Questions to ask a software engineer mentor

Mentoring is a valuable skill for software developers, not only for helping others grow and Jan 20, 2023 · 1. Mar 10, 2023 · Tips for working with a mentor. ”. Nov 30, 2020 · So let’s talk about them briefly. If you are a software engineer who reports to a line manager, your skip level could a senior manager, a director, or even the CTO. Jun 24, 2022 · 47 Questions To Ask a Software Engineer. In a way, a mentor is like a coach with industry-specific knowledge and experience they can use to help you achieve your goals. Senior software engineers must be skilled at communicating complex ideas with ease. Things they realize in hindsight. AskEngineers is a forum for questions about the technologies, standards, and processes used to design & build these systems, as well as for questions about the engineering profession and its many disciplines. Mentoring: sharing your experience so an engineer can leverage it themselves. Interviews provide you with the opportunity to get to know potential new hires and identify the best match for the position. The tech side of the project In short, tell your junior how to accomplish what they are trying to do, but do not do it for them. Professional organizations also offer services to connect senior engineers Feb 25, 2020 · Skip-level questions for software engineers. Prepare for any scheduled meetings and ask for continued interactions if it goes well. We present the top 10 actionable ways to guide aspiring engineers, providing insights into the mentoring techniques that truly make a difference. Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving. When interviewing candidates, you should ask a range of questions Jun 1, 2022 · That way, you won’t ask a product person how you can get started as a software engineer. 6. Make sure that your questions are clear, short, and concise. Your ability to align engineering work May 22, 2020 · Paola Mata: You can be mentored by somebody who maybe works on a different platform entirely. Take a sincere interest in the life of your mentee – aspirations, goals, or dreams. Oct 16, 2023 · If you don’t, then take these steps: Identify three to five potential mentors using the criteria above. Most companies need to ask themselves these questions. Monitor progress and evaluate results. Code in the industry's most widely used programming languages. And you don’t have to be an expert in whatever new framework or libraries your mentee uses to help them. Provide guidance and support. Check out the FAQ page to learn more! Here’s how you can sign up: Log in to the SWE member portal. For example, the late Steve Jobs, the head of Apple, was a mentor for . If you're looking for event more questions to ask your mentor here are 29 more questions to ask your mentor in your next meeting. Aug 25, 2021 · 1. Nov 25, 2023 · Find a suitable platform or program. Mentors are great people to ask for feedback on personal branding and growing your network. Ask if you can follow up and exchange contact information. onety-two-12. What qualities and skills does it take to be successful at your company? 2. Reach out to them effectively. Be friendly and authentic. By Bea Mariel Saulo. Have a goal for your meeting. These would help you understand the mentee and know exactly how to help, guide, and most importantly, how to communicate with the mentee. Speaker 2: [Inaudible]. Learn and grow. It helps to decide on a specific purpose or goal for this mentorship program, such as: Identifying high-potential and promising employees. Jun 30, 2020 · What’s a big mistake you’ve made that you’d want others to avoid repeating? 2. Provide feedback to your mentor about the effectiveness of their guidance and support. 25. Oct 16, 2023 · Ask and you shall receive. Networking and Relationship Building. Nov 11, 2021 · A computer science mentor is someone who provides advice and answers questions regarding your professional goals, challenges, and opportunities. May 2, 2024 · Develop a productive feedback loop. Manson Ng is a professional in Engineering and one of our most popular mentors on MentorCruise for Engineering skills. Interviewers will be interested in how you plan, execute, and oversee projects, including your methods for setting timelines, managing resources, and ensuring quality. Oct 23, 2023 · Learn the best questions to ask a mentor in Systems Engineering to spark meaningful conversations and insights. (future blog post coming) How To Mentor Software Engineers Mar 7, 2024 · A mentor can be a valuable asset for your software engineering career. A quick-start guide to making the most of everymeeting with a mentor. Your interviewer might want to know how well you understand designing technology for other people. Challenge and support. Jan 18, 2024 · Learn how software engineering mentoring can help you achieve your goals, improve your skills, expand your network, and overcome challenges. For ongoing mentorship, we ask our mentors to commit to six sessions across one semester in order to ensure that the mentee is able to fully benefit from the relationship. If the mentee is unsure of the answer, they can work with the mentor to find ways to feel more confident. Emotional Intelligence. May 23, 2023 · 35 Questions a mentor should ask a mentee. Afterwards, ask yourself what you learned from the meeting and how you can apply your new knowledge. Thus “skipping a level”. By asking the right questions, mentors and mentees can ensure they’re in sync, making the most of this invaluable relationship. Co-Founder, Watchdog Pest Control. com Oct 19, 2023 · If you’re curious about your mentor’s failures, first ask permission to ask about them, then ask. Ask candidates to share a few work samples. Aug 3, 2023 · Pre-Screening Interview Questions to Ask Senior Software Engineers. In answering this question, try to show that you know how to consider the needs of the company's customers and stakeholders. The medical device industry is booming. Nov 7, 2023 · Here are some good mentoring topics to consider: Career Planning and Development. When it comes to questions, I have about 8 different questions I personally like to ask that very in terms of topic (data structures, system design, OO programming, databases) and difficulty (SDE 1, SDE 2, Senior SDE) Oct 2, 2023 · The following are some of the general technical software developer interview questions that you can expect to encounter in a software engineering interview. Tomorrow morning I have a one on one scheduled with a senior manager in a different part of the organization I work for; this person is a well respected technical manager doing the same role I hope to be in 5-7 years from now. Talking about your background, experience, skillset, likes, and dislikes is a good ice-breaker. Making connections with your mentor is important. As the saying goes, “The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your questions. This round is all about learning the personality of your candidate and seeing if they fit the company’s culture and the team they’ll be integrating. Starting a career in software engineering is filled with challenges and opportunities. If a developer finds an effective software engineer mentor, then they can look forward to improving both their technical and soft skills. Challenging them can help them improve their skills Mar 16, 2024 · Be the first to add your personal experience. How do you explain the technical aspects of a project to people without technical backgrounds? Software engineering managers often work with diverse people in different teams Jan 5, 2024 · When interviewing with an engineering manager you want to know how you fit within the team. Sponsoring: giving stretch projects or opportunities to help an engineer grow. They may have encountered some of the same feelings you have, so being Jan 10, 2023 · Video: A Day in the Life of a Software Engineer Sarah, a software engineer, shows you a day in the life of a remote software engineer including work hours, work environment and job duties. If you can stomach it, ask the mentors to play devil’s advocate and role play a customer filled with objections. Land a Job or Your Money Back. In other words, be a mentor. Mentorship. eu, the team of relocation and tech recruiting enthusiasts, we created a compelling list of the useful things to find out during the hiring process for your next job. Tell me about a complex idea you had to explain to a colleague. • 40 examples of mentor questions. Nov 8, 2023 · Mentoring is a long-term relationship between a senior and a junior engineer, where the mentor provides guidance, advice, and feedback based on their experience and expertise. Provide effective guidance and feedback. That's engineering and leadership. Focus more on the actions they actually took over what they suggest or tell you that you should do. Nov 7, 2022 · 5. The first and fastest way to get to know your junior developer is to ask them about their personal work Feb 6, 2023 · Round 1: Behavioral Interview. Jan 22, 2024 · This guide of 98 PM questions will give you plenty of ideas. “Knowing how your mentor has navigated failures is valuable, for background and for mentees who will inevitably face challenges of their own,” Eric Tang, co-founder of Livepeer, told Built In. Here are some ways you can improve and maintain a positive relationship with a mentor: Be honest. Ask clear, specific questions instead of vague ones. Only 3 Spots Left. how they started in the industry) - just relax and chat with them Dec 5, 2023 · There are all kinds of questions you can ask, but the key is to focus on their story and pulling your own lessons from that story. Asking your mentee thought-provoking questions is vital to the learning process for both parties. Be an observer; recognize and control the direction of the conversation. To break the ice, have your mentor tell Mar 16, 2020 · The Secrets For Mentoring Junior Software Engineers. If you’re likable, the mentors will be your biggest supporters (even after the call is over). Below is a list of common questions a potential employer may ask a senior software engineer during an Feb 25, 2024 · Here are six interview questions with sample answers for a software engineer manager position you can review before your interview to increase your chances of success: 1. Let's dive on in! 1. But with my manager I'm not exactly sure what I should be asking him to make most use of the 30 mins I have with him so I thought I should ask here and get some more info. Yeah I was reading this thinking "half these questions should not just be in the onboarding FAQ but should probably be re-assessed periodically too". A question about branding could sound like: Apr 23, 2019 · Stories are gold. CTOs, devs, testers – rejoice. Use this combination of standard and behavioral-based interview questions to assess your software engineer candidate’s communication skills. A mentorship relationship can be a supportive and enriching experience for both parties as a formal mentor can help the mentee to develop their problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills, among others. 2. Do not ask senior developers to complete a test to explain a simple algorithm or data structure- most candidates for senior posts haven’t dealt with such matters in years. A very wise Head of Product once said: “Product management skills are a lot like tools in a toolbox. The idea is to ease the tension by discussing things that make you comfortable. Not only am I not good at asking for help, but I felt embarrassed to ask the people on my radar. Actively implement feedback into your professional growth journey. Scroll back to top. Be the first to add your personal experience. “I’m good, the weather is beautiful today. com. Be the first to add There are two modes - ongoing and one-time. ‍. Reach out to them to ask for an initial 20- to 30-minute meeting. 6 Questions to Ask When Starting A Medical Device Software Project. Establish open and honest communication with your mentor. Establish expectations and boundaries. May 29, 2023 · Software engineer interview questions for communication skills When it comes to collaboration, managing teams, and working remotely, communication is one of the most important factors. But how do you find a mentor who suits your needs and goals? Jun 3, 2024 · Mentoring junior developers is an integral part of building a successful software team. Dec 16, 2023 · Share your experience. A mentee must ask for feedback from their mentors by asking specific questions at their next meeting. Without proper mentorship and coaching, junior These questions evaluate your experience with the end-to-end process of software development, from ideation to delivery and maintenance. Maybe somebody who does more web development, but who could maybe mentor you on maybe not specifically on Swift or iOS. Asking a variety of different types of interview questions can help employers gain a comprehensive understanding of a senior software engineer's skills, experience, and problem-solving abilities. As a SWE member, you can offer mentoring services, receive mentoring ― or even act as both a mentor and mentee. As the future of the industry, it is crucial that junior software engineers receive the support and development they need in order to thrive and succeed. Be respectful of your mentor’s time and experience. (48 ratings) Visit Manson's full profile. Feb 12, 2024 · Before we dive into what questions to ask a mentor, read these seven tips to get the most out of your mentor-mentee relationship: 1. Can you fill a knowledge gap that the teams lacking? Do you have the skills and personality to succeed in the position? 1. They volunteered to be a mentor, so I’m sure they’ll be happy to answer your questions regardless - at least that’s how I feel as a mentor. This may help make the mentoring sessions more effective. May 16, 2022 · Very handy for handling user feedback. Prinicipal Software Engineer Manager @ Microsoft. Build and nurture that new mentoring relationship. HighRelevancy. Mar 19, 2024 · 150 Questions to Ask Software Engineer Mentor. Mar 25, 2018 · Implement these at your next meeting to keep things interesting–and valuable–for you and your mentor. A mentor can offer you guidance, feedback, support, and inspiration. Head of Content @ GrowthMentor. It allows you to search through a broad audience and apply filters. One example is ASCE Mentor Match, which has a framework set up to facilitate mentoring by putting the onus on the mentee to choose a mentor based on criteria such as occupation, years of experience, specialty, or interests. These are actually good questions. Feb 14, 2018 · Your Job As A Mentor Is Simple But Difficult. Mar 15, 2018 · The process should begin with an evaluation of the employee’s needs and the areas he or she needs the most help in, which should be shared with the mentor, Anderson says. Once you have a mentor, it is important to ask the right questions. This free 10-page guide includes: • 4 types of questions to ask your mentor. Without accountability, the meeting can quickly turn General Interview Questions to Ask For Senior Software Engineer. 3. Stories. 9. If you are a hiring manager at a popular company or in a popular area, you may receive many applications for your senior software engineer position, and you Feb 3, 2023 · This question is good for mentors to ask because it prompts the mentee to share their thoughts on how their mentor can best help them. Find out if there are factors that may impede those goals. Mentoring can help Aug 18, 2020 · MENTORSHIP 101: How To Structure The First Mentorship Meeting & Best Questions To Ask A Mentor | xoreniAre you interested in mentorship and wondering how to Engineers apply the knowledge of math & science to design and manufacture maintainable systems used to solve specific problems. With my mentor I ask him where I can improve and talk about my progress, the tickets I'm tackling etc. How do you ensure your code is maintainable and scalable over time? Assessing the candidate’s awareness of the long-term implications of their code helps determine their commitment to creating sustainable and scalable solutions. However, mentors and mentees can continue to meet for longer than a semester if they both agree to extend the engagement. Oct 19, 2023 · If you’re curious about your mentor’s failures, first ask permission to ask about them, then ask. In many cases, though, it's a skill that's underappreciated and underdeveloped. Thank your mentor for their advice with an email or personalized note. Personal branding. The Fizz-Buzz test is a way to filter out candidates that do not have basic programming knowledge. 5. Here are a few to help you get started: Aug 1, 2023 · 2. May 7, 2021 · These can be just as helpful. You want to learn more about their career path, their achievements, their challenges Oct 17, 2023 · A fifth important thing to consider when mentoring a junior software engineer is to challenge them to stretch their abilities and potential. Questions that show genuine interest in the company, the work process, and the company’s goals show you a developer wants to fit into your team’s culture—that they want to work for your organization, not just any organization. 21 min. Apr 19, 2024 · A software engineer mentor is a senior industry expert who provides individualized feedback as well as industry insights. Keep the conversation meaningful, but don’t avoid small talk. 22 Jan 2024. The medical device industry is booming – it is expected to be a $718 billion market by 2029. But can mentor you on how they got to their particular role or how they got into management or whatever. Leadership and Management. Having a mentor can greatly impact your journey, offering guidance based on their experiences. Mentors are usually quite busy people so make the most of the time they offer you. Being open about the challenges or concerns you have with your career can help your mentor provide you with more specific, useful feedback. Establish a mentoring relationship. It’s not easy to find and retain skilled senior engineers, and research suggests that direct replacement Apr 19, 2024 · A software engineer mentor is a senior industry expert who provides individualized feedback as well as industry insights. Jan 13, 2022 · As a mentor, you need to show them the effective learning and development skills that only an experienced senior member can provide. Whether you're debugging code, designing algorithms, or implementing features, you need to be able to Feb 1, 2022 · Mentors who work with you can increase your visibility across the company that you work for by advocating for you. By cross-checking your career goals, you’ll be able to gain valuable insight into the industry’s trajectory. Try to keep them free of bias and make them engaging. Cultivating Empathetic Mentorship. “You may be a wizard with analyzing a potential product LinkedIn might be a good platform to continue your mentor search. The longer you’re a PM, the more tools you add to your toolbox and the better you learn how to Speaker 4: Go to engineering and leadership. Coaching: asking the right questions to help an engineer reach a solution that works for them. Time Management and Productivity. They support you regarding your course and career development. The mentorship of software developers can provide them with the opportunity to build See full list on mentorcruise. Time to start thinking about appropriate senior software engineer behavioral interview questions. • 20 prompts for inspiration to create your own questions. Skip-level meetings are meetings at a regular cadence between yourself and the person two levels above you in the corporate hierarchy. In your mentoring questions, good questions to ask your mentor are those that are clear and relevant to the mentor’s expertise. •. 7. It can help you gain insight into their background, goals, and ways of thinking. Outline your process of completing a programming task from assignment to delivery. Have realistic expectations. Video interview or not, the face-to-face interview should feel like a conversation for senior software engineers. It's important to know the right questions to ask a software engineer when there is an opening at your company. Keep in mind that while your mentor may not have all the answers Prepare thoughtful questions. I would say I have 4-ish mentors: an old friend from college who was a freshman when I was a senior, an older friend (10 yrs older) I met over my internship, and a mentor (2 titles above mine) that was assigned to me during my internship, and my former university corporate recruiter. There is a huge difference of things you should research and things you should directly ask during an interview (particularly a first round interview), and conflating Mar 24, 2024 · As a senior software engineer, it is your prerogative and responsibility to provide mentorship and guidance to the junior members of your team. Anyhow, you could ask some industry-specific questions (given their expertise) as well as learn a little about their background (i. Should I study or pursue…? (cross-checking career goals) Before your sessions come to a close with your UX mentor, make sure you share your future career plan. Seek meaningful advice, but connect with small talk. Reply reply. This comprehensive eBook explores critical questions to ask before starting a medical device project. Before you head into any meeting with your mentor, get prepared. Jan 18, 2024 · Or, getting more specific, you might ask: “Are there any continuing education classes or degrees you think would be beneficial for me”. Solicit feedback regularly and be open to constructive criticism. What’s your strategy for overcoming failure? 3. Mar 20, 2024 · Senior software engineer interview questions and answers Interviewing for a senior software engineer position can be challenging, considering the high level of technical expertise, leadership skills, and industry knowledge generally required. Understanding the developer mindset right from their learning stages is crucial to nurturing the next generation of software engineers. 4 Types Of Questions To Ask A Mentor. Imagine showing up like a rock star to every mentor meeting, knowing Mar 1, 2024 · As a software engineer, you know that problem-solving is a crucial skill for your career. “The best thing you can do to prep for mentor meetings is come up with some interesting questions to ask the mentor,” Medina says. That means there are a lot of Oct 11, 2022 · Ditch long questions. Updated on March 19, 2024. Learn how to find an engineering mentor. One of the main goals of mentoring is to help your mentee develop their knowledge and skills as a software engineer, and to foster a lifelong learning attitude Jul 9, 2019 · Prepare the right interview questions. But in addition to that, here are some other tips: Encourage Google (or any other search tool). The first step to developing your engineering mentoring program should be understanding and determining the reason for this initiative. But this is only going to be effective if you already have some sort of real-life relationship with the person you're reaching out to. Nov 3, 2020 · Use natural skill tests when interviewing senior engineers. Jan 13, 2024 · Identify potential mentors. 4. Give them time and space to familiarize themselves with the codebase, teach them where to look for answers and don’t fall prey to the curse of knowledge. Select ‘ More ’ from the top menu and click on ‘ Mentor Sign-up ’ or ‘ Mentee Sign-up . The Fizz-Buzz Test. Here are some of the important practices you should include in your mentoring: Ask Them About Their Methods. Build a mutually beneficial relationship. Reflect and learn from the experience. As an industry expert and experienced engineer, your mentor will be able to help you with technical questions and provide insight into the day-to-day life of a software engineer. “To progress, you need to understand how to manage others, and that takes experiences being shared,” she says. A mentee must be coachable. Embrace alternative views. Give an example of a successful collaboration with a cross-functional team. Mentors can help you refine your goal, provide suggestions, and share Jun 12, 2023 · Start by engaging with them on how they’re doing, providing more than just “good” or “great” in response. Jun 19, 2019 · The first thing you should remember: don't be shy to ask questions. The following blog post intends to provide experienced engineers with a comprehensive guide on effectively mentoring younger team members, while putting an emphasis on practical tips and best practices in order to foster I made my comment mainly for the benefit of anyone who might not have read the entire post, and due to the clear "questions I ask in Software Engineering Interviews" in the title. e. While these ten software architect interview questions are certainly not exhaustive, they provide a solid foundation upon which you can build your preparedness. Get tips on finding, being, and becoming a mentor. A great senior software engineer is skilled at writing and speaking in a clear, succinct way. Be interested in your mentee. Mentorship is a valuable way to learn from experienced Dec 18, 2023 · Mentoring doesn't have to be a big deal. Be transparent about what the recruitment process looks like and don’t let interviews drag on. Talk about your backgrounds. Feb 29, 2024 · 2 Background and experience. The below questions can help you find candidates who have top-notch communication skills. Become a Software Engineer. You need to go with the flow when having a strategic conversation. Dane Kolbaba. ’. Decide on the 'why' behind your program. The mentorship journey is a dance of mutual respect, trust, and continuous learning. What types of questions would you ask given the same opportunity. Aug 3, 2023 · Encourage learning and curiosity. When you think that you’ve completely mastered the technology, your mentees ask you questions that make you look from another angle at your knowledge and approach. Jan 11, 2019 · Prepare and ask relevant questions. com where you'll find more free articles, podcasts, and downloads to help engineers thrive. Mentors give advice tailored to your journey’s unique problems while empowering you to find solutions yourself. These questions cover your goals, projects, skills, network, challenges, and feedback. Ask the hard questions for the mentee in order to get them to think about difficult subjects. Here’s what else to consider. Reply reply More replies. Your experience and ability to ask questions will help them even in technologies new to you. Let's start with the general senior software engineer technical interview questions. By Micah McGuire. Go with the flow. Stay away from whiteboard-testing. Foti Panagiotakopoulos. Offer responses that create a natural transition into questions, such as: “I’m doing great — I’ve been looking forward to meeting with you since we first connected!”. Software engineer and engineering leader Rodrigo Pimentel shares this advice (read his full post): "For a long time, I hesitated to actually try and find a mentor. When interviewing for a software engineer position, the hiring manager may ask you a variety of questions related to your skills and experience. Jan 7, 2021 · 1-on-1s are a joint responsibility, and like other processes, will quickly degrade and fail when all the people involved aren’t accountable. Tips for great mentoring sessions. Q1. Jul 21, 2022 · Kirill Shevchenko, Ruby Developer at RubyGarage, perfectly sums up what reverse mentoring is all about: “As a mentor, you constantly broaden your mind. The next thing you should ask a mentor is about their background and experience. What you get out of your mentor meeting will, in large part, come down to what questions you ask—so make sure to prepare your questions well before your meeting. What’s an essential lesson you learned as a result of Dec 23, 2022 · With Springboard’s Software Engineering Career Track, you’ll be assigned a personal mentor to have 1:1 calls with throughout the duration of your course. Aug 14, 2023 · The following section presents a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your upcoming software architect interview. Networking opportunities. However, questions shouldn't revolve around these areas only. Having a mentor will not work for you if you ask for guidance and then not do what they tell you to do. Oct 10, 2022 · Here's some guidance on structuring your kick-off meetings as a mentor, and approaching them as a mentee. Try Shake for free. Dec 17, 2023 · Moreover, ask your mentor on how to handle different aspects of your business better and the habits needed to build to become a successful entrepreneur. Ask interview questions about software design, architecture, and behavior. If you know the answer can be found online easily, tell them to look it up instead of telling them the answer. • Mentor meeting worksheet. (future blog post coming) Teach the framework to think about problems, instead of offering immediate solutions. Jointly with the Relocateme. To make the most out of this relationship, it’s crucial to know Personal growth. 1. Workplace Culture and Dynamics. zy eb yo jp qp la by an cl ww