Interview Questions Flashcards
To be able to answer interview questions immediately and confidently
Describe a situation in which you met a roadblock. How did you deal with it? [Library Version]
S. At my previous workplace, I met a roadblock in the form of a coworker. This colleague had a different perspective on individual work styles, and we occasionally faced difficulties in understanding each other’s contributions.
T. As part of my responsibilities, I was actively involved in creating and implementing library programs. However, there were instances where this particular coworker expressed concerns about my approach and work ethic. It became clear after a couple instances that there was a mismatch in our expectations and working styles.
A. To address this issue, I initiated open and honest conversations with my coworker. I sought feedback on specific concerns and worked towards finding common ground. Additionally, I maintained clear and transparent communication with the team about the progress of library programs, ensuring everyone was on the same page. In situations where there were instances of negative comments about my job performance to patrons, I sought to address the matter diplomatically by discussing it with the coworker privately. I only escalated the issue to higher management when absolutely necessary.
R. While the challenges persisted the entire duration of my last position, I remained committed to delivering high-quality and successful library programs while also maintaining a positive and collaborative work environment. I focused on my responsibilities, sought constructive feedback, and addressed concerns in a professional manner. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of effective communication and conflict resolution in the workplace.
Tell me about a mistake you made. What did you learn from it? [Library Version]
S. When I first started at the library, I fumbled a couple difficult patron interactions. I found it challenging to meet their expectations or there was a miscommunication between us that showed my initial approach to helping them was not as effective as I had hoped.
T. I decided to learn from these interactions, adapt my communication strategies, and find more constructive ways to navigate challenging situations with patrons. It was important to me to ensure that every library visitor felt respected and valued during their interactions with the staff.
A. I took several steps to improve my skills in dealing with hard-to-please patrons. I sought guidance from experienced coworkers and attended relevant training sessions on effective communication and conflict resolution. I also made a conscious effort to empathize with patrons, actively listen to their concerns, and respond in a calm and composed manner. I embraced every challenging interaction as an opportunity to enhance my skills.
R. As a result of these efforts, I observed a significant improvement in my ability to handle difficult patron interactions. The library environment became more positive and welcoming, and patrons began to appreciate the enhanced level of service. I learned that effective communication and empathy are crucial in managing challenging situations, and this experience shaped my ongoing commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Tell me about a time when you had to work with a team under pressure. How did you handle it? [Library Version]
S. Our library team faced immense pressure while preparing for Summer Reading kick-off, a major event that is akin to the Super Bowl in the library world. With numerous tasks to accomplish and tight deadlines to meet, we had to coordinate efforts effectively to ensure the event’s success.
T. My coworkers and I divided responsibilities amongst ourselves based on our strengths and weaknesses, creating a strategy that maximized our collective efficiency.
A. We held regular team meetings to track progress, address any challenges, and provide support where needed. Additionally, we maintained flexibility in our plan to accommodate unexpected challenges that often arise in event planning.
R. By working cohesively and focusing on our individual strengths, we successfully pulled off a memorable summer reading kick-off event. The team’s collaborative efforts not only met but exceeded community expectations and provided a quality experience for both children and adults.
Tell me about a time when you had to make a tough decision. How did you handle it?
S. Several years into my job at the public library, I realized that I was no longer feeling challenged or fulfilled in my role. I wanted to explore new opportunities.
T. I wanted to find a way to transition into a career in software development. I knew that I needed hands-on experience and relevant skills to make this shift successfully. That’s when I came across NewForce that seemed like the perfect fit.
A. I thoroughly researched the internship program, understanding its curriculum, mentorship opportunities, and potential for skill development and scheduled a meeting with my supervisor to discuss my career goals and the reasons behind my decision. I communicated my intention to resign and explained how the internship aligned with my long-term career objectives.
R. I was able to successfully transition from my previous job to NewForce. I gained valuable practical experience, expanded my skill set, and built a foundation for my future career in the field.
How do you handle disagreements with supervisors or coworkers? [NewForce Version]
S. Disagreements with supervisors or coworkers are inevitable in any workplace.
T. In a recent scenario, there was a difference in opinion with another member of my cohort regarding the best approach to finishing a group project we were working on.
A. Rather than immediately confronting the individual in a public setting, I chose to address the disagreement privately and respectfully. I made sure to listen attentively to their perspective and then calmly expressed my own viewpoint, focusing on finding common ground and reaching a mutually beneficial solution.
R. This approach has consistently led to productive discussions and positive outcomes, fostering a collaborative work environment where differing opinions are respected and conflicts are resolved amicably.
How do you set goals for yourself?
S. Setting goals for myself is an integral part of my approach to personal and professional development.
T. To ensure clarity and effectiveness, I begin by identifying areas where improvement or growth is needed.
A. Once I’ve identified these areas, I break down the overarching goal into smaller, actionable steps. Each step is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), which helps me stay focused and motivated.
R. Regularly reviewing and reassessing my progress allows me to make necessary adjustments and stay on track toward achieving my goals. This method ensures that I maintain a clear direction and make steady progress towards my objectives.
What’s something you’ve taught yourself?
S. In a particular phase of my life, I made the decision to acquire proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.
T. I developed a comprehensive strategy outlining the vocabulary, the identification of Chinese characters and their meanings, and the precise pronunciation of words with the appropriate tones.
A. I then set up a schedule to carry out my plan of absorbing new words and phrases, as well as collaborating with a native speaker to correct pronunciation.
R. As a result, I have achieved conversational fluency and built a solid foundation, providing me the flexibility to continue my Mandarin learning journey at any time.
Have you ever been fired from a job?
I’ve never been fired from a job, I only moved positions to either acquire a full-time job or to move to a position that was a better fit for what I needed in my life at that point in time.
Why do you want to be a developer?
I’ve always loved languages and linguistics and developed a love for communicating with others early in my life. Working at the library showed me how much I love having creative freedom in my daily life. As I was contemplating a transition to a new career, I discovered that developers work with different languages that allow creative freedom. I actually stumbled across software development by accident by researching linguistics education. I find user interface important from my time helping patrons with technology at the public library and would love to be able to make sites more user-friendly for technology-challenged individuals.
Why do you want to work for our company?
[Can be made more individualized, depending on the job]
I am excited to work with senior developers and learn as much as I can from them as well as seize the opportunity to start branching out into different coding languages.
What is your biggest strength?
One of my greatest strengths is communication. I feel that most misunderstandings can be cleared by communicating clearly and clarifying what a supervisor’s expectations are of me.
What’s your biggest weakness?
I used to struggle with delegation as I preferred to take on all tasks myself to ensure they were done correctly. However, I’ve recognized the importance of teamwork and have been actively working on improving my delegation skills and asking for help on tasks I wouldn’t be able to finish by myself.
Do you have any questions for us?
[Have 5-6 questions ready for what I’d like to ask] [Examples:]
1. What does your ideal candidate look like?
2. What do you enjoy most about your position?
3. Do you offer junior mentorship?
4. What are your expectations for new employees in the next 3, 6, and/or 12 months?
5. What are the day-to-day responsibilities in this role? OR What does the day-to-day look like for a member of your team?
6. Do you offer professional development opportunities?
7. What do you do to prepare new employees for success?
8. What do you see as the biggest challenge or obstacle for someone coming into this role?
9. What does the code review process look like?
10. What are the weekly expectations?
11. Who do I report to?
12. If one of your team members was not performing up to their usual standard, what steps would you take to correct that?
13. What are some reservations you have about me as a candidate? [only if you’re emotionally prepared for it]
14. What advice would you give to a new hire in this position/someone who wanted to break into software development, as someone who has worked here for a while?
How would you deal with a co-worker being racist/sexist?
S. I would start by taking into account what happened or what was said.
T. I would then see if whatever was said was by someone who obviously knows exactly what they said or if it was someone using an outdated term.
A. Depending on the context, I would either bring it up to my supervisor or gently correct their usage. My own father will sometimes call Asia “The Orient”, as that’s what it was called while he was in the Navy. I’ll correct him when he slips up, even though he has never meant it maliciously.
R. Swiftly addressing instances with those aware of their impact and gently educating those who may be unaware fosters a culture of inclusivity and respect, contributing to a safer workplace for all.
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Chelsea, I’m actively looking for opportunities in order to expand my skill set using the foundations that NewForce gave me. I’ve enjoyed learning HTML, CSS, and React, mainly because it feels like a fancy version of HTML. I find UX/UI design to be one of the most important parts of a webpage after my time working in a public library where I had to learn to translate technical concepts to patrons not used to dealing with technology in their day-to-day lives.
