Associate Software Developer

The_Hurricane

Yes it's an American firm but I don't mind that as I currently work for their sister company.

Am I likely to be asked technical questions?

vish16

Develop and enhance software from requirements and specification
* functional specs, business analysis, requirements specification

Be responsible for component testing
* unit testing, functional testing - documenting via test scripts

Actively participate on project teams
* as above, team members work together to build components that are then interlinked into one (or multiple) applications
* may need to work with DBAs and administrators to set up development/UAT servers for you to deploy applications to
* working with Project Manager/Business Analyst to figure out the requirements and resolving technical queries

Build collaborative customer relationships

Work as part of a globally distributed team across time zones
* possibly DBAs/network admins etc based abroad, so any change requests to deploy application to live environment will need to be co-ordinated via phone/teleconferencing.

The ideal candidate will:

Have or be about to achieve a BSc or equivalent in Computer Science or a related discipline with at least a second class honours, upper division (2.1)
Have at least 6 months relevant work or placement experience
Have a genuine and practical interest in software design
* mention UML, software lifecycle methodologies (i.e. waterfall, agile etc), Visio, Rational Rose

Be a participative team member with excellent interpersonal and communication skills


As mentioned by previous posters, you need to find out what languages/technology/IDE the company favours so that a more accurate answer can be provided.
Above all, interviewers love real life experiences and anecdotes relating to their questions.
If the Software developer role is anything like my last job, it'll be internal role developing apps for supporting the "business" - a wide ranging and varied role covering any technology that comes your way. Great job to be in and I hope you get it!

shaz77_2

It looks like an entry level role, is it likely many technical questions will come up? I would have assumed it would be more about flexibility, willingness to learn and willingness to do mundane tasks along with the more exciting complex tasks.

andrewjf

What's the format of the interview?
If technical, then expect to be asked questions which test your knowledge in specific areas. There might be a written programming test, or scenario based design questions. e.g. they may present a problem and ask how you'd go about designing a solution.
They may also ask more open competency based questions, such as - 'Describe a time when you solved a difficult problem'.

The_Hurricane

andrewjf wrote: »

What's the format of the interview?
If technical, then expect to be asked questions which test your knowledge in specific areas. There might be a written programming test, or scenario based design questions. e.g. they may present a problem and ask how you'd go about designing a solution.
They may also ask more open competency based questions, such as - 'Describe a time when you solved a difficult problem'.

I'm not sure what the interview format is, all the lady at reception told me was that I'd been short-listed for an interview and the time of the interview.

As my last role was as a Business Analyst for the sister company, I was hoping this role would enhance and develop my IT skills while enabling to to use the skills and experience I have gained so far. To be honest if there are technical questions etc I'm likely to become unstuck.

andrewjf

The_Hurricane wrote: »

I'm not sure what the interview format is, all the lady at reception told me was that I'd been short-listed for an interview and the time of the interview.

As my last role was as a Business Analyst for the sister company, I was hoping this role would enhance and develop my IT skills while enabling to to use the skills and experience I have gained so far. To be honest if there are technical questions etc I'm likely to become unstuck.

I think the job spec is pretty clear

" Develop and enhance software from requirements and specification".

Looks like it requires some degree of technical knowledge, and therefore questions along these lines.
You asked what was the best preparation you can do. Well I'd start by trying to clarify what technical skills they're looking for. Do you know what programming languages they use? Is it web development? What source control do they use? Any database knowledge required?
Unless you can pin it down a bit more it's very hard to know what area to concentrate on.
You also said you're degree was in software development. Would it help to review your course notes?

One other thing I would also say about interviews is, know your strengths and weaknesses, and be able to give answers which demonstrate your strengths. They are cliched and lazy questions for interviewers to ask, but a lot of them do. So have prepared answers for these types of questions.

shaz77_2

This company is not looking for a software developer, they are looking for someone interested in the process who they can develop and mould into their way of thinking.

I can't see technical questions coming into it but what I would suggest is have the right attitude, don't be afraid of doing the mundane tasks.

The_Hurricane

I won't be found lacking in enthusiasm and passion Shaz - this looks a great role and it's where I want to be.

shaz77_2

I don't think the company would have brought you in for interview if working for the sister company was an issue, I now feel this will be to your advantage - they know who you are and they want you.

Just show passion, willingness to learn and enthusiasm within the interview and the job's yours.

The_Hurricane

That would be great Shaz.