Job Interview Questions for a Software Development Position

Software development is an expanding and exciting field to enter. While typical entry-level requires a bachelor's degree, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median salary for this position is a staggering $100,690. And the field is growing! The projected growth, according to the BLS, for software developers is 17%, with application software developers at 19%.

For many, becoming a part of the computer information science field is a natural move for them. But when it comes to the big interview, everyone gets a little nervous. Here is some more information about the position and the questions you might be asked during your interview to help calm your nerves. Always remember to practice your interviewing skills and dress professionally for the meeting.

What Skills do you Need?

Aspiring software developers should start with a relatively easy but useful language - Ruby is recommended - and develop the skills to "think code" and move from language to language. They also need good communication skills so they can understand the client or employer's instructions, math skills, and dedication. A good developer learns to see code as "elegant" or "beautiful." Good people skills are also important, as many developers are hired through employee referral or word of mouth.

What should you Expect in an Interview?

Although software developers are in demand, you still have to convince an employer that you have the training and education they are looking for to fill this position. Be sure to have an updated and well-formatted résumé available for them to take a look at prior to the interview. As with any job interview, spend time researching the company and make sure you know exactly what they require so you can highlight the skills and experience you have.

Before you get to the interview ask what kind of test they are going to give you. Most software companies will expect you to solve problems or produce code snippets on the fly. Check what they ask so you can prepare properly.

Although programmers are notorious for being casual, you should dress professionally for the interview and look well put together. A professional presentation tells your interviewer you are taking this job seriously and are ready to start in your career immediately.

Expect Questions about your Past Work

Software developer interview questions tend to be looking for overall code skills and critical thinking, not the exact details of training which might be on your resume.

Expect to be asked to describe your best and worst projects, explaining how you learned from the latter. Don't say you've never failed, but instead say how this failure taught you important lessons and caused you to grow as a developer. You might also be asked what troubleshooting steps you would go to deal with an error message or a bug.

You Might be Facing a Brain Teaser

As employers sometimes like samples, work on a project in your own time that you can show off, whether it's something for your use or an open source project. This also shows that you have initiative and are dedicated to programming. Having your own website with an available portfolio can be a big help for a job interview as your prospective employer already has access to samples of your work.

Also common in software developer interviews are brainteasers. Google and Microsoft are both notorious for asking candidates what seem to be very strange questions, but which are actually designed to test critical thinking. If you should get asked one of these trick questions, don't panic. Talk through your reasoning and even if you get the ultimately wrong answer, you can show that there was a logical thought process to your ideas.

For example, here is a question Google reportedly asked a software engineer in January 2016 during a job interview:

Model raindrops falling on a sidewalk (sidewalk is 1m and raindrops are 1cm). How could we know when the sidewalk is completely wet?

How would you answer this question?

Expect Questions about Specific Programs and Collaboration

If you are asked about experience with specific technology, don't tell them how long you have been using it. That should be on your resume. Tell them what you know how to do with it. Be prepared for very specific technical and design questions, such as managing conflicts in collaboration apps or how to implement structures in memory.

Remember; You are Also "Interviewing" the Company

Finally, pay attention to what you are asked. What a company asks you tells you what they want - which can also tell you whether you want this particular job. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get a feel for what this company would be like as employers.

If you're interested in the field of software development and can't wait 4 years to interview for these positions, consider ECPI University and our accelerated Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Software Development degree program. Students could earn a bachelor's degree in as little as 2.5 years! For more information, contact a helpful admissions advisor today to discuss your options.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Software Development - Bachelor’s

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