Have you ever worked on a application development project that used both an onshore and an offshore team? If so, what were some of the challenges you encountered?

How to Answer
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

This question indicates that the organization uses this type of development strategy or is considering it. They either want to determine if you have experience with this type of project structure or whether you would recommend it. If you have worked this way before, describe your experience, the challenges, and the benefits. If you haven't worked with offshore teams, admit this and then state your understanding (but not your experience) of this strategy.

"I have worked on projects which employed both onshore and offshore development teams. The company used this strategy to save costs and accelerate the development cycle. While they were able to achieve both of these objectives, there were some challenges. These all centered around communication. While language wasn't an issue (the offshore team was fluent in English,) culture, timezones, and the backgrounds and training of the developers did create some conflicts. As the project progressed and we became familiar with each other's styles, we were able to overcome the communication issues, and the project progressed smoothly."

"I have actually never worked on a project which employed an offshore development team. However, many of my colleagues have, and I have read quite a bit about the benefits and challenges of using this development strategy. While I am aware of some horror stories where the project went terribly wrong when onshore and offshore teams conflicted, generally using two teams results in a successful project that is done in less time and at a lower cost. I've learned that clear, open, and frequent communication is the key to success. This can be accomplished using a well-structured project plan, frequent meetings and calls, and cutting-edge technology. "

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How to Answer: Have you ever worked on a application development project that used both an onshore and an offshore team? If so, what were some of the challenges you encountered?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Application Developer job interview.

9. Have you ever worked on a application development project that used both an onshore and an offshore team? If so, what were some of the challenges you encountered?

How to Answer

This question indicates that the organization uses this type of development strategy or is considering it. They either want to determine if you have experience with this type of project structure or whether you would recommend it. If you have worked this way before, describe your experience, the challenges, and the benefits. If you haven't worked with offshore teams, admit this and then state your understanding (but not your experience) of this strategy.

Written by William Swansen on September 7th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I have worked on projects which employed both onshore and offshore development teams. The company used this strategy to save costs and accelerate the development cycle. While they were able to achieve both of these objectives, there were some challenges. These all centered around communication. While language wasn't an issue (the offshore team was fluent in English,) culture, timezones, and the backgrounds and training of the developers did create some conflicts. As the project progressed and we became familiar with each other's styles, we were able to overcome the communication issues, and the project progressed smoothly."

Written by William Swansen on September 7th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"I have actually never worked on a project which employed an offshore development team. However, many of my colleagues have, and I have read quite a bit about the benefits and challenges of using this development strategy. While I am aware of some horror stories where the project went terribly wrong when onshore and offshore teams conflicted, generally using two teams results in a successful project that is done in less time and at a lower cost. I've learned that clear, open, and frequent communication is the key to success. This can be accomplished using a well-structured project plan, frequent meetings and calls, and cutting-edge technology. "

Written by William Swansen on September 7th, 2021

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