A guide to the underrated soft skills that separate exceptional tech interviewees from the rest, beyond just technical preparation.

Beyond the Basics

While technical preparation like LeetCode practice, data structures review, and system design study are important, there's a set of underrated skills that truly distinguish outstanding interviewees. Here's what exceptional candidates consistently demonstrate:

They Embrace Transparent Communication

Outstanding interviewees think aloud, even when uncertain. Instead of silently struggling, they share their thought process openly:

• "I'm weighing two approaches here - let me walk through each one"
• "This is new territory for me, but here's what I can draw from"

This transparency gives interviewers insight into your problem-solving methodology. Great interviewers don't expect perfect reasoning - they value seeing your adaptability and analytical thinking in action.

They Turn Uncertainty Into an Asset

While many engineers treat uncertainty as a weakness to conceal, exceptional interviewees use it to demonstrate clear thinking:

• They pose specific clarifying questions that show depth of understanding
• They acknowledge obstacles directly, transforming struggles into productive conversations

Interviewers often present ambiguous problems intentionally to observe how you handle uncertainty. Your comfort with ambiguity signals strength, not weakness.

They Prioritize Problem-Solving Over Perfection

Top candidates avoid the trap of attempting an immediately perfect, optimized solution. Instead, they:

• Begin with a functional initial approach
• Explicitly discuss trade-offs and improvement opportunities
• Continuously iterate on the solution, mirroring real-world development practices

Interviewers care more about your ability to navigate complexity than your capacity for instant perfection.

They Demonstrate Authenticity Alongside Technical Skill

Interviewers at Google and similar companies seek more than technical prowess. They want to see genuine enthusiasm, interests, and values. Outstanding candidates naturally integrate their personality:

• They express authentic excitement about technology beyond the interview scope
• They comfortably share strengths and preferences, creating genuine connections

Technical skills may open doors, but authenticity and passion often close the deal.

They Reframe Setbacks Constructively

Many engineers worry about admitting mistakes or challenges during interviews. Exceptional interviewees understand that past difficulties demonstrate resilience:

• They discuss previous obstacles openly, emphasizing lessons learned
• They frame setbacks positively, highlighting growth and self-awareness

Interviewers don't want flawless track records - they seek evidence of your ability to adapt, learn, and evolve. Questions about gaps or lessons learned are common, making self-reflection valuable.

They Practice Structured Flexibility

While preparation is essential, exceptional interviewees recognize the importance of adaptability. They prepare deliberately with multiple approaches:

• They rehearse decomposing complex problems into structured, manageable components
• They pivot smoothly when a solution path encounters obstacles

Structured adaptability shows you're prepared not just for interviews, but for the unpredictability of real engineering challenges.

The Takeaway

Mastering tech interviewing isn't about immediate perfection. It's about confidently articulating your thought process, handling uncertainty with grace, showing authentic enthusiasm, and continuously refining your approach. These traits appear consistently in successful interviews at Google and apply broadly across the industry.

The best engineers - and the best interviewees - embrace the journey of problem-solving, not just the destination.