What are your thoughts on Agile software development? Do you encourage Agile methodologies with your clients?
"From what I understand, Agile software development is highly collaborative and team-based compared to other software development models. I can see how Agile would be excellent for many projects, but perhaps not all. I look forward to learning more about the methodologies used here. What is most important to me is that projects be tackled and completed professionally."
Agile software development and its overall principles have been openly embraced by organizations worldwide since its inception. Agile encourages collaboration with teams, customers, and the end-user, allowing for more cross-functional projects to happen with fewer hiccups.
However, there are still some people who strongly argue against Agile. Those people tend to prefer Waterfall, for instance. Discuss your thoughts on Agile with the interviewer, keeping in mind that it's best to research where the hiring company stands on Agile before your interview.
"I saw in your job posting that you are seeking a business analyst who embraces Agile methodology. I have worked in, and fully support, an Agile environment. I enjoy the team-based approach Agile brings to software development."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I have worked in an Agile environment before, and I encourage methodologies because Agile is based on a team-based approach and clear communication by keeping all the stakeholders in the loop at all the stages of the software development. In this way, a client will be a part of the process with the rest of the team and can see the project's progress with total transparency.
Marcie's Feedback
Great answer! It sounds as though you have experience using Agile practices and a clear understanding of why it's a practical methodology to use. You do a great job outlining the advantages of Agile.
Anonymous Answer
I personally believe that there is a use case for everything. In the case of Agile, it's fantastic for doing projects that you haven't done before since it closely follows the scientific method of formulating a hypothesis, testing it, and re-assessing it as new evidence comes to light. My team and I use Scrum for all new projects and have a Scrum board to regulate the flow of work. It allows us to deliver features faster and keep ourselves in the outcome instead of the process itself. Of course, to succeed you must ensure high levels of quality communication and a team-based approach. On that same token for projects in which there are few new things and it has been done before, like the case of a basic windows server provisioning a structured approach demonstrates its use since everything is laid out and clear is just move forward with it.
Amanda's Feedback
You've answered well! Explaining how, why, and when you use Agile methodologies assures the interviewer that you're comfortable with the process and confident in identifying when it is in the client's best interest to use it.
Unlock all 30 Business Analyst questions
Unlock expert responses to technical and behavioral questions that bridge business and IT.
Get Started