Successful software architects demonstrate proficiency in many skills, theories, and techniques relevant to software development. Ask open-ended questions about skills to identify the candidate's basic knowledge or specialisation in the software architecture field. Note their ability to explain foundational software concepts as well. Asking this question can also help identify how a candidate prioritises these skills. What to look for in an answer:

• Communication skills
• Basic concept of the skills a software architect should possess
  
• Appreciation of the fundamentals of computer science

This question helps you discover the candidate's level of career expertise and their understanding of a software architect's main responsibilities. You can also use this question to determine a candidate's level of expertise in a specific industry, if their answer relates to a specific context or type of software. What to look for in an answer:

• Recognition of the importance of the profession
• Principal aspects of software architecture
• Identification of professional responsibilities

Discussing foundational software architecture concepts can be as useful as reviewing complex ideas in an interview. If a candidate can explain a basic concept, such as a database, clearly, it can help you understand their familiarity with foundational career vocabulary and evaluate their communication skills. This question allows you to discover the candidate's basic knowledge of software architecture and their communication skills when explaining relevant concepts. What to look for in an answer:

• Simple explanations
• Basic concept definition
• Appreciation of the fundamentals of computer science

One of the most valuable technical competencies of a software architect includes familiarity with multiple programmeming languages because these systems support efficient and effective development. The candidate should have previous experience with programmeming languages and, if possible, certification. What to look for in an answer:

• recognised credentials and abilities
• programmeming languages management
• Interest in professional development

SOA is a term used frequently in the creation of software programmes within the environment of software architecture. A qualified professional in software architecture can use this terminology effectively and correctly. You can use this question to enquire about the applicant's basic knowledge levels. What to look for in an answer:

• Technical knowledge
• Identification of architectural types
• Architecture systems functions

The SOLID acronym establishes the five basic principles of object-oriented programmeming and design. Through this question, you can assess the candidate's knowledge about these five principles and their general familiarity with the terminology used in software architecture. What to look for in an answer:

• Knows who Robert C. Martin is
• Identifies five basic programmeming principles
• Appreciates design fundamentals

Effective software architects are usually familiar with the CAP theorem. The candidate may not need to explain the theory in-depth, but a meaningful response can add value to the individual's level of knowledge in their discipline. What to look for in an answer:

• Description of CAP acronym
• Understanding of CAP
• Theoretical knowledge of software architecture

Shared nothing is a term widely used in the software architecture industry. Candidates should understand industry terminology and be able to identify technical knowledge. What to look for in an answer:

• Able to offer a comprehensive definition of shared nothing architecture
• Knowledge about what a node in computing is
• Technical terms of the degree

Technical knowledge is vital to a software architect's effectiveness. Most businesses also find that technical employees with strong soft skills produce effective results and collabourate well. Software architects work together with a team of specialists, which is why it's important that they know how to convey messages and interact with others efficiently. What to look for in an answer: 

• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership skills
• Teamwork abilities

Usually, people working with programmeming languages use verification tools to evaluate code efficiency. Using this explanatory question, you can get a better understanding of the tools the candidate manages and their level of experience with them. What to look for in an answer:

• Use of code verification programmes
• programmeming technical aspects
• Experience with verification tools

An effective way to evaluate a candidate's knowledge of software architecture is through their professional certifications. Asking about relevant certifications can help identify if the applicant holds any training that proves their technical abilities in software architecture and if they stay current in their field. What to look for in an answer:

• Professional certification
• Candidate's specialisations or areas of interest
• Interest in the acquisition of new technical skills

Another important concept a strong candidate may be familiar with is the Unified Modeling Language (UML). Using UML is an important part of defining a system, which is a key function of the software architecture role. Ask this question to determine a candidate's expertise in UML and its application. What to look for in an answer:

• Brief definition of the Unified Modeling Language
• Recognition of the language's importance
• Technical aspects of the profession

Effective software architects are usually adept at using development frameworks such as Zachman, DODAF, and TOGAF. Asking about a specific management framework can help you determine their proficiency with that particular system as well as their attitude toward planning and organisation. What to look for in an answer:

• Capacity to work with TOGAF
• Level of studies of the framework of the development of software architectures
• Practical skills and ability to describe this management framework

This question allows a candidate to provide additional information about their familiarity with TOGAF, which is an important framework for many businesses and organisations. With this question, you can learn how the software architect takes advantage of this management framework to work in an organised and structured way. What to look for in an answer:

• Identification of TOGAF benefits
• Analysis capacity
• Practical skills for the development of frameworks of software architectures

Professional software architects leverage technical vocabulary to understand their objectives, complete tasks, and collabourate with colleagues. One of the most common terms is web servers. Use this question to evaluate the basic knowledge of a candidate. What to look for in an answer:

• A straightforward explanation
• Basic knowledge of essential software terminology and functions
• Critical thinking and analysis skills