Job Interview for Software Engineer, A Business English Conversation

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Job Interview for Software Engineer

Interview:

Q: Did you get here easily?

A: Yes. It took me just about fifteen minutes. It was an easy drive.

Q: Tell me about yourself.

A: I hold an engineering degree in software development from New Delhi University. I have been living in the US since I took a job as software engineer with Data Maintenance, Inc in 2003. I was responsible for creating and maintaining databases for a clientele of 300 companies in various industries. I contacted clients, set up database systems for trial versions until the company was fully capable of running the system, fixed the system bugs, modified the interface to the specifications of user characteristics. I reported to the technical manager and area manager. I learned a lot in this position. I was considered by my superiors creative, resourceful and hardworking. I used my creativity to devise unique incentives to keep my customers motivated. Because of customers satisfaction I was given numerous company bonuses and awards.

Q: Why did you leave this position?

We suggest you present everything in a positive light. An interview is not an occasion to dish the dirt on your previous employer.

A: Now that this position has been eliminated and I was offered another position in the same field but in Phoenix, Arizona. I am not ready to relocate so am looking for a new position.

A: The company just was to traditional for my innovative personality. But what I learned is that organizations have distinct personalities just like people do. Now I know how to concentrate my job search on companies who value independent thinking and alternative methods.

Q: What are your goals for your career?

A: I want to secure a software engineering position with a company that concentrates on wholesale digital data systems development. Ideally, I would like to work for a young company, such as yours, so I can get in on the ground floor and take advantage of all the opportunities a growing firm has to offer.

This is best answered by reiterating your objective statement on your resume. Keep your aspirations to be a vice president of marketing, own your own company or retire at 40 to yourself.

Q: What are your weaknesses?
Do not take this literally to relieve your weaknesses. I advise you take a potential weakness and put a positive spin on it.

A: I am a perfectionist and in some industries that may not be a good fit. But for this software engineering position, I think this trait truly will help me excel."

Q: What is your approach to problem solving?

Here you need to focus on a mental map of ideal problem solving. It goes like this:

A: I will first identify the problem. Second, what skills and resources I need to solve this problem, and If I have necessary skills and resources. If I do, then how much time I need to solve the problem. Depending the nature of the problem, I will solve the problem or, for a complex problem, inform my supervisor(s) immediately on my plan for how to solve the problem.

Q: How would you solve this problem?How would you increase sale on a new database software the consumer showed no interest in?

A: I think you can increase product awareness by enacting some marketing strategies that could employ advertising, direct mail or media placements.

Q: Why do you want to work here?
Questions like these require you do your homework before the interview: learn about this company's background; what makes this company good company. Do not give away any negative information you know of the company. Neither express a positive view over the bad stuff. Focus on what's good about the company and match your skills to the needs of the company.

A: I want to be a part of a global company like yours that last year alone invested $1.4 million in research and development of eco-friendly industrial processes.

Q: Tell me about the worst boss you ever had.
Take the high road and don't give into the temptation to vent any past frustrations.

A: While none of my past bosses were awful, there are some who taught me more than others did.

Vocabulary:

to be responsible for: (in this context) to be given a responsibility for certain work. For example, I was responsible for creating database management systems. I was responsible for answering customers' questions

maintain: verb. to keep something or a place in right order for functioning properly. Example: maintain a car; maintain your home; maintain an office; maintain a staff of 15 individuals

modify. verb. to change, adjust. Example, I modified my proposal. They modified their advertisement strategy..

eliminate: verb. to deduct, get rid off. Example: My company has eliminated 200 workers recently.

relocate: verb. to move to another place from where you live. Example. He relocated to
Arizona after he got a management position with the state.

look for: idiomatic verb. to seek something. I am looking for a new job. I have looked for my note-book all around the house but couldn't find it.

Recommendations:

1. Be groomed.

2. Wear proper attire, such as one piece of suit or a jacket and pants (skirt). Do not wear excessive makeup and jewelry.

3. Sound positive.

4. Be courteous and pleasant.

5. Listen well. Speak clearly.

6. Have eye-contact.

7. Do not over-produce yourself. Do not lie about your background.

8. Have a copy of your resume typed and properly formatted. Include references in case the company would like to check up on your background.

9. During the interview if you are relaxed, you will do well. So practice relaxation before the interview, learn how to maintain your calm in a stressful situation. If you do meditate regularly before the interview, that will help a lot.

10. Role play with someone to rehearse the interview questions and answers.

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