Before the interview, research the company and the position, and think about the questions that the interviewer may ask. Practice your answers to common interview questions. Keep your answers brief and to the point.
Use specific examples from your past experiences to support your answers. This will help the interviewer understand your skills, experience, and achievements. Be authentic and let your personality shine through.
Here are 10 classic interview questions that you are likely to encounter in most interviews:
It’s important to focus on providing a concise and compelling summary of your professional background and relevant skills. Here’s an example:
“Hi, my name is Emily and I’m an iOS developer with over six years of experience. I’ve worked on a variety of projects, from consumer-facing applications to enterprise-level solutions, and have experience with both Objective-C and Swift. I’m passionate about creating beautiful and intuitive interfaces that make our applications easy to use, and have experience with modern iOS development frameworks such as UIKit, SwiftUI, and Combine. I also enjoy mentoring junior developers and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in mobile development. Outside of work, I enjoy practicing yoga and exploring new cities.”
It’s important to focus on being honest and authentic while still highlighting your strengths and addressing your weaknesses. Here’s an example:
“I think one of my greatest strengths as an iOS developer is my ability to learn quickly. The mobile landscape is constantly evolving, and I’m always eager to learn about the latest technologies and frameworks. This has allowed me to take on a variety of challenging projects and deliver high-quality results. On the other hand, one of my weaknesses is that I can sometimes struggle with time management. I’ve found that I’m at my best when I have clear priorities and deadlines to work towards, and I try to regularly communicate with my team to make sure we’re all on the same page.”
The interviewers are trying to get a sense of whether your salary requirements align with their budget for the position, and and whether you have a realistic understanding of your worth in the market. They are also looking for someone who is open to negotiation and willing to consider the entire compensation package, not just salary.
It’s important to research the industry standards and the position you’re applying for before giving a number. Consider the entire compensation package, if possible, try to avoid being the first one to give a specific number. Here’s an example answer:
“Based on my research and experience, I’m looking for a salary range of $65,000 to $75,000 per year. However, I’m flexible and open to negotiation based on the specific details of the position and the overall compensation package. I’m more focused on finding a job where I can use my skills and contribute to the company’s success, so I’m willing to discuss the salary in more detail as we move forward in the hiring process.”
When answering this question, you should demonstrate your knowledge of the company, your passion for the company’s mission and values, and how you can contribute to the company’s success while also aligning your personal career goals with the company’s opportunities. Here’s an example answer:
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to work for this company because I’ve been following your products for several years now and I’m impressed by your commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. Your focus on sustainability is also something that really resonates with me. As a software engineer, I feel that my skills would be a great fit for your team, and I’m eager to contribute to the development of new and innovative products. I’m also excited about the opportunity to work with a team of talented and dedicated professionals who share my passion for creating high-quality software.”
When answering this question, you should demonstrate your passion for your work, your commitment to professional development, and your alignment with the company’s objectives. Your response should also show that you have a specific career path in mind and are realistic about what it takes to achieve your long-term career goals.
“In the long-term, I see myself continuing to grow as a software engineer and eventually moving into a leadership role. I’m passionate about developing innovative solutions to complex problems and I want to be able to use my skills and experience to make a positive impact in the industry. I’m also interested in developing my skills in areas such as project management and team leadership. I see this company as a great fit for my long-term career goals because of your commitment to innovation and your focus on creating high-quality products. I believe that I can contribute to the company’s mission and grow with the team, and I’m excited about the opportunity to be a part of your organization.”
It’s important to show that you have effective coping strategies that enable you to remain productive and focused during challenging situations. Here’s an example answer:
“I handle stress and pressure by prioritizing tasks and taking breaks when needed to recharge. I also believe in effective communication and being willing to adapt plans as needed. In my previous role, I successfully managed a major project that was behind schedule due to unexpected technical issues by creating a plan and working closely with my team to meet the deadline.”
You want to show that you have a methodical and strategic approach to identifying and resolving issues. Here’s an example answer:
“My approach to problem-solving involves first breaking down the problem into smaller, more manageable pieces. I then conduct research and gather data to better understand the issue and potential solutions. Once I have a clear understanding of the problem, I collaborate with colleagues to brainstorm potential solutions and identify the best course of action. I also regularly test and evaluate our solutions to ensure that they are effective and efficient. Finally, I take time to reflect on the problem-solving process and identify areas for improvement in order to continuously enhance my approach.”
It’s important to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Here’s an example answer:
“As a software engineer, I find that one of the best ways to stay up-to-date with industry developments and trends is by writing about them. I regularly contribute to industry blogs and publications, which allows me to not only share my own expertise and insights but also stay current with emerging technologies and best practices. Through writing, I am able to articulate complex technical concepts in a clear and concise way, which helps me to deepen my understanding of them and better communicate with my team and clients. In addition, writing allows me to connect with other engineers and learn from their experiences and perspectives. Finally, I find that writing helps me to think critically and creatively, which can lead to new ideas and approaches to problem-solving.”
It’s important to focus on the unique skills and experiences that make you a strong fit for the position. Here’s an example answer:
“I believe I am the best fit for this role because of my extensive experience and proven track record of success in software engineering. I have a strong technical skillset and a deep understanding of industry best practices and emerging trends. Additionally, I have a track record of collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and delivering high-quality work on time and on budget. I am also passionate about continuous learning and professional development, and am committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and approaches to problem-solving. Finally, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to this role and contribute to the success of the company.”
It’s important to show that you have done your research on the company and are genuinely interested in the position. Here’s an example answer:
“Yes, thank you for asking. I’m very interested in this role and I have a few questions that I’d love to ask. First, can you tell me more about the company culture and what it’s like to work here? Second, can you walk me through a typical day in this role? Third, what are the most important qualities you’re looking for in a successful candidate? Fourth, what opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the company? And finally, what are the next steps in the interview process and when can I expect to hear back from you? Thank you again for your time and consideration.”