The gaming industry is notorious for long hours and overtime. How do you feel about crunch time?

"I fully expect crunch time then and now, as important deadlines approach or unexpected issues arise. In my current job, I have worked up to 80 hours a week. Although rare, it is taxing but expected from time to time. I am willing to put in overtime within reason. Could you share with me the expectations at Pocket Gems?"

Crunch time or 'crunching' is how the mobile gaming development world refers to overtime. It's no secret that, putting in extra shifts during tight deadlines is not uncommon. Some developers even claim to work 100+ hours per week as important deadlines approach. Discuss with the interviewer how far you are willing to go, for your team, while keeping a healthy balance. If you currently put in crunch time, you can mention how you deal with it in your present job.

"Crunching is a necessary ask in this industry, and I fully expect to put in overtime hours for Pocket Gems when deadlines approach, or as unexpected needs arise. Do you ask for overtime from your developers on a regular basis? I am happy to work as part of a team, in any capacity required of me."

In your opinion, is it essential to have multiple developers work on one game?

"I can see the pros and cons to both; however, I enjoy collaborating with other talented developers. I know there will be a lot for me to learn from the current developers at Pocket Gems, and I look forward to team projects. With that said, I do believe sole developers can create great games."

The interviewer would like to know if you see value in sharing projects, or if you are the type of developer who prefers to work independently. This question is a teamwork focused query. Before giving a firm response, either way, you should have an idea if Pocket Gems assigns multiple developers to their projects, or not. You want to avoid pigeonholing yourself so aim for an open-minded answer.

"I have seen excellent mobile games created by single developers. One thing to remember in those instances is that it's a great idea to have beta testing performed by a third party. I value teamwork and know I will enjoy years of excellent collaboration with Pocket Gems's existing developers, should I be the successful candidate."

Have you ever been a part of designing a multi-feature mobile app that pushed industry boundaries?

"A couple of years ago I worked on a game called Dungeon Smash. We were one of the first developers ever to try incorporating GameSpy matchmaking. This breakthrough meant that iOS and Android users could play not only with each other, but they could now also collaborate with PlayStation and PC users. It was an exciting time!"

The interviewer would like to know the extent of your experience when it comes to working on complex mobile games with multiple features. It's essential that you show you can support Pocket Gems's endeavors by bringing unique experiences to the table. Discuss a game you have worked on in the past that offered multiple features, allowing for you to push boundaries in your industry.

"Years ago, I worked on a word game that pushed industry boundaries by allowing for cross-platform multiplayer activity. The concept was uncommon at the time. Users could log in on the app or via Facebook, so there was also a social integration component. Then, players could challenge their friends over iOS, Android, or even Facebook. Our group was one of the first teams to pull this off. I look forward to being part of your development team at Pocket Gems and creating more groundbreaking gaming experiences."

What are some pros and cons to developing a mobile game in Java?

"While I agree that Java can be an excellent platform for mobile development, I have more widely used C++. A couple of years ago, I created a game similar to Minecraft, another highly popular game created in Java. I believe the pro's of Java in game development is that it's simpler to learn, for new developers. Also, it's garbage collection is robust, often allowing for fewer crashes and bugs. It is slower than C++ which is an important factor to consider."

Java can be an excellent development platform; however, it can limit developers, and common issues can arise. Talk to the interviewer about your thoughts on developing mobile games in Java. Discuss common problems, how you have utilized Java in the past, and how it compares to C++, a more preferred programming option.

"Java was an excellent option for me when I was newer to my career. It gets the job done, although slower, but is much simpler to use compared to C++ for instance. Now, as an experienced mobile game developer, I would not choose Java first; however, I would certainly consider it for simpler games. As an example, Minecraft was created almost entirely in Java, and it remains one of the most loved mobile games out there."

Which are your favorite automated mobile app testing tools?

"Hands down, my favorite mobile app testing tools include Testdroid, Frank, and MonkeyRunner. I am an expert in all three of these tools, having used them on a regular basis for the past few years, in my current job. I saw on your job posting that you are specifically looking for experience in Testdroid. My experience with Testdroid has shown it is beneficial in saving money in the development stage while improving time-to-market."

It is crucial that every mobile game, before its release, goes through rigorous testing to check for bugs, slow performance, and feature malfunctions. When a game is released too soon and has bugs or lags, it will receive poor reviews and a significant decline in downloads. For these reasons, it's imperative to test correctly. There are many tools available for testing mobile applications and games such as: - Appium - Robotium - Frank - MonkeyRunner - UI Automator - MonkeyTalk - SeeTest - Testdroid - CalabashTalk to the interviewer about the automated mobile app testing tools with which you are most familiar and experienced. To make it easier on the interviewer, you can rate your expertise from 1-10 or describe yourself as beginner, intermediate, advanced, or expert level in the tools that you mention. If Pocket Gems has said which means they use, be sure to reference these.

"I have worked with many mobile testing tools over the years and have to say that Appium remains my favorite. I like that it is open-source which allows for testing of both Android and iOS games. Also, the fact that it supports Java, and C# is a significant bonus."

What are the most common mistakes you see in mobile app development?

"In my four years in the mobile app industry, I would say the most common errors I see include developers beta-testing their own work, and forgetting about monetization and marketing until it's too late. I fully believe that marketing and monetization need to be approached and planned out before development even begins."

Pocket Gems seeks to hire only the best talent in mobile app development, and they want to see that you are aware of potential mishaps and that you take the necessary actions to avoid them. Some of the most common errors in mobile app development include: - Lack of platform research, before beginning a project - Approaching app monetization as an after-thought - Forgetting about how to market the mobile app once it launches - Beta-testing their own app, as opposing to hiring a third partyAssure the interviewer that you are aware of these common mistakes and that you know well enough to avoid them. If possible, give an example of a highly successful mobile app project you have recently completed.

"Having the right foundation is incredibly important before starting any mobile app development. One recurring error I see is developers choosing iOS over Android, or vice versa, out of complete bias versus genuine research. It's best to be critical of the platform options to support your app idea and then move forward with the project."

Do you think it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader?

"Yes, I think it is possible! What makes a great team member is not that they agree with everything but the level of respect and positive thought that goes into the person's communication style. It's okay to disagree; however, you have to communicate your thoughts professionally."

In the software and technology industry, you may find a wide variance of opinion, based on peoples' experiences, education, and professional preferences. The interviewer wants to know that you can be diplomatic in the workplace, even when you may not agree with your leader. Show the interviewer that it is possible for you to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader from time to time. Explain that you believe everyone is entitled to their own professional opinion, yet capable of maintaining respect for each other at the same time. Show that even if you disagree with the final decision they make, you support the direction the team is heading.

"Yes, I do believe it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader. I have disagreed with decisions my boss has made in the past, but generally, I keep my thoughts to myself, and I know they are the leader for a reason and likely have considered factors, beyond my understanding, for their choices."

What one mobile app or game would you most like to work on at Pocket Gems? And why?

"My favorite game created by Pocket Gems is ABC. I have played it and can tell you that I enjoy the graphics immensely, the sounds are perfect, and the freemium approach is brilliant. I would be excited to work on this app and offer up ideas I have on further monetizing the game."

Answering this question requires an understanding of the games that Pocket Gems has developed in the past. Is there a pattern that you see - perhaps with their most successful games being freemium style, or maybe their top games are all for Android only. Choose one game that Pocket Gems has created and then express your interest in working on that particular project.

"It would be tough to choose, since Pocket Gems has so many amazing games such as ABC, DEF and XYZ. If I had to choose just one, I would be honored to work on XYZ and make it available for Android. The challenge would stretch me as a developer, and it would be beneficial to Pocket Gems to make the game available for both iOS and Android users."

What is a freemium game and how has it revolutionized mobile gaming?

"My favorite example of a freemium game shaking up the market would be Pokemon Go. I recently read that the game has earned nearly $2 billion to date and is still going strong at around $2 million in revenue per day. The success is, of course, in part to Pokemon popularity as well as the excitement surrounding augmented reality; however, I think being a freemium model has also helped. People love free apps, but they will often pay to avoid ads, interruptions, get the extra Pok? Coins, and more. Freemium is the first pricing model to allow for impulse purchases."

The interviewer wants to gauge your depth of knowledge when it comes to mobile gaming, and the pricing strategies available. As you likely know, freemium is a pricing strategy where the mobile game or app is a free download; however, users can pay for additional, premium features. Explain what you know freemium to be, and discuss how you think this strategy has changed the mobile gaming industry.

"People love to win, and gamers will easily pay the 99 cents it takes for extra coins and a chance to beat the game. Freemium is similar to gambling in that it works off of human impulse and desire to win. My favorite freemium game is still Candy Crush! It follows the freemium model of being a free download with pay-for-premium features; however, the game reportedly earns nearly half a million dollars per day."

What do you believe are three key elements a mobile app or game must have in order to be successful?

"There are many elements to consider for each game, and I believe those elements change depending on the game, the platform, target audience, and purpose. The three elements which I focus on the most are the UI/UX because those are what makes a game enticing and fun to play. I also focus a lot on sound. If the music is lighthearted and fun, it makes a significant difference to a player, over annoying sounds. Lastly, I believe that a successful mobile game must have a solid pricing strategy. Freemium or pay-to-play models are very lucrative for many games right now."

Since the interviewer is asking you what you believe to be the three critical elements to a successful mobile game, there is likely no right or wrong reply. Take into consideration what Pocket Gems focus' on in their game development. If their games have a significant focus on pricing models, stunning UI/UX, and seamless social media integration, you will want to focus on those areas in your response.

"From what I see in the games that Pocket Gems creates, a great storyline, capturing visuals, and social integration are the key elements to a successful mobile app. Stories keep the attention of the gamer and inviting them to finish the storyline prevents game abandonment. Stunning visuals help significantly, of course, and they should never become pixilated on larger screens. Lastly, social media is the most powerful hub for driving user engagement. A mobile game should always integrate with popular platforms such as Facebook."

Why is proper user on-boarding so crucial to the success of a mobile app?

"Proper onboarding is very important because it will directly impact whether a user decides if your app is what they need and were expecting. By showing off the functions, benefits, and features, you are solidifying with the user that your app is valuable."

Onboarding is the series of screens that a user will see once they download an app. The purpose of these screens is to show the new user the benefits and features of the app, walk the user through the full registration process and collect information so that the app can be personalized to the user. The interviewer would like to know that you understand the importance of taking proper onboarding action.

"Successful first impressions are everything so, for that reason, every mobile app should have a solid onboarding series. I have worked on apps that onboard new users with a focus on features and benefits, while some apps are more focused on user personalization. A great onboarding experience will solidify ongoing user engagement."

Are you stronger in C++ or Java?

"The majority of my education focused on Java; however, the relevance of C++ in mobile game development is not lost on me. I once taught myself C# in one weekend and have taken multiple courses in C++ to advance my skills and knowledge further."

You may have your skills listed on your resume; however, the interviewer wants to dig deeper into those listed skills to see which ones particularly shine. Answer truthfully while also referencing the Pocket Gems job posting. If you are stronger in Java, but they want more dedication to C++, let the interviewer know that you have more exposure in Java but that you solid C++ skills too.

"I have used C++ more often in my mobile game development career. With that said, I have a solid knowledge of Java. I see in the Pocket Gems job posting that you prefer to use C++, and I wholeheartedly agree."

What are the most common errors you come across in mobile game development?

"In my eight years in the mobile gaming industry, I would say the most common errors I see include developers beta-testing their own work, and forgetting about monetization and marketing until it's too late. I fully believe that marketing and monetization need to be approached and planned out before development even begins."

Pocket Gems seeks to hire only the best talent in game development, and they want to see that you are aware of potential mishaps and that you take the necessary actions to avoid them. Some of the most common errors in mobile game development include: - Lack of platform research, before beginning a project - Failing to treat mobile games entirely different from desktop or console games - Approaching game monetization as an after-thought - Forgetting about how to market the mobile game once it launches - Beta-testing their own game, as opposing to hiring a third partyAssure the interviewer that you are aware of these common mistakes and that you know well enough to avoid them. If possible, give an example of a highly successful mobile game development project you have recently completed.

"Having the right foundation is incredibly important before starting any development. One recurring error I see is developers choosing iOS over Android, or vice versa, out of complete bias versus genuine research. It's best to be critical of the platform options to support your game idea and then move forward with the project. Another common error I see is developers treating a mobile game the same way they would a desktop or console version. It's vital that mobile games are treated entirely differently than other gaming methods."

If you could keep only 3 of your mobile apps, which ones would you choose, and why?

"Hands down, the three apps that I would keep include Instagram, so that I could stay socially connected, Apple iTunes so that I could listen to music, and the organization app created by Pocket Gems, so that I could keep all of my tasks organized."

Although there is no right or wrong response to this question, it's a great idea to include at least one app created by Pocket Gems in your answer. The interviewer would like to see what you value the most when it comes to the types of mobile apps that enhance your day to day life. Discuss which three apps you would keep, and why.

"It would be challenging to choose. I rely on many great mobile apps every day! If I had to choose only three, I would choose ABC by Pocket Gems, the LinkedIn app so that I could continue to network, and my news app, so that I could stay up to date on the latest happenings in the world and my community."

Pocket Gems fosters a collaborative working environment. When have you taken the time to teach an essential skill to a coworker?

"Last week our company introduced a new module in our SAP system. I could see that our contracted HR assistant was having some troubles with the new module. I was familiar with it already, so I offered to help him learn the module. We spent his lunch hour for the next three days working on it. He perfected the module and our company was so impressed with his dedication to learning that they are now trying to find room to hire him on a full time, permanent basis."

The interviewers at Pocket Gems want to hear that you have experience teaching or mentoring your coworkers. You may have taught a new hire all of your department's standard processes. Perhaps you explained new concepts related to AI and data migration to a more junior employee. You may have mentored an employee who was struggling to meet a project deadline. All of these scenarios are great examples to draw on. Better yet, if you have personally seen someone struggling with workplace skills or knowledge, approached them, and offered to mentor them, it is a shining example of leadership! Whatever your scenario may be, tell the interviewer what you helped the person with, while highlighting the positive outcome of their skills improvement.

"I'm proud to say that, even without any official management capacity, I often seize the opportunity to teach others at work. Not only have I helped contribute to the sales team's knowledge base of our software, but also I try to teach our clients on the added features of our software, at every opportunity. It's fun to share and teach others, especially since I am always seeking out learning opportunities for myself."

How important do you believe design is when creating a new app or game?

"It is clear to me that Pocket Gems puts a significant amount of effort into game design. I believe that design is everything since many users will decide on whether or not to download, based on the visuals. Every game needs to be visually compelling, yet uncomplicated, in my opinion."

If you look at the mobile games and apps that Pocket Gems creates, can you see how much time and effort they put into the design component? We all know that image is everything and the interviewer wants to see that you fully understand the importance of UX and UI, and how it directly relates to the success of a game.

"I believe that design can make or break a mobile game or app. Visuals need to be simple yet beautiful, and a developer should be able to ensure that the graphics do not become pixilated on larger mobile device screen sizes. I see that the apps created by Pocket Gems are all visually compelling, which is one of the reasons I was so excited to apply here. I appreciate the effort your developers put into a great visual experience."

Do you improve your development skills on a regular basis? If so, to which resources do you turn?

"Currently, my skills in C++, Java, and Ruby; however, I recently wanted to expand my knowledge in new game development concepts. I found the Extra Credits YouTube channel. I learned a great deal about how the game development industry is evolving this year, and find myself revisiting that particular resource quite often."

Share with the interviewer the resources you use to develop your mobile game development skills further. It's important to remember that Pocket Gems needs to see that you have a keen interest in growing your abilities, and career. If you are comfortable turning the question into more of a conversation, feel free to ask the interviewer for recommendations or suggestions.

"Skills development is an important part of growing my career. My current company offers me the opportunity to expand my skills by taking two courses of my choice, per year. This year I chose an advanced C++ course and another on monetization in the gaming industry. If you have recommendations on how to best build my skill set to benefit Pocket Gems, I would love to hear them."

Name three tactics the mobile gaming industry can use, to make money.

"I have played your most recent mobile game and saw that you use a blend of ads and micro-transactions to drive profits. This method is one that I appreciate the most because it gives people the option to play the free version, interrupted by ads, or a paid version should they prefer. I am also aware that pay-per-play subscriptions are very popular in the mobile gaming industry."

When you can understand how companies best make money in the mobile gaming industry, it's much easier to develop games that are responsive to that particular goal. The interviewer would like to see that you understand there are a variety of ways to earn money from a mobile game. If you have played any of the games created by Pocket Gems you should be able to identify which methods they rely on for making a profit, allowing you to bring that up in your discussion.Some earning tactics are: - Charge per copy - Monthly subscription - Pay-per-play - Ads and sponsorships - Micro-transactions

"The three methods which I am most aware and experienced in, include ads, monthly subscriptions, and charge per copy. As a developer, I am experienced creating games around all three of these models; and as a gamer, I prefer monthly subscriptions."

Tell me about a time you took charge of a project. Discuss one positive and one negative outcome from the experience.

"My employer asked me to lead the training of 15 employees on our new client management software. I was already a subject matter expert on the software so it wasn't difficult for me to plan the lesson. The challenge was making the content entertaining enough to keep the employees engaged. I created a PowerPoint presentation that included pop quiz questions throughout the training. The presentation was a success, and my employer asked me to lead a follow up meeting a few weeks later. Now, I am confident in my ability to jump in and lead software-based training for Pocket Gems; whether that be on the client or employee side."

Pocket Gems has many job opportunities, and through these, will come chances to manage projects. The interviewer would like to know that you have the confidence to lead a project successfully. Think about a time when you have taken control of a task - big or small. Begin with an overview of the project, who was involved, and what approach you took to ensure smooth execution. Next, discuss something that you feel you could have done better. You do not want to dwell on the negative, so be sure to end on why you felt the project was a success! What did you do to create a productive and positive outcome?

"In my previous software sales position, I would often collaborate with the marketing department when it came to selling strategies and new product launches. The marketing director was not the type to take control of a meeting, especially when there was a heavily technical topic at hand. So, rather than go around in circles, I stepped up to take charge of the weekly meetings we had throughout one particular project. I am certain that this contributed heavily to the successful outcome of the project, as all team members had clear directives. That particular project had the highest ROI to date; however, if I were to do that again, I would ensure tighter timelines. I look forward to delivering solid successes like this to Pocket Gems, should I be the successful candidate."

Why are push notifications so crucial to the success of a mobile app?

"Push notifications, used correctly, can keep an app alive and users continually engaged. For instance, a push notification should be used to remind the user of a flash sale or a new product release. Push notifications are known to increase engagement and sales greatly."

Push notifications are small messages that pop up on a mobile device, pushed out as reminders, from the apps they have downloaded. Not all mobile apps offer push notifications, but the ones that do must understand the delicate balance. Many people uninstall mobile apps due to untimely push notifications that become annoying. Used properly, they are an excellent tool for businesses to communicate with their audience and spike engagement. Discuss why push notifications are essential to the success of a mobile app.

"Push notifications are what keep a mobile app user engaged and in-the-know when it comes to your business. The content needs to be to-the-point, and match the voice of your brand so that it resonates with your existing audience. The timing of push notifications is also crucial to the strategy. Most mobile users are active in the evening, so that's usually a good start to ensuring your push notifications are seen."

What game are you currently playing, and how would you make it better?

"Currently, I am playing a mobile game called Trivia Crack II. It's a game based on trivia questions. One thing that I like about the game is that it uses geo-intelligence and asks the player trivia questions based on their location. For instance, if I were living in Australia, the game would ask more questions about Australian geography and politics versus USA facts. With that said, there are a lot of ads in the game and not any pop-ups to offer an upgrade, to a no-ad version. I feel that the developers missed out on some excellent monetization opportunities."

There is no right or wrong response to this question, but the interviewer is asking for a thoughtful one. Show that you understand what makes a mobile game great. The interviewer wants to see that you have the ability to look at a game critically, and know how it could be improved.

"I am currently playing Pokemon Go, and I find there are a lot of network crashes. At times, I cannot log in through Google and Facebook, or Pokestops and gyms do not appear on my map. I want the best for this game since it was a trendsetter in bringing augmented reality to a new audience; however, I feel there is a lot of work to be done on the location tracking end."

Name three mobile app testing types.

"The three mobile app testing types that come to mind first include usability, security, and installation. For usability, it is imperative to check for friendliness and flexibility. When security testing, I always check to ensure that the application's data is safe. And, with installation testing, it's imperative to know that the game can support installation and uninstallation seamlessly."

Software testing is one of the most basic, yet essential factors in the mobile gaming industry. The types of mobile app testing include functional testing, a back to basics test that ensures the functional behavior of the application is working as expected. Performance testing covers common issues such as batter use, internet connection loads, memory loss, and more. There are other types of testing that include: - Usability - Compatibility - Interface - Services - SecurityDiscuss with the interviewer the three types of mobile testing in which you are best versed.

"There are many testing types for mobile gaming applications. The ones which I am most familiar include installation, interrupt, and security testing. I have also worked with usability, compatibility, and interface testing methods."

When have you been on a team project that failed? What did you learn from that experience?

"Our team was recently on a data migration project with a very tight deadline. We knew the client and their needs very well which I believe made us go into the project overconfident. Because we underestimated the work involved, we missed our deadline by three business days. Thankfully we had a great relationship with that particular client, so we were able to recover from the missed deadline. Although it was late, we worked overtime and delivered an exceptional project, in the end. This experience taught me never to underestimate a project and the potential roadblocks, especially when it comes to data. It's always better to under-promise and over-deliver, rather than the other way around."

Pocket Gems wants to be successful in all that they do; however, there will be times when plans fall apart, and a project flops. The interviewer would like to know how you respond to situations that do not go your way. We all experience perceived fails in our career. Failure is nothing to be embarrassed about so do not hesitate to describe a failure you've experienced in the past. The key to a great answer is to include how you learned from that failure, and how you improved your work performance after learning from the crash. Try to keep your example non-critical; for instance, avoid telling the interviewer how your team forgot to test new code, and it cost your company $150,000 due to downtime. Avoid blaming any particular person and instead, use words like 'we' and 'team' to describe the situation. Finally, be sure to tell the interviewer that, while you were very disappointed in the group's failure, you took the opportunity to learn from the experience.

"I once worked for a startup IT agency that bit off more than it could chew after acquiring a huge client. We had to learn a lot of solutions on the fly, which caused a great deal of stress amongst the team, which was primarily made up of junior engineers, and new hires. Nobody had the seniority or tenure to feel confident taking control of the situation. What I learned from this experience is that every company should have a wide range of people present, with varying levels of experience and expertise. This factor is on that attracted me to Pocket Gems; knowing you keep diversity in mind when making hiring decisions."

How do you develop trust among your team in a virtual, or work-from-home, setting?

"Technology allows for so much these days. I believe you can quickly make a connection with someone, even if you are across the world from them, by embracing the right tools. I would also suggest incorporating multiple contests or team-based goals, where team members still have to collaborate, to get to the end goal."

Depending on a few factors, Pocket Gems may offer you the opportunity to work from a home-based office. With technology taking over, many workplaces are offering remote opportunities. The interviewer would like to know that you can handle that type of set up while still building great coworker relationships - even under the absence of face-to-face interaction.Here are a few ways that you can develop trust among your team members in a virtual setting:- Building relationships: You might share how you have everyone introduce themselves, share their professional background, personal interests, and even a little about their interests in each meeting.- FaceTime or Go-To-Meeting: Talk about how you ensure that you have video conferencing capabilities. Discuss that being able to see each other, even virtually, allows you to build camaraderie and creates trust among your team.- Creating a Transparent Culture: Tell the interviewer how you open up the door for trust with your team by being an open and transparent leader or co-worker. You might share that you have open conversations about how the group will hold each other accountable. You may also share other ideas that have worked for you such as: holding one-on-one meetings with each member of the team, providing recognition for things well done, holding fun contests, or allowing team members to understand each other better by utilizing a personality assessment.

"I have worked in remote IT teams in the past and what I found worked very well were regular video calls through Google Hangout. These calls worked so that everyone had a turn running the meeting, giving their ideas on an area in which they were considered a subject matter expert. This strategy established each team member as an influencer in their own right. The results were an incredible team environment, despite many of us never meeting each other in person."

Are you more comfortable in a startup environment, or with an established company?

"I have worked in both a startup environment, as well as a few highly established companies. Although I appreciate the organization that comes with a more established business, the energy of a startup drives me. I can succeed in either since I am self-driven; however, I can say that the energetic environment at Pocket Gems speaks to me."

The interviewer is interested in seeing if the environment at Pocket Gems is what you need to be successful. The best response is that you can thrive in a startup or an established company; however, that may not be the case. Think of the pros and cons of each. Working for an established company may feel more secure; however, it may also be more challenging to work your way up. Then, in a startup, you may have a lot of creative freedom, but the pay may not be as lucrative. Discuss with the interviewer the type of environment you are most comfortable with, remain positive, and draw in parts of the culture at Pocket Gems in your response.

"The number of years a company has been in business is not my primary interest. I am seeking a specific workplace culture that includes loyalty, excitement for the work at hand, and an opportunity to work on creative, technical projects. I appreciate that Pocket Gems holds a commitment to success by offering continued education opportunities. I see that your company offers a perfect blend of a startup and established feel."

When have you applied a unique or creative approach to solving a difficult development problem?

"My former company created primarily Android applications, and we used Java, in which I am an expert level user. One of the games we were developing needed a more modern programming language and some of the features required simplification. I brought in a contractor who was advanced in Kotlin, which nobody on my team understood well enough at that time. The choice to bring someone in was the right one; however, I chose to enroll in Kotlin coursework shortly after. I am proud to say that I now bring solid skills in both Java and Kotlin."

The interviewer would like to see that you are capable of overcoming issues that arise during development, uniquely and creatively. Assure Pocket Gems that you will not be the type of developer who throws their hands in the air and gives up at every turn. Show that you genuinely dig in to solve an issue. Begin by giving an overview of the difficulty, then discuss the action you chose to take, and then the positive outcome.

"I was recently asked to take an existing iOS application and create it for Android. The most significant issue I came across was that the mobile app relied heavily on the fingerprint sensor as part of the user experience. Since Android is open source, apps are used on a variety of hardware. This open source meant that I needed to get creative by implementing multiple authentications, allowing for the various hardware features of all Android devices. It was a significant challenge but one that I genuinely enjoyed."

Pocket Gems Interview Questions

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1. The gaming industry is notorious for long hours and overtime. How do you feel about crunch time?
2. In your opinion, is it essential to have multiple developers work on one game?
3. Have you ever been a part of designing a multi-feature mobile app that pushed industry boundaries?
4. What are some pros and cons to developing a mobile game in Java?
5. Which are your favorite automated mobile app testing tools?
6. What are the most common mistakes you see in mobile app development?
7. Do you think it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader?
8. What one mobile app or game would you most like to work on at Pocket Gems? And why?
9. What is a freemium game and how has it revolutionized mobile gaming?
10. What do you believe are three key elements a mobile app or game must have in order to be successful?
11. Why is proper user on-boarding so crucial to the success of a mobile app?
12. Are you stronger in C++ or Java?
13. What are the most common errors you come across in mobile game development?
14. If you could keep only 3 of your mobile apps, which ones would you choose, and why?
15. Pocket Gems fosters a collaborative working environment. When have you taken the time to teach an essential skill to a coworker?
16. How important do you believe design is when creating a new app or game?
17. Do you improve your development skills on a regular basis? If so, to which resources do you turn?
18. Name three tactics the mobile gaming industry can use, to make money.
19. Tell me about a time you took charge of a project. Discuss one positive and one negative outcome from the experience.
20. Why are push notifications so crucial to the success of a mobile app?
21. What game are you currently playing, and how would you make it better?
22. Name three mobile app testing types.
23. When have you been on a team project that failed? What did you learn from that experience?
24. How do you develop trust among your team in a virtual, or work-from-home, setting?
25. Are you more comfortable in a startup environment, or with an established company?
26. When have you applied a unique or creative approach to solving a difficult development problem?

Pocket Gems Interview Questions

1. The gaming industry is notorious for long hours and overtime. How do you feel about crunch time?

2. In your opinion, is it essential to have multiple developers work on one game?

3. Have you ever been a part of designing a multi-feature mobile app that pushed industry boundaries?

4. What are some pros and cons to developing a mobile game in Java?

5. Which are your favorite automated mobile app testing tools?

6. What are the most common mistakes you see in mobile app development?

7. Do you think it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader?

8. What one mobile app or game would you most like to work on at Pocket Gems? And why?

9. What is a freemium game and how has it revolutionized mobile gaming?

10. What do you believe are three key elements a mobile app or game must have in order to be successful?

11. Why is proper user on-boarding so crucial to the success of a mobile app?

12. Are you stronger in C++ or Java?

13. What are the most common errors you come across in mobile game development?

14. If you could keep only 3 of your mobile apps, which ones would you choose, and why?

15. Pocket Gems fosters a collaborative working environment. When have you taken the time to teach an essential skill to a coworker?

16. How important do you believe design is when creating a new app or game?

17. Do you improve your development skills on a regular basis? If so, to which resources do you turn?

18. Name three tactics the mobile gaming industry can use, to make money.

19. Tell me about a time you took charge of a project. Discuss one positive and one negative outcome from the experience.

20. Why are push notifications so crucial to the success of a mobile app?

21. What game are you currently playing, and how would you make it better?

22. Name three mobile app testing types.

23. When have you been on a team project that failed? What did you learn from that experience?

24. How do you develop trust among your team in a virtual, or work-from-home, setting?

25. Are you more comfortable in a startup environment, or with an established company?

26. When have you applied a unique or creative approach to solving a difficult development problem?