Staff engineer interview questions & answers.
Staff engineer interview questions & answers..
In this post, you can reference some of the most common interview questions for a staff engineer interview along with appropriate answer samples. If you need more job interview materials, you can reference them at the end of this post.
1. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure?
Answer tips
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.
Mention routine pressure you face, such as dealing with deadlines on a regular basis.
Try not to use an example where you created the pressure yourself, by waiting too long to start something, or by handling a task irresponsibly at the beginning. For example, working under pressure to meet a customer’s deadline could be a good example, but not if you had waited too long to start the project.
Answer samples
“Pressure is actually a catalyst to my work. When there is an imperative deadline, I refocus my energy into my work which in fact, has helped me to produce some of my best works. (Give examples) I guess you can say I thrive under pressure.”
2. What field experience do you have for a STAFF ENGINEER POSITION?
Answer tips
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
If you are being asked this question from your employer then you can explain your experience. Tell the employer what responsibilities you were performing during your job. You can tell what programs you developed and what modules you worked on. What were your achievements regarding different programs.
Answer sample
I have been working with computers since 2001. I also have a degree in network support/computer repair. I have built my last 3 computers, have work with Dell as an employee. So I have around 15 years experience working with computers.
3. What have you done to improve your knowledge for a STAFF ENGINEER POSITION IN THE LAST YEAR?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.
Employers look for applicants who are goal-oriented. Show a desire for continuous learning by listing hobbies non-work related. Regardless of what hobbies you choose to showcase, remember that the goal is to prove self-sufficiency, time management, and motivation.
Answer samples
Everyone should learn from his or her mistakes. I always try to consult my mistakes with my kith and kin especially with those senior to me.
I enrolled myself into a course useful for the next version of our current project. I attended seminars on personal development and managerial skills improvement.
4. Tell me about yourself
This is a common question during an interview, possibly the most asked. It is used as an ice breaker, gets you talking about something comfortable, but you need to have something prepared for a response. However, you don’t want it to sound memorized. The fact is, the interviewer isn’t interested in your life story. Unless asked otherwise, focus on education, your career and present situations. You should work chronologically, starting as far back as possible and working until present.
5. Why do you believe we should hire you?
This question needs to be carefully answered as it is your opportunity to stick out from the rest of the applicants. You should focus on skills that you have, including those not yet mentioned. Simply responding “because I’m really good” or “I really need a job” isn’t going to work. You shouldn’t assume the skills of other applicants or their strengths, focus on yourself. Tell the interviewer why you are a good fit for the position, what makes you a good employee, and what you can provide the company. Keep it brief while highlighting achievements.
6. What knowledge do you have about the company?
You should do your research prior to the interview. Look into background history of the company, this will help you stick out. Learn about main people, have they been in the news lately? The interviewer doesn’t expect you to know dates and certain people, but showing that you have enough interest to research the company is a positive impression.
7. Why are you leaving last job?
Although this would seem like a simple question, it can easily become tricky. You shouldn’t mention salary being a factor at this point. If you’re currently employed, your response can focus on developing and expanding your career and even yourself. If you’re current employer is downsizing, remain positive and brief. If your employer fired you, prepare a solid reason. Under no circumstance should you discuss any drama or negativity, always remain positive.
8. What do you consider to be your best strength?
This question allows you to brag on yourself, but keep in mind that the interviewer wants strengths relative to the position. For example, being a problem solver, a motivator, and being able to perform under pressure, positive attitude and loyal. You will also need examples that back your answers up for illustration of the skill.
9. What do you consider to be your biggest weakness?
This can be a tricky question to respond to, if you suggest you have no weaknesses you’re going to appear as a lair or egotistical. You should respond realistically by mentioning small work related weaknesses. Although many try to answer using a positive skill in disguise as a weakness, like “I expect co-workers to have the same commitment” or “I am a perfectionist”. However, it is recommended that there is some honesty and the weaknesses are true, and then emphasize on how you have overcome it or working to improve it. The purpose of this question is to see how you view and evaluate yourself.
10. What do you see yourself doing in five years?
This is another question looking towards job commitment. Some people go through jobs like socks because they don’t have a life plan, and your answer can show insight into this. It can also be used for finding out if you are the type that sets goals at all in life, because those that make long-term goals are usually more reliable. Also, your goals can provide insight on your personality too.
You should respond with an answer that shows progression in your career is on track with your route in the company. It’s important to do your research on company prospects, this way you understand what to expect and if it’s in your long-term goal. Interviewers don’t want to set you on a path that won’t provide the results you want, resulting in you resigning.
11. What are your salary expectations?
This question is like a loaded gun, tricky and dangerous if you’re not sure what you are doing. It’s not uncommon for people to end up talking salary before really selling their skills, but knowledge is power as this is a negotiation after all. Again, this is an area where doing your research will be helpful as you will have an understanding of average salary.
One approach is asking the interviewer about the salary range, but to avoid the question entirely, you can respond that money isn’t a key factor and you’re goal is to advance in your career. However, if you have a minimum figure in mind and you believe you’re able to get it, you may find it worth trying.
12. Do you have any questions?
It is common for this question to to be asked every time, and you should have questions ready. By asking questions you are able to show that you have enough interest to do some research, and that you want to learn all that you can. You should limit the questions to no more than three or four.
You can try asking questions that focus on areas where you can be an asset. Other options include asking about what your position would be, and how fast they expect you to become productive. Also, asking about the next step in the process and when to expect to hear about the position.
Top job interview materials:
For more details, please click links below:
2. Top 12 secrets to win every job interviews
III. Job interview materials
1. Research
Prior to the interview, doing your research is important. You need to know as much as you can regarding products, services, customers, even who the competition is, as this will provide an edge in knowledge and being able to address the company requirements. The more knowledge you have about the company, the higher your chances for selling yourself for the position during the interview. Also, knowing the culture of the company will provide great insight into how satisfied you will be with the job.
2. Practice
Interviews are not always the same format, and they do not have to follow a certain style, but there are certain questions that can be expected. It will help if you practice giving your answer to the more common questions asked in interviews, these regard personal strengths and weaknesses, and why you are the best for the position.
3. Examples
You can say you can do something, but being able to provide examples of you doing these things is entirely different. Fogarty advises that you “come with your toolbox filled with examples of prior work achievements. You need to be prepared for the recruiter’s questions and to anticipate them based on job position requirements. Consider examples with strong strategies used, and answer with details rather than generalities. For instance, say “Yes, that is something I have done previously. Here is an example.” He added that you should ask the interviewer “Did that help answer your question?”.
4. Dressing for Success
First impressions can break or make any relation, including with the interviewer. You will be judged from the moment you arrive at the door. If you reached this point, you have hopefully done company research already and have an understanding of their culture, what they expect, and if they have a dress code. If you under-dress, you can appear to be too relaxed and doesn’t take things seriously. However, overdressing can be perceived s over compensation. If you were not able to find dress code information, it’s best to dress sharply, but not over dressed.
5. Remain calm
By preparing early, you can maintain control. You should have your route planned out, provide additional time for unexpected delays such s traffic, and prepare what you need the day before the interview. You need to speak clearly, and body language is important. You should smile when greeted, and keep in mind that the interviewer is a regular person like you, and they could be nervous as well.
6. Honesty
Some candidates think using techniques to avoid difficult questions is a good thing, but if you simply don’t believe you have a strong skill, just let the interviewer know rather than answering with examples that do not relate to the position. It appears better to be honest that you may not have that certain skill, but have skills related, and that you would be glad to list them.
7. Closing the deal
During an interview, this is one of the biggest on more common mistakes. Once the interview is over, both you and the interviewer should have a good idea on where you stand. Interviewers likely already has a good idea by the last handshake if you will move to the next step or not. During the last handshake, be upfront. Being confident can go a long way. If you believe the interview went well, be bold and ask the interviewer where you stand. If you don’t think it went well, you probably have your answer already.
8. Ask questions
Fogarty also suggests that you prepare great questions for the interview. He stated that nothing impresses more than a great question that indicates company research was conducted, but research on the position too. “These questions make me think, ‘Wow, they really did their homework. Not only do they have knowledge of the company, but the role too.”