Priya S.

Programming Skills vs. Interviewing Skills

✅ Programming Skills are more important...

• If you’re actually working in a tech role (like software development, data science, web dev).

• They form the core of your capability—what you’ll be hired to do.

• Without solid programming skills, it’s hard to succeed after you land the job.

🧩 Think of programming as the product, and interviewing as the packaging.

🎤 Interviewing Skills are more important...

• If you already have the technical ability, but you're struggling to get hired.

• Interviewing is how you communicate your value and stand out in a competitive market.

• You could be a genius coder, but if you can’t explain your thought process, solve problems live, or build rapport—you might get overlooked.

🔄 They Work Best Together

• Great programmers with poor interview skills = hidden talent.

• Great interviewers with weak skills = over-promising, under-delivering.

The winning combo?

Solid technical foundation + polished communication = high-impact candidate.

👣 So, What Should You Focus On?

Ask yourself:

• Am I struggling to pass interviews? → Focus on interview prep.

• Am I struggling to solve problems or build what’s required? → Focus on programming upskilling.

• Want the best of both worlds? → Work on both, but prioritize the weaker link.

Before any planning, action steps, or timelines, you need to clearly define your goal. Without clarity, you're aiming in the dark.

🧭 Ask Yourself:

• What exactly do I want to achieve?

• Why does this goal matter to me?

• How will I know I’ve achieved it?

💡 A vague goal:

“I want to grow my business.”

✅ A clear goal:

“I want to gain 1,000 new Instagram followers for my education brand by July 31st through weekly reels and carousel posts.”

✍️ Tip to Gain Clarity:

Use this formula:
“I want to [achieve what] by [when] so that [why it matters].”

Example:

“I want to launch my lead generation funnel by May 15 so that I can attract new school clients to my education platform.”

Once you have clarity, the next steps—like breaking it down, creating action steps, and tracking—become much easier and more focused.

Knowing what not to do can be just as powerful as knowing what works. Here are some of the most common goal setting mistakes—and how to avoid them:

🚫 1. Setting Vague Goals

Mistake: “I want to be successful” or “I want to get fit.”

Fix: Make it specific and measurable.
✅ “I want to earn ₹50,000/month from my education platform by September.”

🚫 2. Not Writing Them Down

Mistake: Keeping goals in your head.

Fix: Write them down or use a digital tracker.
This increases commitment and clarity.

🚫 3. Setting Too Many Goals at Once

Mistake: Trying to do everything at the same time = burnout.

Fix: Focus on 1–3 meaningful goals at a time. Prioritize quality over quantity.

🚫 4. Ignoring the “Why”

Mistake: Setting goals based on trends or pressure, not passion.

Fix: Ask yourself: “Why does this matter to me?”
Your “why” fuels your consistency.

🚫 5. Skipping the Action Plan

Mistake: Having a goal with no steps = just a wish.

Fix: Break goals into clear actions, timelines, and mini-milestones.

🚫 6. No Time Frame

Mistake: “Someday” isn’t a deadline.

Fix: Set a realistic and specific timeframe to create urgency.
✅ “Finish the lead magnet PDF by April 30.”

🚫 7. Fear of Failure

Mistake: Avoiding goals because you fear you’ll fall short.

Fix: Reframe failure as feedback. Progress is more important than perfection.

🚫 8. Not Tracking Progress

Mistake: Setting it and forgetting it.

Fix: Review weekly or monthly. Adjust as needed. Use tools like:

• Google Sheets

• Notion

• Journal or planner

🚫 9. Not Celebrating Wins

Mistake: Only focusing on what’s next.

Fix: Celebrate even small wins—it builds confidence and momentum. 🎉

🚫 10. Not Being Flexible

Mistake: Holding onto a goal that no longer serves you.

Fix: Check in with your goals regularly. If they don’t align anymore, pivot or refine—and that’s okay!

Effective goal setting isn’t just about dreaming big—it’s about setting yourself up for real, measurable, and sustainable success. Here are some powerful strategies to help you set goals with clarity and actually achieve them:

🌟 1. Set SMART Goals

Specific – Clear and detailed
Measurable – Trackable progress
Achievable – Realistic, yet challenging
Relevant – Aligned with your values/purpose
Time-bound – Deadline driven

🔁 Example:
"Increase my email subscribers by 500 within 3 months by running a lead magnet campaign."

🧭 2. Define Your “Why”

Connect emotionally with your goals.

• Why does this goal matter to you?

• How will your life improve when you reach it?

📌 Purpose fuels persistence.

🧱 3. Break It Down into Mini-Goals

Big goals can be overwhelming. Break them into:

• Monthly milestones

• Weekly targets

• Daily actions

✅ This helps you stay motivated and track progress frequently.

🧠 4. Visualize Success

Imagine what it will look and feel like when you achieve your goal.

• Create a vision board (digital or physical).

• Use mental rehearsal techniques (used by athletes and performers!).

📅 5. Time Block for Success

• Allocate specific time each day/week to work on your goal.

• Treat this time as non-negotiable—like an important meeting.

🕒 Consistent action beats occasional effort.

📝 6. Track Progress & Reflect

• Use tools like journals, spreadsheets, Notion, or habit trackers.

• Reflect weekly:

  • What worked?

  • What didn’t?

  • What needs adjusting?

🔁 Review + revise = momentum

If you're just starting out or want to build a strong foundation, these introductory interview skills are your go-to essentials. Think of them as your Interview 101 Toolkit 🧰:

🎤 1. Clear Communication

• Speak clearly and confidently.

• Avoid filler words like “umm,” “like,” or “you know.”

• Use concise and thoughtful responses.

✅ Tip: Practice answering questions in front of a mirror or record yourself!

👂 2. Active Listening

• Don’t interrupt.

• Listen carefully to the question and answer what’s asked—not what you think they want.

• Nod, smile, and engage with the interviewer’s tone and body language.

😄 3. Positive Body Language

• Good posture, eye contact, and a warm smile go a long way.

• Avoid fidgeting or crossing your arms.

• A confident handshake (or greeting) sets the tone.

👋 4. Strong Introduction

• Be ready to answer: “Tell me about yourself.”

• Your intro should include: Who you are, your background, what you're doing now, and what you're looking for.

✅ Example:

“Hi, I’m Priya. I have a background in education and digital marketing, and I’m currently working on growing my expertise in lead generation. I’m excited about opportunities where I can combine data with creativity to drive results.”

🧠 5. Basic Question Prep

• Practice common questions:

  • Why do you want this job?

  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?

  • Tell me about a time you faced a challenge.

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers.

⏰ 6. Time Awareness

• Keep answers within 1–2 minutes unless it’s a case or deep-dive question.

• Avoid rambling—clarity over length wins every time.

❓ 7. Asking Questions

• Prepare 1–3 thoughtful questions to ask at the end.

  • “What does success look like in this role?”

  • “Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?”

Asking questions shows you’re interested, engaged, and proactive.

🧳 8. Preparation & Research

• Learn about:

  • The company

  • The role

  • Recent news or accomplishments

• Customize your answers based on what they value.

🔁 9. Practice, Reflect, Improve

• Rehearse with a friend or in mock interviews.

• Reflect afterward: What went well? What can improve?