. Surround yourself only with what you really need.

9. Warm up, breathe deeply

Movement will help you recharge your energy and stop stress. Try breathing more slowly - this helps many people control their heart rate.

10. Go to the toilet

I always get really nervous before interviews, so even if I don't need to go to the bathroom, I still go to the bathroom beforehand. The interview may well last longer than planned. To avoid having to wait tensely for the end of the interview, try to prevent this distraction by visiting the restroom in advance.