Merhaba bu yazımda sizlere, teknik mülakattan önce işveren için adayı tanıma konusunda yol gösterici olan, davranışsal interview sorularına biraz kendi mesleki hayatımdan ve bazen kurgusal olarak örnekler vermeye çalışacağım.
Davranışsal görüşmede nasıl başarılı olunur?
Davranışsal sorular ve cevaplar ingilizce olacak, ayrıca Türkçe açıklama ve çeviriler eklenecektir.
01. Tell me about one of the most technically challenging projects you have done.
(Bitirmiş olduğunuz, teknik olarak en zorlu projelerden birini anlatın.)
Answer: Most of the projects that I was involved in were technically challenging. But if I had to choose one I would say Digital Agency Project in Anadolu Sigorta was the most challenging. When we started this project, the technologies we were using were just becoming popular in 2017 (Jhipster, Spring Boot, Angular 4, Elasticearch, Yarn, Liquebase, Mapstruct) and we didn't have too much knowledge about these technologies and we had to integrate them with Anadolu Sigorta SOA services. The project domain was also complex.
02. Tell me about one of your failed projects. What did you learn? What could you do differently?
(Bana başarısız projelerinizden birini anlatın. Ne öğrendin? Neyi farklı yapabilirdin?)
Answer: I can give an example of a big task of a project where things didn't go exactly the way I wanted. In Garanti Investment web project financial dictionary implementation was an important part of the project. I was not as well skilled at javascript as backend technologies. And I didn't have a lot of knowledge of clean code nor was I aware of its importance. I successfully finished the dictionary implementation, but it took too long and it hadn't been implemented with clean code principles and effective way. Our team leader decided to implement it from the scratch by himself.
After that completion of the task, I realized the importance of clean code and writing effective javascript code.
03. Tell me about the project that you are most proud of. What was the most significant accomplishment of your entire career?
(Bana en çok gurur duyduğun projeden bahset. Tüm kariyerinizin en önemli başarısı neydi?)
Answer: If had to choose one I would say the project I am most proud of was emlakjet.com rebuilding project. We analysed the legacy project, understood the domain, migrated the database from MySQL to PostgreSQL, implemented the project with the modern framework, and completed the project successfully before the deadline.
04. Tell me about a time that you found a creative solution to a problem.
(Bana bir soruna yaratıcı bir çözüm bulduğunuz zamanı anlatın.)Answer: In my last project RiskMobile, we had performance and memory issues. We came up with some solutions for these :
Increased free heap memory space by up to %50 calculating report String size before transforming base64 StringBuilder.
Increased report photo upload speed by up to %80 using the parallel upload.
An increased report read time up to %80 by lazy loading.
05. Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with your teammate or manager: how did you resolve it, and what did you learn?
(Takım arkadaşın veya yöneticinle bir çatışma yaşadığın bir zamandan bahset: Bunu nasıl çözdün ve ne öğrendin?)
Answer: Usually, conflicts happen between analysts and developers. In such cases, I have a private conversation with the analyst to try to understand him/her and tell him/her about my task-related dilemmas. I try to find a solution together without making it a personal issue.
06. Tell me about a time that you were behind on a project and you knew that you could not meet the deadline. Tell me about a time when you changed priorities to meet a deadline.
(Bana bir projede geride kaldığınız ve son teslim tarihine yetişemeyeceğinizi bildiğiniz bir zamandan bahsedin. Son teslim tarihine uymak için önceliklerinizi değiştirdiğiniz bir zamandan bahsedin.)
Answer: In a new version of the Alcatel OSOS project, we had defects to solve and new features to add. Towards the end date, we were far behind these goals. We have postponed less critical new features to the next version and put it first to solve problems that matter to the customer. After solving the problems, we applied the most valuable new features and successfully released the version.
07. Tell me about a time that you had to implement a workaround (vs. a solution) for a critical issue to meet a deadline and as a result, you introduced technical debt. What did you do with the technical debt after the deadline?
(Son teslim tarihini karşılamak için kritik bir sorun için bir geçici çözüm (çözüm yerine) uygulamak zorunda olduğunuz ve bunun sonucunda teknik borç getirdiğiniz bir zamandan bahsedin. Son teslim tarihinden sonra teknik borcunuzla ne yaptınız?)
Answer:We are developing a complex feature for an e-commerce platform - an advanced search system that uses machine learning algorithms to predict and suggest user interests.
A few days before the deadline, we discover a significant issue. The machne learning model isn't training correctly, and resolving the problem would require considerable time for debugging, retraining, and validation - time we don't have.
With the deadline fast approaching, we decide to implement a workaround: instead of using the machine learning model, we develop a simpler rule-based system for the search feature. While it's not as accurate or efficient, it serves the purpose for the time being, and we manage to ship the feature on time. However, this creates technical debt in our codebase - we now have a less optimal feature that will need to be upgraded in the future.
After the deadline has passed, we don't ignore the technical debt we've accrued. We understand that while the workaround was necessary at the time, it's not a sustainable or long-term solution. We discuss the matter with the project manager and propose a plan to repay this debt. The plan includes:
Identifying the Problem: We document the details of the technical debt, its cause, and what parts of the system it affects.
Planning the Solution: We design a strategy for fixing the ML model issue. This involves debugging the problem, implementing the fix, retraining the model, and validating its results.
Scheduling: We plan out a timeline for the work, considering other project requirements and deadlines.
Implementation: We work on the issue according to the schedule, replacing the rule-based system with the intended machine learning model.
Testing and Verification: We rigorously test the new system to ensure it works as expected and improves upon the old system.
Documentation: We update all relevant documentation to reflect the changes made and document the lessons learned to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.0
8. Why do you want to leave your current job? Could you mention some general issues in your current job? Have you taken any action to mitigate/resolve those issues?
(Mevcut işinizden neden ayrılmak istiyorsunuz? Şu anki işinizle ilgili bazı genel sorunlardan bahsedebilir misiniz? Bu sorunları hafifletmek / çözmek için herhangi bir önlem aldınız mı?)
Answer:"I have had a rewarding journey at my current company and I've learned a lot, but I believe it's time for me to take on new challenges and further develop my skill set. There are a few reasons behind my decision to look for a new opportunity.
One ofthe main issues has been the limited opportunities for growth and advancement in my current role. I have a deep interest in working with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, but my current job does not provide the space to explore these areas. I value continuous learning and professional development, and unfortunately, it's been challenging to find those opportunities in my current role.
Another factor has been the lack of balance between work and personal life. I understand that there will be times when extra hours are necessary, especially in software development, but it has become a consistent trend rather than the exception. This has, in turn, affected my work-life balance.
I've certainly taken steps to address these issues. Regarding the growth opportunities, I've tried to incorporate learning into my personal time and have taken online courses to stay abreast with the latest technologies. However, this doesn't provide the same benefits as practical, on-the-job experience would.
In terms of the work-life balance issue, I've had open discussions with my team lead and manager about it. We've tried to distribute workload more evenly and hire additional team members to manage the workload. But the pace of the company and the resource constraints have made it difficult to bring about substantial change.
Given these circumstances, I believe it would be beneficial for my career and personal growth to explore new opportunities where I can leverage my skills and passion for emerging technologies, while also maintaining a healthier work-life balance. I'm excited about the opportunities that your company provides in both these aspects."
09. Why do you want to join us? What do you know about our company?
(Neden bize katılmak istiyorsun? Şirketimiz hakkında ne biliyorsun?)
Answer: "I'm really impressed with your company's reputation for innovation and commitment to using the latest technologies to create impactful products. As an engineer passionate about working with cutting-edge technology, it's exciting to see the breadth of projects your team takes on.
Your company's focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning, for instance, is particularly appealing to me. In my previous role, I didn't get much opportunity to explore these areas, and I'm eager to dive into this field. I've taken some online courses and done personal projects, but working with your team would provide a more in-depth, practical experience that I am looking for.
I've also read about your company's emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance for your employees. This aligns with my personal values and my belief in the importance of a balanced lifestyle for productivity and creativity.
I'm also aware of your company's strong commitment to giving back to the community, which I find admirable. I appreciate that you go beyond just doing business and strive to make a positive impact in society.
Furthermore, your company culture, which encourages collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation, is very appealing. I believe this kind of environment will help me grow as a professional and contribute more effectively to the team.
In summary, I want to join your company because I believe it aligns with both my professional goals and personal values. I'm excited about the prospect of contributing to and learning from a team that's pushing boundaries in technology, all while maintaining a sustainable work-life balance and making a positive impact on the community."
10. If you have worked in many companies for short periods of time (< 2yrs), why do you switch your jobs so frequently?
(Kısa süreler için (<2 yıl) birçok şirkette çalıştıysanız, neden işlerinizi bu kadar sık değiştiriyorsunuz?)
Answer:"I appreciate your concern about the frequency of job changes in my history. I believe it's crucial to clarify that these changes were not made lightly, but were carefully considered steps in my career progression.
Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work in different start-ups, each offering unique projects and technologies. These opportunities allowed me to broaden my skill set and understand various facets of software engineering. My goal was to gain diverse experience in a relatively short amount of time, and these roles offered me the chance to do just that.
In a couple of instances, the startups I was working for underwent significant changes, such as acquisition or restructuring, which led to my decision to move on sooner than anticipated.
While it may seem that I've moved jobs frequently, each move was a strategic decision to broaden my knowledge base, increase my experience with different technologies and industries, and adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
I've always made sure to leave on good terms, having delivered significant contributions and after ensuring a smooth transition. I believe the varied experiences have made me more adaptable, versatile, and capable as a software engineer.
Having said that, I am now looking for a longer-term opportunity where I can grow deeper roots, continue to learn and contribute significantly. Your company, with its innovative projects and stability, seems like an excellent fit for this next phase of my career."
11. What is your weakness?
(Zayıf yönün nedir?)
Answer:"I think one of my weaknesses has been overcommitting myself. I am very passionate about my work and I tend to get excited about new projects or challenges, so sometimes I take on more tasks than I should. This can lead to longer hours and increased stress levels as I strive to deliver on all my commitments.
However, I've been working actively to improve in this area. I've started using project management tools and techniques to better manage my workload, and I'm becoming more conscious about the commitments I take on. I've also been learning to delegate effectively and have open discussions with my team and superiors about workload distribution and deadlines.
Recognizing this weakness has been a valuable realization for me, and while I am still a work in progress, I am committed to continuing to improve my time management and workload balancing skills. This self-improvement will not only increase my productivity but also maintain the quality of work I am known for."
12. What is your strength?
(Güçlü yönün nedir?)
Answer: I believe that my greatest strength is the ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently. I can see any given situation from multiple perspectives, which makes me uniquely qualified to complete my work even under challenging conditions. That problem solving allows me to be a better communicator. I am just as comfortable speaking to senior executives as I am junior team members. I think my ability to see all sides of an issue will make me a great asset to the team.
13. What is your current salary, or what is your salary expectation?
(Mevcut maaşınız veya maaş beklentiniz nedir?)
Answer:
14. What does your typical day look like at your current job?
(Mevcut işinizde tipik bir gününüzü nasıl geçirirsiniz?)
Answer:
15. Describe one of the biggest mistakes you have made in your job, and what did you learn?
(İşinizde yaptığınız en büyük hatalardan birini anlatın ve bu hatadan ne öğrendinizi söyleyin?)
Answer:
16. Describe a situation in which you were faced with a major obstacle in order to complete a project. How did you deal with it? What steps did you take?
(Bir projeyi tamamlamak için büyük bir engelle karşı karşıya kaldığınız bir durumu anlatın. Bununla nasıl başa çıktın? Hangi adımları attın?)
Answer:
17. How do you solve ambiguous problems?
(Belirsiz sorunları nasıl çözersiniz?)
Answer:
18. How do you see yourself in five (or ten) years? What skills do you want to learn?
(Kendinizi beş (veya on) yılda nasıl görüyorsunuz? Hangi becerileri öğrenmek istiyorsun?)
Answer: In several years, I see myself involved in architecting complex Java applications. Beyond that is too far away to think of right now.
19. Tell me about a time that you supervised/trained other engineers.
(Bana diğer mühendisleri denetlediğiniz / eğittiğiniz bir zamandan bahsedin.)
Answer:
20. Tell me about a time that you changed or improved the culture of your company or team.
(Şirketinizin veya ekibinizin kültürünü değiştirdiğiniz veya geliştirdiğiniz bir zamandan bahsedin.)
Answer:
21. Tell me about a time that you took the initiative.
(Bana inisiyatif aldığınız bir zamandan bahsedin.)
Answer:
22. Do you read any related blogs?
(İlgili herhangi bir blog okuyor musunuz?)
Answer:
23. Describe a time when you made a suggestion to improve something within the project that you were working on.
(Üzerinde çalıştığınız proje içinde bir şeyi iyileştirmek için bir öneride bulunduğunuz bir zamanı anlatın.)
Answer:
24. Give me an example of a time when you noticed a small problem before it turned into a major one. Did you take the initiative to correct it? What kind of preventive measures did you undertake?
(Küçük bir problemi büyük bir problem haline gelmeden önce fark ettiğiniz bir zamana örnek verin. Düzeltmek için inisiyatif aldınız mı? Ne tür önleyici tedbirler aldınız?)
Answer:
25. How will you adjust yourself in a fast-paced environment?
(Hızlı tempolu bir ortamda kendinizi nasıl ayarlarsınız?)
Answer:
26. What is your learning process like? How do you learn new skills?
(Öğrenme süreciniz nasıl? Yeni becerileri nasıl öğrenirsiniz?)
Answer:
27. What don’t you like in a job?
(Bir işte neyi sevmezsin?)
Answer:
28. When do you consider a project to be successful?
(Bir projenin ne zaman başarılı olduğunu düşünürsünüz?)
Answer:
29.Tell me about a time when you had to present a complex programming problem to a person that didn’t understand technical jargon. How did you ensure that the other person understood you?
30.Tell me about a time you had to work on several projects at once. How did you handle that?
Answer:
31.Describe a situation in which you have experienced a significant project change that you weren’t expecting. What was it? How did that impact you, and how did you adapt to this change? How did you remain productive through the project?
32.Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult person to accomplish a goal. What was the biggest challenge? How did you handle it?
Kaynaklar : CRACKING THE BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWS FOR SOFTWARE ENGINEERS, FIRST EDITION , https://devskiller.com/45-behavioral-questions-to-use-during-non-technical-interview-with-developers/ , https://resumeperk.com/blog/behavioral-interview-questions---and-how-to-answer-them