Strategies for Explaining Complex Technical Concepts Simply in Interviews
So, you’ve managed to gain some knowledge about HTML, PHP, CSS, JS and WordPress? That’s an excellent start, web padawan! However, the real test awaits – the job interview. Expect questions, technical assessments, and the nerve-wracking task of explaining complex technical concepts in a way Helen from HR will understand. I know it sounds like you’re trying to explain why cats love laser pointers, but don’t worry; let’s go through some strategies that can help.
Understand The Basics
If you understand the basic concepts yourself, it makes passing on this knowledge much easier. If you’re trying to explain Javascript and you know it’s essential for adding interactive elements to a website, boom – you’ve already started your explanation. Understanding the building blocks of what you’re explaining provides a baseline for your explanation.
Make Use of Analogies
Remember when your teacher explained how electrons work by comparing it to planets orbiting the sun? The audience may not know the technical aspects of orbiting electrons, but they sure know how the solar system works. The same idea applies here – use relatable analogies to make complex ideas simpler. For example, PHP can be analogous to the kitchen in a restaurant – preparing all the data in a way that’s useful to the user.
Be Visual
If you, like most of us, spent countless hours watching cartoons as a kid, you know how a picture can say a thousand words. Diagrams, charts or simple doodles can make details digestible and easy to understand. Mind you; this doesn’t mean you start drawing the Mona Lisa. Basic stick figures or flowcharts will do the trick!
Talk Step by Step
If asked to explain CSS, don’t jump into discussing cascading and inheritance straight away. Start with the bare bones – explain how CSS helps style a webpage, how it can change the layout and colors, etc. It’s like teaching someone to dance – first, you show them where to put their feet. The fancy twirls can come later.
Explain with Examples
Ever tried to explain the plot of your favorite show to a friend? Notice how it’s easier when you describe certain episodes or characters. The same rule applies to this. Explain code with examples – what it does, what it affects, and so on.
Practice, Practice, Practice
And finally, remember, explaining technical concepts is an art form that improves with practice. Use your tech-savvy friends, consider them as beta readers. Ask for feedback and polish your language. As programming languages have syntax and rules, so does human language.
Remember, you were once a beginner too. Empathize with your audience, be patient and take your time to explain ideas. As a wise Jedi once said, “Always pass on what you have learned.” So, web Jedi, go forth and conquer those technical interviews.
