Top Interview Questions for Senior Software Engineer (Java)
A Senior Software Engineer (Java) is responsible for gathering systems and user requirements, building Java modules, and testing features before release. Organizations hire them to deploy and maintain functional, secure, and high-quality applications.
According to Statistics & Data, Java is the second most popular language as of March 2021.
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Hard Skills
Use these questions to identify a candidate’s technical knowledge and abilities
Soft Skills
Use these questions to assess a candidate’s personality traits and cognitive skills
What to look for while interviewing for a Senior Software Engineer (Java)?
The skills required for a Sr. Software Engineer (Java) position are expertise in Software development Java, J2EE, and frameworks. Therefore, look for a candidate who has knowledge of all these.
Here are some of the in-demand skills for a Sr. Software Engineer (Java)
Role-specific skills to look for: Thorough knowledge of Software development, object-oriented designs, databases, and expertise in Java, J2EE, and frameworks like Struts, Play, etc.
Soft skills to look for Communication skills, problem-solving, analytical skills, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability.
Pro Tip: Always screen before you interview. Use Online Assessment to screen applicants for a Senior Software Engineer ( Java ) position before blocking your time for an in-person interview.
Questions to ask while interviewing a Senior Software Engineer (Java)
We have compiled a set of questions with the help of 70+ hiring managers at different organizations.
Top Role-based interview questions for Senior Software Engineer (Java)
Give a short description of any Java EE platform API.
Purpose of this interview question:
Since one of the major technical requirements for this role is to be experienced with the Java EE platform, hence an applicant for this role must be able to explain the same.
What to listen for:
- A top candidate would list out some of the Java EE platforms and would give a description of one or more among them.
How do you prevent SQL Injection in Java Code?
Purpose of this interview question:
This question tests the candidate’s knowledge of J2EE and Java EE. As this job position requires an understanding of J2EE, hence this question is designed to test the same.
What to listen for:
- An ideal answer would include the method of preventing SQL Injection in Java Code and how it is a security threat.
What’s the relationship between a code point and a code unit in Unicode?
Purpose of this interview question:
Using this question the candidate’s knowledge of Unicode can be tested.
What to listen for:
- Listen for the specific terms that distinguish between a code point and a code unit in Unicode.
How to screen Senior Software Engineer (Java) for soft skills?
How do you navigate in a challenging situation? Please provide an example.
Purpose of this interview question:
Problem-solving skill is extremely critical for this function and with an example, you can understand how the candidate handles difficult situations.
What to listen for:
- The top candidate would show evidence of analytical and problem-solving skills.
What are your salary expectations?
Purpose of this interview question:
This question is helps in understanding what the market is currently paying for certain qualifications, experience, and skills.
What to listen for:
- Top candidates would give the range of salary they expect.
Do you have any questions for us?
Purpose of this interview question:
The question is designed to know how interested the candidates are in your company.
What to listen for:
- Top candidates would ask questions and show interested in the job and company-related details.
Start Optimizing your Senior Software Engineer (Java) Hiring today
Find and hire talent with confidence. If your candidate doesn’t know the answer to the above questions and you’re hiring for a Sr. Software Engineer (Java) position, then they’re probably not a great fit.
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