There are many available choices of jobs in the computer field and computer programmer analyst is one of them. If you intend to apply for this job, here are 20 questions and answers that may be used in interviews.
1. What Makes You Interested In This Position?
The interviewers are curious about the candidates’ level of enthusiasm for the position. It is also suggested to include your interest in the company.
Tip #1: Focus on your interest in the job
Tip #2: What do you anticipate from the job
Sample Answer:
I hold a degree in computer programming and had always aimed to take computer programmer analyst as my profession. I am very passionate about computers, especially programming. I have immense interest to learn more about programming that I still am not aware of. By working as a computer programmer analyst, I strive to be able to unlock more skills related to computers.
2. What Are The Qualities That A Computer Programmer Analyst Should Possess To Be Effective?
This question will reveal if candidates are familiar with the job.
Tip #1: Mention several qualities needed to become a good computer programmer analyst
Tip #2: Be concise and confident
Sample Answer:
A computer programmer analyst should have a high passion for the computer to enjoy their work. They should also be patient and organized in performing their tasks. This job requires a lot of programming tasks hence they should be familiar with the knowledge and technical skills. They should also be prepared to work for long hours and accept a lot of tasks at the same time.
3. Describe Your Daily Routine As A Computer Programmer Analyst?
This question also displays candidates’ knowledge of the job scopes.
Tip #1: Mention several tasks of a computer programmer analyst
Tip #2: Emphasis your readiness to work effectively
Sample Answer:
A computer programmer analyst may spend their days inventing computer systems. Their tasks range from writing code, testing, as well as analyzing programs. Hence, it is typical for computer programmer analysts to spend most of their time analyzing codes on the computer.
4. What Is Your Background As A Computer Programmer Analyst, And What Was The First Programming Language You Learned?
This question requires candidates to explain their experience in the job.
Tip #1: Provide experiences from your education or previous job
Tip #2: Be straight to the point
Sample Answer:
I hold a bachelor’s degree in computer programming. The four years I spent taught me a lot of the necessary knowledge and skills needed to become an effective programmer. The first programming language that I was introduced to was Java. I was taught to understand the fundamentals concept of the language.
5. What Major Challenges Did You Face During Your Last Role? How Did You Handle It?
Share one challenge you had in the past. Candidates’ answer displays their problem-solving skill.
Tip #1: Name the lesson learned from it
Tip #2: Be brief
Sample Answer:
The major challenge I had in the past was dealing with a difficult customer. Aside from the trouble of explaining the components to the customer, he kept on changing the terms. The processes did not go as smoothly as the intended initial plan as he requested changes often. That experience was quite difficult for me who was a fresh graduate at that time. This experience taught me to be firm and stick with the initial plan unless the changes are feasible.
6. Can You Explain A Complicated Software System Design To A Customer Without A Programming Background?
You may provide an experience you had in the past.
Tip #1: Provide an example you had
Tip #2: State how do you relay the information in a simpler way
Sample Answer:
Yes, I am confident in my capabilities to explain to other people. I had several experiences explaining the system to people who are not familiar with them. To ensure they understand the concept of design, I used an analogy and a simpler term so that they could imagine how the system works. Sometimes, I showed them pictures or videos to enhance better understanding.
7. What Kind Of Strategies And Mindset Is Required For This Role?
Remember what are the challenges you may face in this position. From there, draw out several strategies you can do to cope with the tasks.
Tip #1: Share your strategies and mindset necessary to work effectively
Tip #2: Be concise and avoid contemplating your answers
Sample Answer:
Working in a computer field requires a lot of work with computers. Spending long hours in front of the computers may cause a toll on my body hence I always remind myself to fix my posture. This may sound trivial but an aching body may disrupt my performance. Another mindset is to always be alert to my schedule.
8. Have You Been Working On New Projects, Or Are You Learning A New Programming Language?
If you are not working on any, provide what you wish to accomplish in the near future.
Tip #1: State one project you are working on
Tip #2: Briefly state why you started the project
Sample Answer:
I am currently learning how to create a simple mobile application. It is a simple gaming application but the processes allow me to apply my existing knowledge as well as explore other new skills. Aside from that project, I am also learning a new programming language which is Ruby.
9. How Do You Stay Motivated At Work?
This is an important question to display your readiness to work.
Tip #1: Provide your motivation to work
Tip #2: Mention what you would do if you are exhausted
Sample Answer:
I usually keep a record of short and long-term goals. Achieving the goals is one of the biggest motivations to enjoy my career. The goal set could be as simple as meeting deadlines. In times of exhaustion, I will take a break from the computer. Doing a simple stretching and grabbing a drink helped a lot to boost my momentum again.
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10. What Is The Biggest Challenge That You Foresee In This Job?
Candidates’ answers will reveal their readiness to face challenges in the job.
Tip #1: State examples of challenge
Tip #2: Provide how you will face the challenge
Sample Answer:
The challenge that will be faced by a computer programmer analyst is the need to constantly learn new programming knowledge. It is crucial to identify which language is the most suitable to be used in a certain situation. However, this may not be burdensome if a person has a high interest in programming. I will always motivate myself to learn new skills effortfully.
11. Share Your Biggest Accomplishment
Provide quantifiable achievement to be more meaningful.
Tip #1: Explain your accomplishment
Tip #2: Be genuine and professional in your answer
Sample Answer:
During my previous job, I was one of the programmers in charge of creating prototype-based programming. One of the biggest accomplishments I achieved was the improvement of work quality by 50% compared to the previous month. I managed to create prototypes twice the number that I did the month before which is a huge achievement for me.
12. Share How Do You Organize Your Work
This question reveals how candidates manage their work well.
Tip #1: Provide examples of measures to be organized
Tip #2: Be concise and meaningful
Sample Answer:
I keep a planner that provides what I have to do daily, weekly, and monthly. This allows me to be alert of upcoming works that need to be attended to. I always prioritize my works according to the difficulty and deadlines. Keeping this list and revising regularly has helped me to keep my work organized.
13. Describe A Time You Failed In This Role And The Lesson You Learned
This will provide how much you are prepared to face any failure in this job.
Tip #1: Share your experience
Tip #2: State what the experience taught you
Sample Answer:
The failure I had in the past revolved around my communication skill. Once, I had to work on another person’s code who was away on a business trip. I was a new recruit at the time and was unsure how to solve it. I created a new code that I was familiar with. A colleague noticed that I was working on a new code and told me that there are guidelines on the code earlier. I learned that I needed to improve my interpersonal and communication skills at that time.
14. What Is Your Weakness As A Computer Programmer Analyst?
Everyone has their flaws. You can state a positive weakness depending on your situation.
Tip #1: Explain your weakness briefly
Tip #2: How do you overcome the weakness
Sample Answer:
My weakness is in keeping track of my tasks. I am always curious about new skills and platforms hence if I ran into some new things, I would be distracted to explore them. This has been one of my biggest concerns throughout the years. To overcome, I would try my best to focus on one project at a time. This could prevent me from spending hours exploring knowledge to be applied to another project.
15. How Do You Handle Disagreements In Your Group?
Disagreements in a group are prone to happen. Candidates should be ready with the knowledge of group skills.
Tip #1: Provide what you would do
Tip #2: Be mindful of your position
Sample Answer:
If a conflict occurs in my group, I would try to bring my teammates and have a discussion to resolve the issue. That is if I were at the same level of position as them. I may not be able to effectively do this if I were a newbie in the group. However, this could be countered by consulting with managers to intervene.
16. Is There Any Lesson Learned From Mistakes By Any Computer Programmer Analyst That Happened In The Past?
Share an example that you saw or heard before.
Tip #1: Provide a specific example
Tip #2: Emphasis the lesson you learned from the mistakes
Sample Answer:
One of the mistakes that a colleague in my previous workplace did was not cooperating in a group project. The person decided to move at his own pace and refuse to join any discussion or receive assistance. The situation has a backlash on the person as what he was working on did not align well with the others. This taught me that cooperation is needed to be effective in the workplace.
17. Aside From Programming Skills, What Other Skills Are Important To Be A Successful Computer Programmer Analyst?
Candidates should be familiar with what other skills are needed to be in this job.
Tip #1: Be specific
Tip #2: Emphasis that you are aware of these
Sample Answer:
Besides programming skills, it is crucial to possess good time management as this field requires us to work on multiple projects. It is also important to have quality control analysis skills to ensure that the results produced to meet their target precisely. Another important skill is learning and listening skills as we are required to interact with other people from time to time.
18. What Are The Examples Of Requirements That Should Be Analysed By A System Analyst?
This question tests candidates’ familiarity with the system analyst.
Tip #1: Be confident
Tip #2: Provide an accurate answer with a brief explanation if possible
Sample Answer:
One of the requirements that need to be gathered is technical requirements. This revolves around the details of the system. For instance, the programming language used and the standards maintained. Another requirement that should be analyzed is the functional requirements which involve the expected delivery from the system.
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19. Do You Know What Are Some Software Policies Should Be Implemented In A Company?
Being familiar with the laws and policies revolving around the computer and programming field is a bonus point for candidates.
Tip #1: Be logical in case you are not familiar with this
Tip #2: Provide some ethical examples
Sample Answer:
The most common policy is by forbidding employees to access the company’s data using external drives. This is important to prevent data breaching and the employee will have to take responsibility for it. Employees should also avoid using the company’s properties for personal use. The other thing is by disallowing employees to access and download unauthorized websites and software.
20. How Do You Keep Up To Date With New Technologies And Trends In This Field And Job?
This question will display candidates’ interest in the industry and awareness of industry trends.
Tip #1: Provide one or two ways to keep up to date
Tip #2: Be enthusiastic and show your interest
Sample Answer:
I keep myself updated through online blogs. Several blogs introduce and review new technologies and software on programming which pique my interest. I made sure to subscribe to their page and keep being alerted every time they post new content. The other way is by following top worldwide programmers on their professional page such as LinkedIn.
That sums up the list of interview questions that may be asked in an interview for a computer programmer analyst position. Tips and answers are also provided for further enlightenment.
