How to Answer: Which programming/scripting languages do you have experience utilizing? Which one do you have the MOST experience with?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Data Engineer job interview.
23. Which programming/scripting languages do you have experience utilizing? Which one do you have the MOST experience with?
How to Answer
In most cases, job descriptions will outline which programming language skills are preferred or required for the job, so going into the interview you should have this information if it was made available to you. Specify which language you have the most experience with, but circle back to the preferred/required programming language(s) if you have used it/them in past projects so you at least let the interviewer know you have had some exposure to it.
If you do not have experience with it/those, the hiring manager must have found other valuable aspects of your resume that would be beneficial to the job. If this is the case for you, concentrate your answer on the language you have the most experience with and highlight any similarities it may have to the required or preferred language. In addition, highlight any strengths you may have with learning new concepts or languages. You want to convey to the interviewer that you will be dedicated to working with the systems and programs that the company has in place, even if it requires additional training.
Written by Helen Lee on June 15th, 2018
Entry Level
"The languages I have had the most exposure to are SQL, Java, R and Python. I am most comfortable using SQL since this is the language I have used most often in various school class projects. However, I enjoy expanding my programming knowledge base by learning new languages. I realize that sometimes one programming language may not be the best solution in every scenario."
Written by Helen Lee
Answer Example
"I have experience programming with both Python and R, but most of my work has been done using Python. I understand the job summary specified that R is preferred, so I want to assure you that I firmly believe I can strengthen my R programming skills quickly while working on the job. I tend to pick up concepts quickly and learn the best while performing tasks."
Written by Helen Lee on June 15th, 2018
Experienced
"Through my past data-related work, I have gained experience using Python, Java, R and SQL. If I had to pick the language I have the most experience using, it would have to be SQL. In each of my prior positions, I have had the invaluable opportunity to learn a new language or gain more exposure to one that I have less experience with. In these situations, I have learned quickly and been able to use these languages in varying capacities."
Written by Helen Lee