SOFTWARE ENGINEER Interview Questions & TOP SCORING ANSWERS! (2)
the hassle of having to write everything down.
Next interview question is: tell me how you would handle the stress and pressure of being a software engineer?
Now, you and I know, that being a software engineer can be a stressful. When you answer this software engineer interview question, show you already have a plan in place for dealing with the stress and pressure of the position.
Here is my suggested answer.
“I think as a software engineer, you have to realise that stress and pressure is all part of the role. And in actual fact, I feel I tend to perform better when I am up against it and there is a definitive timeframe to work towards.
I manage stress in three ways.
First and foremost, I ensure I plan my work well in advance, so I know what I need to do, and by what deadline.
By having a plan in place, it means I work more efficiently and I can decide which tasks need my attention first.
The second way I handle stress and pressure, is to make sure I work closely with other members of the team, and that communication is a constant theme throughout the day.
Finally, I handle stress and pressure by making sure I dedicate some time each week to keeping up-to-date with developments from within the industry.
This gives me the confidence in my role as a Software Engineer, and it also eliminates any unwelcome surprises when updates do come out or changes within the industry are released.”
That shows that you know how to handle stress and pressure.
And you are essentially saying… “It doesn't matter, I can handle the stress.
It's all part and parcel of the role.
I have a plan in place, but I do tend to perform better when I am up against it.”
The next software engineer interview question is: what's your biggest weakness?
If any software engineer interview question is going to catch you out, it is this one!
Now the issue is, we have to give a weakness in our answer, but we do not want to give a weakness that is needed to be competent in the role of a professional software engineer.
Here is a great answer to this question.
“We all have weaknesses, and I know my own is the fact I find it really hard to strike a healthy work-life balance.
I love my job as a software engineer, and even when I am not at work, I am usually spending time with computer systems or developing additional skills and qualities so I continue to grow in the role, much to the dissatisfaction of my partner!
This is an area I have been working to improve upon, and I am trying to spend more time relaxing with my family so I can then maintain optimum energy levels when I am at work.
Conversely, one of my strengths is the fact I am always prepared to listen to feedback, and I do genuinely want to improve and develop as a person on both a personal and a professional level.”
So that shows you are giving a weakness that does not actually impact your chances of passing the interview, and you are then saying what you are doing about it.
But you'll see the answer is actually quite clever, because that weakness you give is actually a STRENGTH and it's attractive to any employer.
Because you are saying you enjoy being at work, you're always working, you love your role and you are prepared to put the hours in necessary.
Next interview question: What are your salary expectations?
Now, again, this is a tricky interview question because on the one hand, we don't want to go in with an unrealistic salary expectation, but on the other, we don't want to devalue ourselves either.
So your answer has to offer a win-win situation: one that is of benefit to you, but also to the hiring manager or the employer.
We can answer this in the following manner. “I have conducted some research prior to attending the interview on what I feel would be a fair salary for this position.
The average salary for a software engineer in this industry is $90,000 to $110,000.
Whilst I do feel I am worth the higher salary band, I understand you don't know me, and I need to prove to you my worth.
On that basis, I would feel comfortable with a salary of $102,000 and I feel you will see a positive return on your investment at this level if your hire me.”
So you are not going in there overconfident, but you are not devaluing yourself either.
So that is a WIN-WIN situation.
Do your own research and look at what the average
salary for a software engineer is within your industry, and then look at the band and go slightly above the middle of the average salary range. OK.
Three questions to ask in your software engineer interview.
You get to the end of the interview and they say to you, do you have any questions you would like to ask us?
My advice is to ask three questions.
These questions are designed to show that you are keen, you are enthusiastic, and you have the success of their organization at the forefront of your mind.
The first question is, what has frustrated you about software engineers you have employed in the past?
That's quite clever question, because it shows that you want to go in there… you want to do a good job and you are putting their needs first, above your own.
Second question is, what are the plans for the company over the next five to 10 years and how could I help you to achieve them?
Again, you are looking to the future.
This tells me that you are considering staying with my organization for many years to come, and you want to help me achieve my goals.
And finally, what's the first thing you would like me to concentrate on in this role?
So those three questions are great because they put you across as a positive person and somebody who is interested more in the success of their company, as opposed to the success of yourself.
So, again, download a copy of these slides by clicking the link in the top right hand corner of the video.
You can connect with me on LinkedIn.com if you want to.
My LinkedIn.com description is, sorry… My LinkedIn.com link is in the description below the video. Go through to that, click it and connect with me on LinkedIn.com.
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Thank you very much.
And I wish you all the best to passing your software engineer interview.
Have a brilliant day. Thank you very much!
