30 Application Integration Engineer Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Application Integration Engineer interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. What portion of your job involves software development, project management and application integration?
How to Answer
As with any job, your role as an application integration engineer involves doing various tasks throughout the day. Some of these are directly related to the job, while others are more administrative. Examples include paperwork, training, meetings, and other activities not related to integrating applications within the organization's IT environment. It would help if you had a pretty good idea of how much time you spend on the three activities the interviewer is asking about. However, these should not represent your entire day.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"My day consists of a variety of different activities. While some of these are related to application integration, the largest amount of time is spent with non-integration-related tasks that I consider administrative. Regarding the three you asked about, I spend about 20% of my time developing software, 10% managing projects, and 30% doing work directly related to application integration. The balance of my day is spent in meetings, paperwork, and training."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
2. Describe for me how you perform continuous improvement, working with other information technology personnel to increase the application environment's capacity, reliability, and efficiency.
How to Answer
The job of an application integration engineer extends beyond the integration, implementation, and release of the application to production. Application integration engineers are expected to help the organization implement continuous improvements to the application platforms. These may include updates and upgrades, patches and bug fixes, and eventually, replacing the application. Describing how you do this to the interviewer is critical for demonstrating your qualifications for this job. As always, keep your answer brief and to the point, and be prepared for follow-up questions.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"An important part of my job is reviewing the applications regularly to identify opportunities for process improvements. I am always looking to discover if I can optimize the applications to increase their performance or enable them to better meet the user needs. I work closely with the vendors to determine if upgrades are available for the applications, whether I need to install patches or bug fixes, and if a new version will be available soon. I also continually test the application's interactions with other programs and elements of the IT environment to ensure it continues to function as originally designed. Finally, I meet with the business users to get their input on how well the application meets their needs and if any additional requirements have developed since we originally speced the application."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
3. Can you describe how you create and use a test plan to determine an application integration project's compliance with the stakeholder requirements?
How to Answer
One of the last phases of an application integration project is testing and verification. While some testing is performed throughout the entire process, most testing is done just before releasing the application into production. The interviewer expects you to be knowledgeable of testing methodologies and procedures. While you may not actually perform the tests, you should be aware of what will be done and how to design an application integration project to adhere to the standards and pass the different types of tests it will be subjected to.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"Creating a test plan to confirm the application's adherence to standards and compliance with the stakeholder' requirements begins during the discovery and planning phases of the project. This is where ere the user requirements are established. Knowing these and the type of tests the application will be subjected to after integration helps me develop the implementation and testing plan. Sometimes I develop the testing plan first so I can use it to guide the implementation strategy. Components of the testing plan include the techniques to be used, the standards the application must adhere to, the performance metrics it must meet, how it interoperates with other components of the IT infrastructure, and other design components, which will be verified before releasing it to production."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
4. How do you implement a data transfer methodology that maximizes throughput and ensures data integrity?
How to Answer
In addition to the data the application uses, it also must exchange information with other devices, programs, and users. Implementing an effective data transfer methodology that optimizes the application's functionality is another key talent an application integration engineer should possess. During the interview, you will be asked about the many different skills you need to do this job. When discussing them, use very basic, non-technical language and avoid acronyms and industry jargon. Whenever you answer a question, the interviewer judges how well you communicate complex technical concepts to individuals with non-technical backgrounds.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"How the application uses and exchanges data is a critical consideration when developing an application integration strategy. Fortunately, the industry has created standard protocols and methodologies which address this. However, I still need to consider which standards are appropriate for the application and how well they will integrate into the organization's IT infrastructure. Specific items I consider and address include network protocols, APIs, operating systems, data mapping, industry standards, application interoperability, and of course, data security. While I can't optimize each of these, I make sure that the data transfer adheres to the organization's requirements and performs as well as it can within the IT environment."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
5. What is a Human Machine Interface (HMI), and how do you use it?
How to Answer
While people don't interact directly with every application or IT asset, how humans interact with technology is a key concern for application integration engineers. The interaction goes beyond just the input and output of information. It also involves the functions the application performs, the results they generate, and how the organization uses these. The interviewer will ask you about HMI to ensure that you understand this concept and determine how you use it when specifying applications.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"Human machine interface, or HMI, refers to how people interact with technology and the benefits they obtain from using it. Naturally, this involves input devices such as keyboards and mice and output devices such as monitors, audio systems, and printers. However, HMI extends beyond just the user interface and includes how the technology communicates with other technologies, the operating systems and programming it runs on, the specific types of hardware and networking used, how the databases are constructed, and how the information is presented to the user, in forms, reports, and using other present presentation techniques."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
6. Can you describe the data structure layout and data flow model elements you consider when creating an application integration strategy?
How to Answer
Virtually every single application requires data. When developing an application integration strategy, you need to be keenly aware of how the data is used, how it flows between the application and other programs, where it is stored, how data is accessed, and many other details. Describing to the interviewer what you consider and how you include the data structure layout in your application integration design is critical to demonstrate your qualification for this job.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"Next to the functionality of the application, the data structure associated with it is the second most important consideration. Virtually every application will need to access data in a specific manner. Mapping the data flow, understanding the data structure, what control systems are used, and many other issues must be considered during an application integration project's design and planning phase. I consider specific data-related issues, including data security, quality, storage and retrieval, database software, and documentation. Fortunately, I've become adept at this and have a deep portfolio of resources to analyze the data flow and integrate it into my design."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
7. Describe for me the details included in your design for an application integration project.
How to Answer
Many details can be included in the design for an application integration project. Many of these are standard, but some may depend on the organization or the application integration engineer. An interviewer will ask you about these to determine which ones you use and if they are the same as the organization's. Researching the organization will help you understand the details you consider in your design are the same as their current integration team uses. If they aren't, be prepared to compare and contrast them.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"There are many details that need to be considered during the planning and design phase of any application integration project. These range from the business considerations through technology, and finally, user experiences and support requirements. While each project is different, some of the common details I consider for each of my designs are the business objectives, application functionality, ease of integration, adherence to standards, costs, vendor reputation, required training, and documentation. Each of these is weighted differently for each project depending on its importance to the project stakeholders."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
8. How engaged are you with the network architecture and protocols used to support the applications you integrate?
How to Answer
While your title is application integration engineer, your duties will expand beyond software, and you may be asked to participate in projects involving the organization's hardware and network infrastructure. The interviewer doesn't expect you to have deep expertise in these areas. Still, they do expect you have some familiarity and ability to work with elements of the IT infrastructure in addition to application platforms. If you don't already have proficiency in networking, it is easy to attain by taking some online classes or even obtaining a Cisco certification.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"Understanding how the applications I integrate interact with the hardware and network infrastructure is an important part of my job. I always look beyond the application's functionality and seek to understand how it will be used and whether the IT infrastructure will support it. In doing this work, I've become familiar with how computer networks work, their common architectures and components, and the protocols they employ. Understanding how each of these impacts my application's performance and functionality has helped me increase the accuracy and effectiveness of my work."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
9. Tell me about how you create detailed equipment specifications and data sheets, vendor selection criteria.
How to Answer
Since most of the projects you work on will involve making recommendations for specific applications and software, you should be skilled at developing detailed specifications, summarizing vendor product datasheets, and establishing standard vendor selection criteria. The interviewer is interested in learning how you do this and how effective the materials you create are. As with any technical question, keep your answer direct and to the point. The interviewer will ask you a follow-up question if they need additional information.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"Creating specifications for the applications for the organization needs to accomplish its business objectives is a key part of my job. This process is supported by my ability to understand and summarize product features and benefits and establish standard vendor selection criteria to quickly analyze my options and choose the correct partner. My ability to do this required me to become intimately familiar with a wide range of computing technologies, understand the business applications an organization needs and learn how to quickly ascertain a product's features and benefits. Having worked with and selected a great many vendors, I understand this process, and I've created a detailed set of criteria which allows me to quickly select them effectively."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
10. Can you describe some of the standards, templates, and guidelines you've developed in your past roles as an application integration engineer?
How to Answer
As an application integration engineer, a key part of your job is establishing standards your organization uses when considering any IT project, especially those involved in purchasing or integrating a new application platform. Having in-depth knowledge and understanding of standards, guidelines, and templates demonstrates your expertise in this area and your ability to continue to perform this work if hired by the organization.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"One of the more important contributions I make to the organizations I work for is to establish standards, guidelines, and templates for technology adaptation. To do this work properly, I need to be familiar with a wide range of industry standards, governmental regulations, and vendor guidelines. These include programming language and the operating system standards, customer protocols, vendor product standards, electrical codes and ISA standards, and many others. I work hard to maintain my knowledge of current standards since new ones are always being created and existing ones upgraded. I also use informal guidelines and standard templates to help make the work my organization and the entire company performs easier and more consistent."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
11. How important is it to perform a security analysis when developing an application integration strategy?
How to Answer
One of the top concerns of any organization is about its IT infrastructure and operation's security. Companies are well aware of cyber threats and their impact if the organization's information is compromised or security breached by hackers. During the interview, you will be asked many questions about how you implement IT security protocols in your work. These can range from your personal practices, such as protecting passwords and not accessing dangerous websites, to more job-related issues such as user authentication, firewalls, and other security technologies. You can prepare for this question by reviewing common security practices and how you use them.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"I consider IT security to be one of the most critical issues I address in them if any application integration project. While costs and performance of the application are important, if the security is breached, the application's performance is irrelevant, and the costs to remediate the threat will far exceed the total cost of ownership of the application. Whenever I design a strategy for an application integration platform, I make sure there are adequate security protocols in place to protect the organization's information and infrastructure, and comply with any applicable standards, policies, and regulations."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
12. Do you have experience performing a cost justification analysis for an application integration project, and can you describe how you do this?
How to Answer
A key talent any application integration engineer should possess is the ability to cost-justify the application upgrade, optimization, and integration recommendations they make. Knowing how to do this requires both technical, financial, and business skills. You need to consider all the costs, including the initial purchase price, the cost to integrate the application, and finally, the ongoing support costs. Together these are known as the total cost of ownership or TCO. Discussing these concepts with the interviewer will demonstrate your qualifications for this position.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have a great deal of experience performing feasibility studies, estimating the total cost of ownership for an application integration project, and providing a cost justification for my recommendations, using accepted financial practices to determine a project's viability. Elements of my estimates include the business drivers, estimating the cost and scope of the project, running the financial modeling, and performing a comprehensive financial analysis for the project. This required me to learn about financial concepts such as return on investment and net present value."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
13. Do you feel that documentation is a critical part of an application integration engineer's job, and if so, why?
How to Answer
Every job involves paperwork. This is especially true for the role of an application integration engineer. Documenting what you do in the planning phase, project management work, during testing, and ongoing support is critical to ensuring that the application environment has been integrated correctly and can be easily supported while in production. It would be best if you were prepared to discuss how you document the various tasks you perform and advocate the importance of documentation.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"Documentation is a critical component of my work. Without this, I would not be able to properly integrate applications into the company's IT environment and provide the information needed for the systems engineering team to support them. Documentation is created in each project phase, including information gathering, project planning, execution, testing, and deployment. In each of these phases, I create documents that make it easy for my team to execute our tasks. All this culminates in support documentation used to maintain, upgrade, and optimize the application platforms."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
14. Please walk me through the steps involved in a typical application integration project.
How to Answer
In addition to learning about your skills, experience, and knowledge, the interviewer will be interested in the processes you use. This provides them information about how you go about doing your job and if your processes align well with the organization. Before going to an interview, you should research the company to learn about its IT processes and procedures. Sources for this information include the job description, the company's website, and speaking with both past and present IT employees.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"As an application integration engineer, I work on all phases of the integration process. This includes planning, design, and implementation of an application integration strategy. The process starts with determining the organization's needs, characterizing the IT environment, and specifying additional applications to be integrated into its operations. Once my recommendations are approved, I proceed with the planning, implementation, project management, and testing activities. The final step is creating documentation for the process so that the systems engineers know how to solve potential issues."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
15. What are some of the jobs you've performed in the past that have helped qualify you for an application integration engineer's role?
How to Answer
Nobody starts off their career as an application integration engineer. This profession requires a great deal of experience, training, and the acquisition of a wide variety of skills. Although it is probably reflected on your resume, the interviewer will ask you about some of your prior experiences and provide additional information about how these have contributed to your qualifications for this role.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"I worked several different jobs before becoming an application integration engineer. These are summarized in my resume. I don't think I would be qualified for this role, having not acquired the necessary skills and experience through these other jobs. I started my career as a systems administrator, maintaining the IT infrastructure for companies, including both the hardware and the applications the company used. I then moved on to a role as a software engineer. This provided me with a great deal of background about software applications, their dependencies, and how they integrate into the hardware and software environment of the organization. Next, I spent time as a software consultant, making recommendations about what software applications a company should adopt and how they could quickly integrate into their existing environment. I believe all of these roles prepared me for this job."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
16. What major challenges and problems did you face in your last position?
How to Answer
No matter how much you enjoy your work, every job involves challenges and issues you need to solve. The interviewer will ask you about these to make sure that you are approaching this position realistically, not afraid of facing a challenge and learn about how you achieve this. Your answer should reflect your ability to overcome challenges and provide an example of how you've done this in the past.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"Overcoming challenges is a key part of an application integration engineer's job. Regardless of how well you plan a project, something unexpected always occurs and needs to be resolved. While I don't look for problems, I enjoy challenges that require me to innovate and be creative to resolve them. For example, I encountered an issue with one of my tools to integrate an application in my last job. It didn't operate properly with the other tools the team was using. After some thought, it occurred to me that there may be a patch available from the vendor. I contacted them and confirmed that they had a solution to this issue. I quickly applied the patch into the tool, and it worked perfectly."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
17. What is an API, and what function does it perform?
How to Answer
During an application integration engineer interview, you will be asked many questions about APIs. This is because this technology is used extensively in this job. Before the interview, you should take some time to review APIs, how they are used, and methodologies for integrating them. When responding to a question about an API, keep your answers brief and to the point. The interviewer will request additional information if they need it.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"API stands for Application Programming Interface. It functions as a software agent, allowing two or more applications to talk to each other. APIs ensure that the applications will work well together, can exchange data, and can be used on a variety of different platforms, including computers, phones, and tablets. APIs also allow the software to interface with hardware components such as printers."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
18. What is the average time to complete an API integration on a software application once it is initiated?
How to Answer
This may be a difficult question to answer. The time it takes to complete an API integration will depend on many different factors. These include the software platform, what other applications the program is interacting with, the hardware it is hosted on, and other factors external to the application itself. The interviewer will ask you this question not to learn about the specific times but to ensure that you are familiar with the dependencies. When responding to this, you should note the dependencies and provide one to two examples of a typical time to complete an API integration.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"There is no average time to complete an API integration of a software application. The time it takes depends on many factors, both within and outside of the control of the application integration engineer. Some of these include the IT environment, the other programs the application is interacting with, the nature of the API, and whether the applications are hosted on-premise or in the cloud. An example of this variation in integration times is that integrating an HTML version of an (API) may typically take less than an hour to complete. In contrast, integration of the XML version of the same API could take up to 20 hours, due to its complexity."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
19. How does API contribute to application integration?
How to Answer
APIs are a critical part of the application integration process. These are the glue that connects disparate programs so they can exchange data and interoperate. As an application integration engineer, you should have an in-depth knowledge of APIs, how they work, and how you use them in your job. You will always be asked about this by the interviewer, so you should prepare your answer and advance.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"APIs enable interaction between data, applications, and devices. They deliver data and facilitate connectivity between devices and programs. I use APIs extensively in my job as an application integration engineer. The specific APIs I employ are defined by the application the organization uses, their dependencies, how the applications are implemented, and the online programming interface of the organization. If implemented appropriately, APIs will allow the organization's applications to communicate with backend systems, each other, and the IT hardware the company has deployed."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
20. What are some of the more common applications and tools used in application integration?
How to Answer
As an application integration engineer, you'll use several different applications, tools, and methodologies to perform your job. The interviewer will likely ask you about these to confirm that you are familiar with them and see whether the tools and applications you use align with the ones their organization is currently employing. This should be an easy question for you to answer since you use these items every day. It would be helpful if you researched the organization to determine what tools and applications they use to either align your answer to their current environment or be aware that the ones you use are not the same ones they use.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"I use several different tools and applications in my job as an application integration engineer. These range from standard IT tools and processes to very specific application integration platforms. Examples of the integration platforms I typically use include Jitterbit, Talend, Dell Boomi, and Mulesoft."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
21. What are the key qualifications for an application integration engineer?
How to Answer
An interviewer is likely to ask you this question early in the interview to begin the conversation, learn more about you, and collect information they can use throughout the interview. By asking you about the key qualification for this job, they hope to learn that you both understand the qualifications and determine which you feel is important. The best way to prepare for this question is to review the job description for this and similar positions. Employers will describe what they consider important for this role.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my opinion, an application integration engineer should have the skills used to design, implement, and support a company-wide integration strategy for software platforms and data interfaces for the organization's application ecosystem. This can encompass applications hosted on-premise and in the cloud and standard off-the-shelf programs and custom-written applications. Application integration enables independently designed software applications to seamlessly work together. The application integration engineer should be able to develop platforms, standards, and methodologies that integrate the flow of multiple functions performed by disparate applications."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
22. What are you doing to keep current in technology?
How to Answer
Staying abreast of developments within the IT industry is a daunting challenge. Things change quickly, new products are introduced daily, and the challenges faced by application integration engineers evolve quickly. You need to be able to stay ahead of these changes using a variety of different strategies. When responding to this question, provide the interviewer with a high-level description of your strategy to stay current with IT developments and some of the sources you use to achieve this. The interviewer will be interested in learning about this to ensure themself that you will continue to have the knowledge needed to do this job well after you are hired.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"One of the biggest challenges in this role is staying ahead of developments within the IT industry. This takes a great deal of my time. Fortunately, I am very interested in technology, so I spend time during and outside of work staying up to date on new developments. I do this by reading industry publications, listening to blogs by some of the industry's leading influencers, meeting with application vendors to discuss what they're working on, attending technology conferences, joining local user groups, and regularly collaborating with my associates to discuss recent developments."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
23. Describe the most creative work related project you completed.
How to Answer
When an interviewer asks you this question, they hope to understand the scope of the projects you've worked on and whether your experience aligns with the needs of the position they're trying to fill. Before coming to the interview, you should research the job posting and the organization to understand the position's requirements and the business's operations. You then answer this and other questions within the context of their needs, so they quickly understand that you're the right candidate for this role.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"The most creative project I worked on involved integrating the HR module into an organization's existing SAP system. Since the HR module had data dependencies across the entire company and specific dependencies with the legal, production, executive management, and sales organizations, integrating it properly and connecting it to the other SAP modules was challenging. This was compounded by the fact that I had never done this before. I decided to form a project team comprised of my IT associates, the senior HR staff, and the SAP tech support team. By collaborating, we were able to identify the data dependencies, create links to the other SAP modules, test the software, and release it into production. I am proud of how I creatively developed a solution to a challenging project and the knowledge I acquired which helped me with similar situations I encountered since then."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
24. Why are you the best application integration engineer for us?
How to Answer
This question is much like the one that asks why the organization should hire you. It is a question you can be prepared for by creating a script. This variation of the question allows you to quickly review your qualifications and discuss how well you will fit into and contribute to their corporate culture. Every candidate the company interviews is qualified for the role. However, every candidate may not be a good fit for the organization. Focus on this when responding to the question.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe I am the best application integration engineer for this job because not only do I possess all the necessary technical qualifications, but I would be a great fit for the organization. I've worked with several other companies similar to yours and understand the importance of collaboration within my department and across the organization. I never lose sight of the fact that the IT organization supports the business operations of the company. I work hard to get along with the other departments and communicate complex technical topics in clear, easy-to-understand language. I also bring a great sense of humor which keeps the working environment light and friendly."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
25. What excites you the most about a career as an application integration engineer?
How to Answer
This is a typical opening question the interviewer will use early in the interview to start the conversation, learn more about your background, and collect information they can use throughout the interview. You should be prepared for this type of question and other common questions used during an interview. One way you can do this is to review these questions and answer them in your own words before going to the interview.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have always had a great desire to learn new things and figure out how things work. This thirst for knowledge and understanding of how different technologies work together helped me develop basic computer engineering skills. I became very excited when I learned that my natural tendency to connect technologies could be turned into an application integration engineer career. When I entered college, I immediately enrolled in a program that would help me acquire the skills and background needed for this profession. Once I obtained my first position as an application integration engineer, I knew I had chosen the right career, and I've never looked back."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
26. Ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
How to Answer
An interviewer will ask you this question to determine if you have a career plan and hope to advance within the organization. While individuals don't need to want to advance, a desire to move up indicates to the interviewer that you are motivated, willing to learn new things, and will put in extra effort to move to the next level within the organization. Companies prefer to hire highly motivated individuals rather than those who are satisfied remaining in one position for their entire career. Even if your ambition does not go beyond this immediate role, you should be able to describe where you'd like to be professionally a decade from now.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"Ten years from now, I see myself leading a team of application integration engineers in this organization. I'm very excited about the immediate opportunity and look forward to joining the application integration engineer team. I would also like to advance into a leadership role that requires more experience, skills, and the willingness to assume more responsibility. I've heard that your organization encourages its employees to acquire additional skills and experience and provides opportunities for advancement. This is one of the reasons I was attracted to this role."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
27. What motivates you as an application integration engineer?
How to Answer
An interviewer will ask you what motivates you in your career to determine whether you approach this role as a job or as a profession. A job is something you use to make money and support a lifestyle. A profession is something you are passionate about and seek to advance within. Anybody can perform a job if they have the necessary skills and experience. However, only highly motivated individuals are willing to put in the extra effort and take the steps needed to advance within their profession. These same actions benefit the organizations they work for. This is why the interviewer will ask this question.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am motivated as an application integration engineer by the satisfaction I get from solving difficult challenges, completing projects on time, and witnessing the results of my efforts have on the organization. I've always felt the need to contribute, whether part of a youth sports team, a member of the cast of a school play or a volunteer in a philanthropic organization. This same need to contribute motivates me to work hard in my profession and exceed the expectations of my organization. While I appreciate being recognized by management for my achievements, my greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that I've done my very best and achieved what I set out to do."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
28. Why should we hire you?
How to Answer
This is a common question asked during an interview. It is a type of question you can prepare for by creating a script. Your answer should discuss the benefits you will bring to the organization, the problems you can help them solve, and how you can help them make money, save money, or save time. You may also want to touch on how well you will fit into their corporate culture and contribute to it. Avoid talking about your qualifications, experience, and skills. By inviting you to the interview, they have already acknowledged these and their fit for the position.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"The main reason you should hire me is I can help your organization optimize its IT operations and how they support the company's business activities. I can quickly integrate the applications you're adding to your IT infrastructure, test them to ensure they are functioning correctly, and provide documentation the systems engineering team can use to support them. Once hired, I can monitor your existing applications to ensure that they are continuing to provide the benefits you originally purchased them for and, if necessary, make the appropriate upgrades or replacements."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
29. How do you evaluate success?
How to Answer
There are many ways you can evaluate success. Many of these are formal and involve metrics such as completing projects on time and under budget, achieving cost savings, attaining certifications, and other accomplishments which can be measured. Success can also be evaluated by qualitative measures such as how well you are respected within the organization, whether people have confidence in you, and how your contributions have helped the organization achieve its business objectives. You can respond to this question by describing either the quantitative or qualitative measures of success you use to gauge how well you are performing.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"I evaluate my professional success several ways. I track how well I perform on the projects I am assigned to and whether I'm completing my tasks on time and to the designated specifications. The organizations I've worked for use the same metrics. However, I also gauge my success based on the feedback I get from my supervisors, their willingness to assign me more challenging tasks, and how often I assist my associates in finishing their projects and tasks. While these are harder to quantify, I believe they better represent the contributions are making to the organization."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
30. What is your greatest weakness?
How to Answer
During an interview for any job, you will be asked about your strengths and weaknesses. These are typical questions interviewers use to evaluate how introspective you are and how well you know yourself. It also demonstrates your communication skills since talking about yourself positively or negatively is challenging. When responding to a question about your greatest weakness, you can identify a weakness that is not related to the job, discuss something related to the job but that you are working to resolve, or talk about a weakness you formerly had but have since corrected. The second of these strategies is the most effective because it enables you to talk about an existing weakness and demonstrate to the interviewer that you have a strategy to overcome your deficiencies, including any they may perceive.
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe my greatest professional weakness is the fear of speaking in front of an audience. For some reason, I become nervous when I need to make a presentation to a group of people, even if it's only my peers. I'm working hard to overcome this, and it is getting better. I've joined a local Toastmasters group, taken some online presentation coaching classes, and worked with my supervisors to refine my presentation skills and build confidence. While I still get nervous, once I start talking, I feel more comfortable and can complete the presentation effectively."
Written by William Swansen on August 16th, 2021