We are going through a period in which many fields of activity explicitly rely on technical knowledge, and preparing for a technical interview can seem like a true obstacle course, full of challenges and uncertainties. However, things don’t have to be that way. Whether you’re facing an interview for an entry-level role as a developer or positions like DevOps or Solution Architect, it’s important to remember that, at its core, an interview is just a conversation, a human interaction. Nevertheless, it’s a conversation with specific requirements where your technical skills and problem-solving abilities undergo rigorous examination.

In this guide, we will explore a series of effective preparation strategies that will help you maximize your chances of success in the technical interview. Every interview is different, but there are some common aspects and questions designed to test not only your technical prowess but also soft skills such as adaptability, problem-solving ability, or teamwork communication. We will review the questions you should expect and provide you with a list of questions you can ask employers.

The Technical Interview: What to Expect?

In the initial stage of the interview, there will be a preliminary filter. During this stage, basic technical skills are often tested through online assessments or brief phone interviews. Once you pass the initial phase, you will proceed to more in-depth discussions with the technical team. This is a moment when you will have the opportunity to meet (either in person or virtually) with individuals who are already working within the company and possess advanced technical knowledge, both about the technologies used and the current projects and team methodologies. In this stage, not only your technical knowledge is important, but also your ability to communicate effectively, work under pressure, and demonstrate that you can find solutions to complex challenges.

What questions might you receive in a technical interview?

The questions in a technical interview are designed to assess the depth of your technical knowledge and your ability to apply that knowledge to practical problem-solving. They vary depending on the role you’re applying for but generally focus on your relevant experience and specific technical skills required for the position.

Below, we provide some examples of questions that you might be asked in a technical interview, as well as suitable response variations for a few of them:

#1 General Questions

Q: Without referring to a specific programming language, what are the most important technical skills you need to be effective in programming?

Example of an answer:

A: I believe that the most important technical skills required to be effective in programming are the ability to understand and implement efficient algorithms, as well as choose appropriate data structures, the ability to work with various programming paradigms, the capacity to interact with databases, write efficient queries, proficient version control management, and last but not least, the ability to communicate effectively both within the team and with the client.

Q: What design patterns do you use most often, and in what context do you use them?

Example of an answer:

A: Some of the design patterns I use most frequently are the Singleton pattern when I need to ensure that a class has only one instance throughout the entire application, the Observer pattern for situations where an object needs to notify other objects about its state changes without knowing the details of these objects, and the Factory pattern, which is useful when dealing with multiple object types that need to be created based on certain conditions. It also helps to isolate the object creation code.

Q: What SDLC  models currently exist?

Example of an answer:

A: I am familiar with the waterfall, agile, spiral, incremental, iterative, and Big Bang models..

#2 Questions about time & project management

Q: Can you describe a few metrics you rely on for maximum efficiency?

Example of an answer:

A: Some useful metrics I consider include those related to code quality (coverage, complexity), metrics for defect identification (density or the number of open and closed defects), productivity metrics (resolution time), as well as version control metrics (commits, code churn).

Q: What kind of project management tools are you already familiar with?  

Q: Describe a time when you had to estimate a deadline for a project. Was the estimate accurate? How did you go about making the estimation?

#3 Softer questions (related to soft skills)

Q: Tell me about a critical situation you and your team faced in a project. How did you resolve that situation?

Q: Describe a situation where you solved a complex problem using only your creativity.

Q: What kind of projects are you passionate about? Do you work on a personal project in your free time?

#4 Specific questions tailored for different roles

Senior Software Developer

Q: In what circumstances should you use a NoSQL database instead of a SQL one?

Example of an answer:

A: While SQL databases are used for structured data, NoSQL databases can be used for structured, semi-structured, or variable data. In practical terms, for instance, when working with data that has variable or semi-structured structures, such as JSON or BSON, a NoSQL database like MongoDB is more suitable. With a flexible data model, we can add new fields to records without affecting the schema of the entire database.

Scrum Master

Q: How does a product backlog differ from a sprint backlog?

Example of an answer: 

A: The product backlog focuses on the entire development cycle and represents a long list of requirements, whereas the sprint backlog focuses only on the selected requirements for a specific iteration. Additionally, the product backlog is owned and managed by the Product Owner, while the sprint backlog is owned and managed by the development team.

What questions could you ask in a technical interview?

The questions you ask during an interview are as important as the answers you provide. They demonstrate to the employer that you are interested and engaged, and they give you a chance to learn more about the company and the team. Additionally, at this stage, you can find out more about the technologies used by the team, the development process, team structure, your role within it, or the type of projects you should expect.

Here are some questions you could ask during a technical interview:

  • What programming languages, frameworks, and libraries do you work with, and how do you stay up-to-date with industry developments?
  • What databases do you use, and where is the data stored?
  • What is the methodology used in your projects?
  • How are design decisions made within the team?
  • What is the background of the team I will work with, and how does the onboarding process work?
  • What opportunities for development and continuous learning does the company offer?
  • Can you describe a typical day for a senior Dev within your company?

Conclusion

A technical interview can undoubtedly be a challenge, but it’s important to view it as a valuable opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and abilities. In preparing for an interview, it’s essential to invest time in understanding the role you’re applying for, the company, and the technologies it uses.

Despite the pressure, don’t forget to stay relaxed. Self-confidence and the ability to passionately present your skills and experience can be decisive strengths.

Armed with these tips and a positive attitude, you are ready to impress any potential employer. Be prepared to learn and adapt, and embrace each technical interview as a new opportunity to grow and advance in your career. Best of luck!