HTML is a widely known term on the web. Not many people are familiar with XML but it is just as important and useful as HTML. XML or Extensible Markup Language is a text-based form to encode structured data, which includes, books, transactions, invoices, documents, settings, data, and many more. The initial name for it was SGML but was later renamed and improved into XML to cater to the new development and wide usage of the Web in recent years.
Nowadays, with the rising usage and exposure to XML, it is normal for organizations to be seeking XML developers and experts to be recruited to their companies. We will be looking at 25 interview questions that may be asked when applying for XML-related positions.
1. Why Are You Interested In This Role?
I am interested to apply for this job since I have always been passionate about the computer science field, especially on the web branch. I believe this opportunity would be a huge stepping stone for me to apply the skills and knowledge that I have acquired during my four years of Bachelor’s degree. I believe that getting hired here will grow my career path which will simultaneously allow personal professional achievement while meeting the objectives and vision of this company.
2. What Are The Main Roles Of Anxml Developer?
One of the main roles of an XML developer is performing diagnostic tests and correcting issues, aside from offering assistance to the tasks that are ought to be completed. XML developers are also responsible to document the processes of XML development and ensuring all reports, designs, and standards are documented properly. They are also in charge of maximizing the delivery of virtual content across web-based applications. Last but not least, they have to monitor and control the duplication of data.
3. What Do You Think Are The Qualities Needed By An XML Developer To Be Effective?
A successful XML developer must be equipped with solid knowledge of the markup and programming languages and able to apply the knowledge on programming tools. They must also have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to be able to adapt to any issues that may arise in programming processes. Besides that, developers do not work individually, hence it is crucial for a developer to be an exceptional team player with strong collaboration and communication skills.
4. What Major Challenges Did You Have During Your Previous Role? How Did You Handle It?
One of the challenges I had was when I was a fresh graduate and just managed to land a job. It was a great pleasure to work in a big company but I was too focused on my excitement to work, it totally slipped my mind to be extra prepared physically and mentally. To be honest, I was shocked by the amount of workloads that we had to do in our first two weeks there. Some of the skills are brand new for me so it took me quite a while to adapt to new working experience. However, I managed to pull it through with the help of my considerate and supportive senior colleagues.
5. Briefly Explain What You Know About XML.
XML is the abbreviated term for Extensible Markup Language. It is used to enhance the web’s function by allowing you to recognize your data in a more adaptive manner, aside from being flexible and more precise. XML contradicts HTML since it allows you to create your own markup languages for an infinite number and types of documents. On the contrary, HTML is fixed and not expendable. XML is the derivation of the older format called SGML. The improvement happened to cater to the usage of the Web.
6. What Are The Functions Of XML?
XML is used to transport data where the focus is what the data are. They are also used to store data in simple text format which enables independent ways to keep, carry and share data in both software and hardware. XML is one of the most preferred markup languages since it is extensible and easy to be implemented.
7. Share With Us What You Know About Markup Language.
A markup language is the string of words and symbols to describe the identification of document elements. It is the code to display text in a variety of ways and could also be used to convey and store data. The code for designs, layouts, as well as data formatting, are defined in a markup language. The other name that is used to call markup code is known as the tag. The best common example of markup languages is HTML and XML.
8. What Makes You The Best Candidate For This Role?
I am confident that I will be able to perform my duties well since I am well equipped with the skills that you are seeking. Accompanied by several years of experience aside from my deep passion for this industry, I believe I will thrive. I am organized, result-oriented, and highly motivated, and will not be hesitant to contribute more than expected. If I manage to win this opportunity, I am very much elated to be able to apply and contribute my skills as one of the staff in this organization.
9. What Would You Do When You Feel Demotivated At Work?
It is easy to address our demotivation by clearly listing down what are the things that may affect our motivation. For example, I often feel demotivated if I am pressured by multiple closing deadlines. To overcome this from happening, I will figure out what I should do so that I could avoid having several pending tasks with deadlines that are close to each other. In my opinion, it is easier to avoid getting demotivated than heal from it. Hence, I will try to avoid facing situations that may distress me and simultaneously affect my motivation in my profession.
10. What Is Your Motivation In This Field?
I am a result-driven person. Before I started a new project and tasks, I will establish clear objectives and goals I wish to achieve within a period of time. Achieving my milestones has been my motivation booster in my profession. Aside from that, I am often thrilled to explore and try out new applications and ways of building text coding.
11. How Does XML Differ From HTML?
There are a few aspects that differentiate between XML and HTML. One of the differences is that HTML is static while XML is dynamic. The markup language in HTMP is used to define data while XML functions as a data store. HTML data are case insensitive, contradicting XML which is case sensitive. Another aspect that distinguishes them is the characteristics of the tags. HTML tags are predefined while XML is custom.
12. List Several Common Rules When Writing XML.
Some of the things that should be kept in mind when writing XML is that the tags are case sensitive and must always be closed. The white space in XML must be retained and all XML should contain root elements. Another thing is that tag names for XML cannot have spaces. Last but not least, the attribute value should be written within quotes.
13. How Do You Define A Well-Developed XML Document?
A well-developed XML document must abide by all common rules when writing XML. All XML must have a single root element made up of all other elements that have to be nested properly. It is a must to be careful with the tags. The elements in the XML document should be closed with tags and quotes must be done for all attribute values.
14. What Are The XML Tools That You Are Familiar With?
There are multiple XML tools that could be utilized when developing, editing, and even modifying XML documents. Some of the tools that I have used before are XSL checkers, Liquid Studio, and Oxygen XML. I have experienced using these tools during my study years and in my previous. I explore new tools from time to time since one tool’s feature may be better than another and I am always open to learning and using new tools as required.
15. Why Is XML A Preferable Choice?
There are several advantages of using XML. The presentation in XML is simple hence it could improve readability and comprehension of the coding information. Besides that, XML is extensible hence allowing us to define and customize the tags accordingly to the needs and objectives. The organization of XML documents is well arranged to hence could ease the accessibility process of the documents. Last but not least, XML is beneficial since it could be edited and created easily regardless of the format, asides from a feasible debugging process.
16. Share With Us Your Greatest Achievement.
When I was a trainee, I was instructed to work in a team to improve the readability of a web page. The main issue was that the webpage lacked content and was quite unattractive to the viewers. It was a short-term project and we poured our utmost effort into rebuilding the webpage. The product came out well and we managed to increase the number of viewers by 34% within the first month. That was one of my greatest achievements in this field.
17. What Are Your Strategies And Mindset For This Role?
As a developer, my main strategy is to be flexible at all times. I must not be too stuck up with one method and type of programming but must be always open and ready to explore and utilize new ones. I also bear in mind to look at other stakeholders’ perspectives when working on a project. How will the manager perceive my work? How will the users perceive this? Doing this has helped to ensure satisfaction among my clients for the project I was working on.
18. Describe A Time You Failed In This Role And The Lesson You Learned.
When I was working for a client last time, I was confident that I could manage to complete the tasks quickly. I told the client that I will submit the work within one month. However, it completely slipped my mind to take into account some technical issues that may arise along the way. We had some server issues and I did not manage to complete the tasks within the time I initially promised. Since then, I learned to allocate and set a feasible and doable deadline. Setting longer deadlines but completing them way earlier is much better than delivering the products later than the deadlines promised.
19. What Is The Biggest Challenge That You Foresee In This Position?
The biggest challenge might be the unpredictability of the technology world. In the future, it is possible that developers come up with a new format to replace XML. Just like how XML was invented to replace SGML to adapt to more Web usage. This may happen again in the future. Either new platforms are built where XML needs to be more adaptive to be utilized, or new code formats are invented to be another option besides XML and HTML, both of these events will require us to stay on our feet, ready to explore new things.
20. Can You Handle Conflict In Your Working Group?
Yes, I can. In my previous workplace, our team was working on a project and something happened that made our progress go missing or damaged. It was devastating since we worked so hard for it. Everyone almost gave up the project, but I, with my team leader, managed to trace back the issue by asking all the members involved. We were not able to retrieve the progress that we have made, but we managed to assemble all the pieces of information so that redoing it was easier.
21. How Will You Organize Your Tasks If You Are Working On Multiple Tasks At The Same Time?
When working on multiple tasks at the same time, I always put a to-do list somewhere I could see easily. I will first look into the requirements and expectations from the tasks, then segregate them into several milestones. Doing this may help me to stay organized and able to complete the tasks little by little but successfully delivered in the end.
22. Do You Have Any Experience Working With Someone Who Has Different Opinions From You?
No, I haven’t. However, I have heard many experiences from my friends and colleagues before. If I were to work with someone who has different opinions from me, I have to be the mediator in discussing our ideas thoroughly. Sharing and talking critically about our opinions may help us to reach one acceptable conclusion, not being unjust to one of us. I think working with someone with a different opinion than us may be beneficial since we could see from another perspective.
23. Does XML Have Any Weaknesses In Its Application?
Yes, everything has its strengths and weaknesses. While XML is deemed to be a better option compared to HTML, we could not brush away its weaknesses. One of the weaknesses is that XML syntax is lengthy and repetitious. This redundancy will lead toward an enormous volume of data, hence will result in greater costs for storage and transportation. The file sizes of XML texts are comparatively huge.
24. What Is The Importance Of XML?
XML is important since it could become the replacement for HTML, filling in its weakness. There are times when flexibility is needed for the documents and since HTML is predefined and static, it would be quite impossible to make any changes to it. Hence, we could resort to XML instead. Another importance and advantage are that XML creates a vital, durable, and traceable file format for storing and transfer of data internal or external of Web. These could ease the programming process.
25. What Are Some Applications That May Be Suitable To Be Used With XML?
There is a huge number of applications that could benefit when applied with XML. These include supply chain management system or B2B exchange, financial transactions, any numerical or statistical data, news information, shares and stocks, and so forth. Implementing XML is helpful since it is able to retain contain regardless of the formats, hence preventing data duplication.
Conclusion
To summarize, it is important to be able to display a high level of knowledge and skills related to XML. Besides technical work, be confident and display your leadership and collaborative skills to boost up your points. Make sure to create an impactful first impression. You may be the next XML developer for a huge company. Best of luck with your interviews.
