8 answers
X
Student
Wyoming, Michigan
1
Question
Updated
738 views
I would like to conduct an interview with a software developer...could someone help me out?
I am a dual-enrolled freshman at Davenport University (in MI, USA) and for one of my assignments I have to create an interview with a professional in my chosen career field: a Software Developer. I have 10 questions that if someone could answer, it would be very appreciated and helpful.
1) How long have you been a Software Developer?
2) How did you become interested in this career?
3) What is your educational background?
4) Was your original education (highschool and college) adequate or were there areas in which you needed additional training?
5) What do you like most about your work?
6) What would you change about your job if you had the opportunity?
7) What skills do you wish you possessed when you started this job?
8) What tasks does a typical workday consist of for you?
9) What advice would you give someone starting out in this field?
10) Is there any other information you believe would be helpful?
Thanks!
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8 answers
John Hand
User Experience Designer
18
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
John’s Answer
I'm coming from a background at Amazon where I took part in several candidate interviews. They use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result
Ask open-ended questions that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Craft your questions in such a way that it prompts candidate to tell a story with their response. Ideally, their answer will be able to tell you about each section of the STAR framework. If their answers don't satisfy each section, you can follow-up with more probing questions.
Additionally, many companies focus on two types of questions: Functional, and behavioral. Functional questions assess skillset and methodology, while behavioral assess the candidate's values, attitudes, and working relationships.
Here are some examples -
Functional:
If you were working on a product using <codebase> and/or <tech stack> and you encountered a bug that was giving <error> how would you go about solving for that issue?
Tell me about a time where you uncovered additional dependencies while working on a project that caused the scope to grow larger than expected.
Can you give me an example of a time that you leveraged external technology to solve a problem you were working on?
Behavioral:
Can you tell me about a time that a project didn't go the way you expected? What happened and how did you respond?
What is an example of a time that a colleague didn't agree with you? What was the issue and how did you handle it?
Tell me about a time where you didn't have enough data to move forward with a project. What did you do and what was the outcome?
Tell me about a time you had to collaborate cross-functional with another team. What was that process like. Were there any challenges or advantages, and how did that process affect the work delivered?
Bonus: asking a fun or silly question can help make candidates feel at ease. These can be asked at the beginning or end of an interview and also help assess how quickly candidates can think on their feet. Examples include: If you were a Starbucks order, what would you be and why? What is your favorite animal and what does that say about you? If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Ask open-ended questions that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Craft your questions in such a way that it prompts candidate to tell a story with their response. Ideally, their answer will be able to tell you about each section of the STAR framework. If their answers don't satisfy each section, you can follow-up with more probing questions.
Additionally, many companies focus on two types of questions: Functional, and behavioral. Functional questions assess skillset and methodology, while behavioral assess the candidate's values, attitudes, and working relationships.
Here are some examples -
Functional:
If you were working on a product using <codebase> and/or <tech stack> and you encountered a bug that was giving <error> how would you go about solving for that issue?
Tell me about a time where you uncovered additional dependencies while working on a project that caused the scope to grow larger than expected.
Can you give me an example of a time that you leveraged external technology to solve a problem you were working on?
Behavioral:
Can you tell me about a time that a project didn't go the way you expected? What happened and how did you respond?
What is an example of a time that a colleague didn't agree with you? What was the issue and how did you handle it?
Tell me about a time where you didn't have enough data to move forward with a project. What did you do and what was the outcome?
Tell me about a time you had to collaborate cross-functional with another team. What was that process like. Were there any challenges or advantages, and how did that process affect the work delivered?
Bonus: asking a fun or silly question can help make candidates feel at ease. These can be asked at the beginning or end of an interview and also help assess how quickly candidates can think on their feet. Examples include: If you were a Starbucks order, what would you be and why? What is your favorite animal and what does that say about you? If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Thank you for your advice.
X
Hritish Jain
Software developer
4
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Hritish’s Answer
Hey X, there are some great answers in this section already, I loved going through them. I will be answering them as someone early in their career.
How long have you been a Software Developer?
I've been working as a Software Developer for 3 years.
How did you become interested in this career?
I became interested in software development back in 6th grade. I was fascinated by how we could use code to solve problems and create digital experiences.
What is your educational background?
I am a bachelor of engineering in Electrical and Electronics.
Was your original education (high school and college) adequate, or were there areas where you needed additional training?
Since my engineering degree wasn't in Computer Science, YouTube and guidance from my college seniors helped me better understand complex concepts. As they say, the world is your canvas, you can learn and do anything you want!
What do you like most about your work?
I love problem-solving, especially when it challenges me to think creatively. Tackling unique issues and finding solutions that “click” is incredibly rewarding.
What would you change about your job if you had the opportunity?
I would like to see more focus on continuous learning and collaboration. Sometimes, busy schedules limit opportunities for team learning sessions or exploring new technologies, and more time for these could drive innovation.
What skills do you wish you possessed when you started this job?
I wish I had a stronger foundation in system design when I started. Understanding how to structure software at a high level can make a huge difference in building scalable, efficient systems.
What tasks does a typical workday consist of for you?
My day often starts with a problem statement from a customer or a product manager. I’ll begin with an initial analysis, then outline an approach, and discuss it with fellow developers and stakeholders to ensure it’s viable. Once we agree on a direction, I implement the solution, write unit and integration tests, and document the changes for technical support.
What advice would you give someone starting in this field?
Whenever you use an in-built function or tool in a language or framework, take a moment to think about how it might be implemented. If you have time, dig into the source code or documentation—this kind of curiosity can accelerate your growth as a developer.
Is there any other information you believe would be helpful?
For anyone aspiring to be a developer, hands-on practice is essential. Whether you're learning a language, framework, or core computer science concept, actively applying what you learn will build your skills faster and make the knowledge stick.
Let me know if you want me to expand on any of the points mentioned.
How long have you been a Software Developer?
I've been working as a Software Developer for 3 years.
How did you become interested in this career?
I became interested in software development back in 6th grade. I was fascinated by how we could use code to solve problems and create digital experiences.
What is your educational background?
I am a bachelor of engineering in Electrical and Electronics.
Was your original education (high school and college) adequate, or were there areas where you needed additional training?
Since my engineering degree wasn't in Computer Science, YouTube and guidance from my college seniors helped me better understand complex concepts. As they say, the world is your canvas, you can learn and do anything you want!
What do you like most about your work?
I love problem-solving, especially when it challenges me to think creatively. Tackling unique issues and finding solutions that “click” is incredibly rewarding.
What would you change about your job if you had the opportunity?
I would like to see more focus on continuous learning and collaboration. Sometimes, busy schedules limit opportunities for team learning sessions or exploring new technologies, and more time for these could drive innovation.
What skills do you wish you possessed when you started this job?
I wish I had a stronger foundation in system design when I started. Understanding how to structure software at a high level can make a huge difference in building scalable, efficient systems.
What tasks does a typical workday consist of for you?
My day often starts with a problem statement from a customer or a product manager. I’ll begin with an initial analysis, then outline an approach, and discuss it with fellow developers and stakeholders to ensure it’s viable. Once we agree on a direction, I implement the solution, write unit and integration tests, and document the changes for technical support.
What advice would you give someone starting in this field?
Whenever you use an in-built function or tool in a language or framework, take a moment to think about how it might be implemented. If you have time, dig into the source code or documentation—this kind of curiosity can accelerate your growth as a developer.
Is there any other information you believe would be helpful?
For anyone aspiring to be a developer, hands-on practice is essential. Whether you're learning a language, framework, or core computer science concept, actively applying what you learn will build your skills faster and make the knowledge stick.
Let me know if you want me to expand on any of the points mentioned.
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
162
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
1) How long have you been a Software Developer? about 3 years (it's not true, but i wish i was)
2) How did you become interested in this career? by watching a random k drama which was about software development
3) What is your educational background? electronics engineer
4) Was your original education (highschool and college) adequate or were there areas in which you needed additional training? yup, i needed additional training so i did some free online courses
5) What do you like most about your work? error free code
6) What would you change about your job if you had the opportunity? to learn from scratch with proper guidance
7) What skills do you wish you possessed when you started this job? proficient in error solving
8) What tasks does a typical workday consist of for you? i'm not sure, but i will tell you a typical day. My typical workday consists of a mix of coding, code reviews, and collaborating with team members. I spend time writing new features, debugging, and performing unit testing. I also attend stand-up meetings, brainstorm ideas, and discuss design approaches with product managers and other developers.
9) What advice would you give someone starting out in this field? Start by learning the fundamentals well, especially algorithms and data structures. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes, as they are great learning opportunities. Also, focus on building projects and contributing to open-source to gain real-world experience and build your portfolio.
10) Is there any other information you believe would be helpful? The software development field is always evolving, so it’s essential to stay up-to-date with new technologies. Networking with other developers, attending conferences, and working on side projects will help you stay current and improve your skills. Most importantly, be patient with the learning process!
2) How did you become interested in this career? by watching a random k drama which was about software development
3) What is your educational background? electronics engineer
4) Was your original education (highschool and college) adequate or were there areas in which you needed additional training? yup, i needed additional training so i did some free online courses
5) What do you like most about your work? error free code
6) What would you change about your job if you had the opportunity? to learn from scratch with proper guidance
7) What skills do you wish you possessed when you started this job? proficient in error solving
8) What tasks does a typical workday consist of for you? i'm not sure, but i will tell you a typical day. My typical workday consists of a mix of coding, code reviews, and collaborating with team members. I spend time writing new features, debugging, and performing unit testing. I also attend stand-up meetings, brainstorm ideas, and discuss design approaches with product managers and other developers.
9) What advice would you give someone starting out in this field? Start by learning the fundamentals well, especially algorithms and data structures. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes, as they are great learning opportunities. Also, focus on building projects and contributing to open-source to gain real-world experience and build your portfolio.
10) Is there any other information you believe would be helpful? The software development field is always evolving, so it’s essential to stay up-to-date with new technologies. Networking with other developers, attending conferences, and working on side projects will help you stay current and improve your skills. Most importantly, be patient with the learning process!
Thank you!
X
Tiffanie Rand (Lampasona), CDR, CIR
Recruiter
53
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Tiffanie’s Answer
Hi X. I asked my software developer husband to answer the questions for you. He's a DevOps Engineer.
1) How long have you been a Software Developer?
~6 years
2) How did you become interested in this career?
I was a Linux Systems Administrator and enjoyed automating things, so it was a natural next step
3) What is your educational background?
Electrical Engineering
4) Was your original education (highschool and college) adequate or were there areas in which you needed additional training?
It was not sufficient, but provided a lot of foundational problem solving skills required. I also added on the job training, Udemy courses, and reading material online to be better suited for the position.
5) What do you like most about your work?
Being able to automate things that were previously done manually
6) What would you change about your job if you had the opportunity?
Nothing
7) What skills do you wish you possessed when you started this job?
More development experience - coursework, training courses, etc
8) What tasks does a typical workday consist of for you?
Writing code to automate the provisioning and configuration of cloud-based resources
9) What advice would you give someone starting out in this field?
Don't be afraid to try new things, don't be afraid to fail, keep an open mind about solutions and technologies
10) Is there any other information you believe would be helpful?
1) How long have you been a Software Developer?
~6 years
2) How did you become interested in this career?
I was a Linux Systems Administrator and enjoyed automating things, so it was a natural next step
3) What is your educational background?
Electrical Engineering
4) Was your original education (highschool and college) adequate or were there areas in which you needed additional training?
It was not sufficient, but provided a lot of foundational problem solving skills required. I also added on the job training, Udemy courses, and reading material online to be better suited for the position.
5) What do you like most about your work?
Being able to automate things that were previously done manually
6) What would you change about your job if you had the opportunity?
Nothing
7) What skills do you wish you possessed when you started this job?
More development experience - coursework, training courses, etc
8) What tasks does a typical workday consist of for you?
Writing code to automate the provisioning and configuration of cloud-based resources
9) What advice would you give someone starting out in this field?
Don't be afraid to try new things, don't be afraid to fail, keep an open mind about solutions and technologies
10) Is there any other information you believe would be helpful?
Thank you!
X
Megan Sumpter
Writer
7
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Contact Atlas in Tulsa. It is a programming school. While they might try to recruit you, they no doubt have students and teachers willing to help answer any questions you may have.
Jeff Sloan
Software engineer - firmware Retired
103
Answers
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
I will begin by telling you that I had a 38 year career in technology and am currently retired so my answers may not be completely relevant but I hope they help you. If you have any additional questions or want additional detail, reach out to me. I am happy to help!
1) How long have you been a Software Developer?
I was a developer, both software and firmware, for much of my 38 career in high tech.
2) How did you become interested in this career?
Back in the old days, computer science was not a well known, popular career. I took an intro programming class at my university and fell in love!
3) What is your educational background?
BS, Computer Science
MS, Software Engineering
Doctoral work on PhD, Computer Security. I am ABD, all but dissertation.
4) Was your original education (highschool and college) adequate or were there areas in which you needed additional training?
I always needed additional training. Technology is always evolving and developers must keep up with it to stay relevant.
5) What do you like most about your work?
I loved the challenge! In every phase of my career, I had new and different challenges frequently.
6) What would you change about your job if you had the opportunity?
Less stress, in the end. It's one of the reasons that I retired. Throughout most of my career, I thrived on the stress and intensity but as I grew older, it started to wear on me. My health began to suffer.
7) What skills do you wish you possessed when you started this job?
I learned and developed skills as I went, depending on need. I started with the basic knowledge of designing and developing programs, troubleshooting problems, learning a new language and was able to adapt and evolve as needed.
8) What tasks does a typical workday consist of for you?
A lot of design and development. Usually, troubleshooting problems, bench testing code and paperwork!
9) What advice would you give someone starting out in this field?
Be flexible and adaptable. Most people will have multiple changes throughout their careers. I started as a huge application programmer on mainframes, moved to test engineering developing tests for PC adapter cards and motherboards. From there, I went into BIOS firmware development and then on to problem determination as part of a team that was level four support. Then, I went into academia as a professor.
10) Is there any other information you believe would be helpful?
I'll reiterate, most important is to be flexible and adaptable. To do that, you will need to stay current and relevant. Take ongoing classes, college level or continuing education. Learn new technology as it becomes relevant. You will see many changes along the way as your career progresses. Another critical piece of advice is to enjoy the journey!
1) How long have you been a Software Developer?
I was a developer, both software and firmware, for much of my 38 career in high tech.
2) How did you become interested in this career?
Back in the old days, computer science was not a well known, popular career. I took an intro programming class at my university and fell in love!
3) What is your educational background?
BS, Computer Science
MS, Software Engineering
Doctoral work on PhD, Computer Security. I am ABD, all but dissertation.
4) Was your original education (highschool and college) adequate or were there areas in which you needed additional training?
I always needed additional training. Technology is always evolving and developers must keep up with it to stay relevant.
5) What do you like most about your work?
I loved the challenge! In every phase of my career, I had new and different challenges frequently.
6) What would you change about your job if you had the opportunity?
Less stress, in the end. It's one of the reasons that I retired. Throughout most of my career, I thrived on the stress and intensity but as I grew older, it started to wear on me. My health began to suffer.
7) What skills do you wish you possessed when you started this job?
I learned and developed skills as I went, depending on need. I started with the basic knowledge of designing and developing programs, troubleshooting problems, learning a new language and was able to adapt and evolve as needed.
8) What tasks does a typical workday consist of for you?
A lot of design and development. Usually, troubleshooting problems, bench testing code and paperwork!
9) What advice would you give someone starting out in this field?
Be flexible and adaptable. Most people will have multiple changes throughout their careers. I started as a huge application programmer on mainframes, moved to test engineering developing tests for PC adapter cards and motherboards. From there, I went into BIOS firmware development and then on to problem determination as part of a team that was level four support. Then, I went into academia as a professor.
10) Is there any other information you believe would be helpful?
I'll reiterate, most important is to be flexible and adaptable. To do that, you will need to stay current and relevant. Take ongoing classes, college level or continuing education. Learn new technology as it becomes relevant. You will see many changes along the way as your career progresses. Another critical piece of advice is to enjoy the journey!
I thank you for transferring the time of your day from your own personal life to the concern of my interview during this first week of November. I find it very surprising that you worked with software development for almost 40 years– definitely given the amount of stress you would face on a daily basis. I also see the challenge, and the concept of Software Development overall, really, intriguing as well. It has been a difficult concept to come to interact with for me especially when it comes to staying up to date with the new trends of Computer Science but it’s been a concept that I still have enjoyed interacting with. In the future, I hope I will interact with this concept much more! Thank you again for responding to my questions. They have helped.
X
So happy I could help! It can be an amazing career! Remember that no one could possibly keep up on every aspect of technology. It's important to keep up to date in your specific area of expertise so you can adapt but the field is HUGE. It literally touches every part of society. Agriculture, bio-medical, marine, Aeronautical, and the list goes on. You can also transition to related areas as your career progresses if you want a change or possibly less stress. Enjoy your journey and please let me know if you have any other questions I can help you with!
Jeff Sloan
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6134
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello X!
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
1) Started n 1972.
2) Physics teacher in grade 11 brought out computer cards for us to fill in?
3)
Bachelor of Science Griffith University majoring in biological chemistry 1978?
Masters qualifying year Queensland University biochemistry 1981
Postgraduate diploma ortho molecular nutrition at the International College of nutrition 1982
Postgraduate diploma nutrition and dietetics Queensland University of Technology 1988
Postgraduate diploma public health University of New South Wales School Health Services Management 2003
4) Originally education was more than sufficient because I bought books on programming went to libraries and accessed books and I used the Internet from 1996 to refer to programming sites.
5) Creating big nutrition education platforms to positively influence the health of people.
6) Find a way of advertising or telling people about the software and what it can do for them.
7) Programming of course, and nutrition and dietetics.
8) A Typical work guy consists of answering students questions on career village. Looking at my YouTube Studio Site
https://www.youtube.com/@JAMES_CONSTANTINE_FRANGOS
Also clearing my inbox of E mails. Maybe a bit of extra work programming.
Checking my Go Fund Me Site {Had Cancer}
9) Practice makes perfect!?
10) Get a programming Mentor?
God Bless!
JC.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
1) Started n 1972.
2) Physics teacher in grade 11 brought out computer cards for us to fill in?
3)
Bachelor of Science Griffith University majoring in biological chemistry 1978?
Masters qualifying year Queensland University biochemistry 1981
Postgraduate diploma ortho molecular nutrition at the International College of nutrition 1982
Postgraduate diploma nutrition and dietetics Queensland University of Technology 1988
Postgraduate diploma public health University of New South Wales School Health Services Management 2003
4) Originally education was more than sufficient because I bought books on programming went to libraries and accessed books and I used the Internet from 1996 to refer to programming sites.
5) Creating big nutrition education platforms to positively influence the health of people.
6) Find a way of advertising or telling people about the software and what it can do for them.
7) Programming of course, and nutrition and dietetics.
8) A Typical work guy consists of answering students questions on career village. Looking at my YouTube Studio Site
https://www.youtube.com/@JAMES_CONSTANTINE_FRANGOS
Also clearing my inbox of E mails. Maybe a bit of extra work programming.
Checking my Go Fund Me Site {Had Cancer}
9) Practice makes perfect!?
10) Get a programming Mentor?
God Bless!
JC.
Thank you!
X
Laurie Burnstein
Communications and Change Management
4
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Laurie’s Answer
Hi X, this exercise is fantastic, and I agree with Jeff's suggestion to employ the STAR method.
I recommend using LinkedIn to connect with active software developers. This strategy will not only broaden your network but also provide you with experience in making requests, a skill that's beneficial in all careers and roles. It might even lead you to a mentor who can provide valuable feedback on your ideas.
Being a diligent, inquisitive student pursuing two paths at university puts you in a highly advantageous position.
Remember, people enjoy helping others. You're at a stage in your life where you can ask questions, learn a great deal, and express gratitude along the way. Those you contact will be pleased that you thought of them and will be eager to share their expertise. You're on the right track!
I recommend using LinkedIn to connect with active software developers. This strategy will not only broaden your network but also provide you with experience in making requests, a skill that's beneficial in all careers and roles. It might even lead you to a mentor who can provide valuable feedback on your ideas.
Being a diligent, inquisitive student pursuing two paths at university puts you in a highly advantageous position.
Remember, people enjoy helping others. You're at a stage in your life where you can ask questions, learn a great deal, and express gratitude along the way. Those you contact will be pleased that you thought of them and will be eager to share their expertise. You're on the right track!