Notes on Sample Interview Questions

Fall 2002, Dr. Rosson

These are sample questions you might be asked during a job interview, along with notes summarizing our class discussion for the first 13. Thanks to Dan, Tushar, Travis, and Steve, for being good sports and for doing such a good job of role-playing. Questions 14-25 are offered as further preparation before an interview.

General advice: bring in stories or episodes from your own experience; interviewers want to know that you have practical experience. Any specific details you can provide will help you to stand out in the crowd. Furthermore, stories from personal experience are concrete and easy to relate, and can form the basis for further conversation.

1. What do you know about our company?

   Discussion: Mention that you attended the information session and give details from the session. Mention particular individuals within the company who recommended you to the company or whose work you may be familiar with.

2. Why did you choose a career in software development?

   Discussion: You should demonstrate a long-standing ability or particular aptitude for problem solving. This is a question that requires self-reflection in advance of the interview.

3. What would you do for us?

   Discussion: This is when you demonstrate your loyalty to improving the company. Mention you're ability to set goals and focus on long-term development. It is helpful to mention your leadership or managerial experiences and team skills.

4. What would you find most attractive about the job? Least attractive?

   Discussion: You should list several positives for every negative and turn each negative into a possible learning experience.

5. What do you look for in a job?

   Discussion: Above all, mention that you are concerned with personal growth and development. It demonstrates that you have initiative. Also, consider other aspects of the job such as security or leadership opportunities.

6. How do you define "software engineer"?

   Discussion: Software engineering is much more than coding. Focus your description on the big picture including requirements elicitation and analysis, design, implementation, testing, delivery, and maintenance. You should be concerned with the construction of a quality product.

7. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution?

   Discussion: This is an open-ended question. You can answer it by discussing your personal initiative and how you will learn about opportunities in the company where you can contribute the most.

8. How long would you stay with us?

   Discussion: In your answer try to avoid specific time frames based on your girlfriend's educational plans, your need to take an extended vacation to work as a scuba diving instructor, etc. Ideally, you should be willing to stay with the company as long as your work is exciting and challenging.

9. What are the most important rewards you will receive by working with our company?

   Discussion: Hopefully, you are concerned with seeing projects through to the end and take satisfaction in the production of a quality product.

10. What do you feel are important trends in our industry?

    Discussion: You should be familiar with the area that you are entering to have a short list of technologies that interest you. Plan for this one by creating a list beforehand.

11. I'm afraid that you might be overqualified for this position...

    Discussion: You can explain that you buy into the company and are willing to start in a lower position to get associated with the company. The position will give you the opportunity to learn about the company and where exactly you can fit into the company in the future.

12. How do you perform under pressure?

    Discussion: Discuss your personal strategies for time management. In addition, you may want to include your ability to delegate authority and distribute an assigned task among qualified people.

13. How would you handle a disagreement with the manager?

    Discussion: You can explain that you would come up with alternative solutions and present these solutions to the manager through the proper channels.

14. Don't you feel you would do better with a smaller (larger) company?
15. What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make?
16. Do you generally speak to people before they speak to you?
17. What was the last book you read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended?
18. What is the toughest part of a job for you?
19. Are you creative?
20. How would you describe your own personality?
21. Are you a leader?
22. What are your future goals?
23. Describe a contribution you have made to a project on which you have worked.
24. If I spoke to your previous boss (or team members, professors, etc.), what would he or she say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
25. (During salary negotiations) How much are you looking for? How much to you expect, if we offer this position to you? What kind of salary are you worth?