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Software Developer Interview Questions

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Software Developer interview questions and answers.

  1. What platforms do you use to overcome a coding problem? See answer
  2. How do you explain to a non-technical person what object-oriented programmeming is? See answer
  3. In simple terms, describe the software development process. See answer
  4. What do you do to ensure that your software is free of bugs? See answer
  5. What informed your decision to become a software developer? See answer
  6. What do you consider your biggest strength, and how does it help you as a developer? See answer
  7. What part of software development appeals to you the most? See answer
  8. As a software developer, what metrics do you consider when you estimate a project? See answer
  9. How do you remain informed about recent trends in technology, especially within your field?
  10. What lessons have you learned from a past software project you weren’t pleased with when it was finished?
  11.  What do you consider the pros and cons of using the Agile model in software development?
  12. As a new developer, what would you consider your core responsibilities?
  13. What metrics do you use to review another colleague’s code?
  14. How do you react to a client’s dissatisfaction with a job you completed for them?
  15. What programmeming languages do use most often?
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Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Software Developer Interview Questions and Answers

What platforms do you use to overcome a coding problem?

This question examines a candidate's experience in managing unforeseen circumstances to maintain and improve productivity. What to look for in an answer:

  • Tested problem-solving skills
  • Knowledge of help platforms
  • Research skills and willingness to learn

Example:

 "When I encounter a problem, I contact the in-house expert for advice on resolving it. In some cases, I reach out to developer help platforms, such as GitHub and Stack Exchange, to read about similar problems, and then I apply them to my situation. I also belong to a developer's community, where we share ideas and get help."

How do you remain informed about recent trends in technology, especially within your field?

Software technology continues to develop and upgrade at a rapid rate. The question allows you to assess a candidate's willingness to learn and remain updated on the use of modern tools. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to develop new technical skills
  • Willingness to learn 
  • Passion for software developing

Example:

 "Technological development is a constant in today's world. Thus, I regularly stay updated by subscribing to newsletters from credible websites on software technologies. Also, I belong to the Canadian software developing Twitter community, where I learn from other top talents in the industry."

How do you explain to a non-technical person what object-oriented programmeming is?

Impressive communication skill is vital especially when discussing technical issues with clients. This question aims to assess how a candidate communicates with non-expert clients. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to communicate technical languages in simple English
  • Cultural adaptation to the company
  • An accurate understanding of the development process

Example:

"Object-oriented programmeming relies on the idea that everything is an object. It involves defined objects with attributes and properties. Usually, these objects contain their own methods and procedures. Under this software development process, we develop software using objects that interact with each other. The importance of object-oriented programmeming is that it allows us to spend less time on coding."

What lessons have you learned from a past software project you weren't pleased with when it was finished?

This question examines a candidate's experience coping with setbacks, and how they learn from them. What to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to learn from setbacks
  • Confidence in discussing lessons learned
  • Critical self-reflection and evaluation skills

Example:

"My biggest lesson has to be about time management. I saw an opportunity to apply for a huge grant, which required applicants to submit a particular project to obtain it. I delayed starting the project until the exact time I believed it would need to be finished. In the end, I couldn't meet the deadline, and since then, I factor in unforeseen circumstances in timing projects."

What do you consider the pros and cons of using the Agile model in software development?

This question aims to examine a candidate's familiarity with the Agile methodology of technology development, especially why they use it or avoid it. What to look for in an answer:

  • Vast knowledge of how the Agile model works
  • Evaluation skills, to deduce the pros and cons
  • Experience using the Agile model

Example:

"At my former workplace, I used the Agile model for some tasks while I avoided it during other tasks, owing to its limitation. For instance, it isn't very suitable when working on long-term or large applications. Nonetheless, I use it more often for shorter projects because it's faster and easier."

In simple terms, describe the software development process.

The aim of this question is to test the candidate's knowledge of the process and the structured cycle of software development. What to look for in an answer:

  • Accurate description of the cycle
  • Confidence when answering the question
  • Knowledge of the process of software development

Example:

 "The activities involved in the software development process are as follows. It starts with the requirement analysis, to the specification design, followed by the designing of the software architecture, then the implementation stage. After this, the software proceeds to the testing stage, documentation, support, and training, before finalizing it at the maintenance stage."

What do you do to ensure that your software is free of bugs?

This question aims to ascertain the quality of projects conducted by a candidate and if the quality of their past project qualifies them to work for the company. What to look for in an answer:

  • Attention to details
  • Quality of past work done
  • Strategies to ensure error- and bug-free software

Example:

"Before getting to the final stages of coding, I first test the code concurrently to ensure it has no bugs, optimise it, and maintain efficiency. Likewise, upon completion, I test the software or application through error-tracking applications and software, such as sentry, to certify its readiness to go through the next cycle of development."

As a new developer, what would you consider your core responsibilities?

This question is important, especially when hiring a candidate who just graduated. It aims to examine candidates' knowledge of their responsibility and whether they can perform the role. What to look for in an answer:

  • In-depth knowledge of the role
  • Readiness to function in the capacity
  • Confidence when discussing the role and expected responsibilities

Example:

 "As a software developer, my primary role includes researching, designing, implementation, and finally the management of software programmes. Further, I have to run tests and evaluations, when required, on newly developed programmes. In addition, I'm also responsible for writing and implementing error-free codes. I also need to identify old programmes that need slight modifications occasionally."

What metrics do you use to review another colleague's code?

This question examines the candidate's ability to review projects and spot minute details that affect the coding project. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to perform overview function
  • Strong attention to the tiniest detail
  • Problem-solving skills

Example:

 "To review a code, I focus on its readability, functionality, and security. I also check for unnecessary lines to ensure an optimal code. After the first phase, I go over the code again, against my standard checklist. This includes manual and automated testing, code duplication, memory leaks, size of code blocks inside loops, difficulty level, and ease of understanding."

What informed your decision to become a software developer?

This question aims to examine a candidate's reason for choosing the profession, what drives them, and their attitude. This is important to know who among the considered applicants is the best fit for the job. What to look for in an answer:

  • Passion for the job
  • Interests within software development
  • Understanding of software development

Example:

"While growing up, I had computers all around me. My uncle, who lived with us, was a computer programmemer. My dad works at his desktop from home, while my older brother runs a blog. So I was never without computers around. Hence, my love for building items using them."

What do you consider your biggest strength, and how does it help you as a developer?

The question aims to assess a candidate's strength and how it helps them to perform better for the company's benefit. You can also evaluate a candidate's experience demonstrating those strengths. What to look for in an answer:

  • Strong sense of self-awareness
  • How the strength applies to the role
  • Knowledge of portfolio

Example:

"Pace. I do practically everything, every time, at top speed. This also translates to work. I'm very fast in writing codes, learning new tools, and, most importantly, multitasking. This means that I'm very efficient and productive in delivering on projects. Because it's now a habit, I've mastered doing this while still paying attention to details."

How do you react to a client's dissatisfaction with a job you completed for them?

This question aims to assess a candidate's ability to meet expectations and react to rejection from a client. You can determine a candidate's willingness to improve an output's quality to meet a client's needs. What to look for in an answer:

  • Customer service skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Responsibility and accountability

Example:

"On occasions when a client has complaints about a completed project, I take responsibility and apologise. Then, I ask what specifically they want that's not included or what they don't like about the project. I ensure I note the amendments and review my output based on these notes. This ensures I leave the customer satisfied."

What part of software development appeals to you the most?

This question is crucial to know where a candidate can function best within the organisation. What to look for in an answer:

  • Suitability to the role and the company
  • Self-awareness and discovery
  • Recognition of strengths and limitations

Example:

 "I have an interest in software designed to solve a common problem. I love the research and survey aspect the most, knowing I'm just about to solve many people's problems. However, I find conducting surveys or research less amusing. I prefer reading the results to create a solution."

As a software developer, what metrics do you consider when you estimate a project?

This technical question aims to gain insights into strategies and factors a candidate considers when drawing the estimate for a project. What to look for in an answer:

  • Accuracy and productivity of strategies used
  • Knowledge of project estimation
  • Critical-thinking skills

Example:

 "At first, I ensure I note everything a client wants, then I ask other relevant questions about the project. We go through it thoroughly to ensure it's the exact project the client has in mind. Next, I consider my current to-do list and their attached deadlines as well as the workforce available. Finally, I like to add some extra days to my timeline when providing the projection for the project's completion date."

What programmeming languages do you use most often?

This question aims to assess a candidate's knowledge and experience with various programmeming languages and if they're relevant to the company's available resources and desired results. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of programmeming language
  • Experience with programmeming language tools
  • Adaptability to and flexibility with new tools

Example:

 "In my 10 years of programmeming, I've had to use JavaScript, Python, and Java, owing to the demands of my employers and clients. Presently, I'm learning the use of C++ to perfect my skills. I love trying new language tools because they all have their own advantages."

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