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Whether you're applying to a backend developer position or you are the one screening candidates, the interview for this role can seem a little intimidating. Prepare for your meeting by looking over example interview questions like the ones in this article — candidates can practice answering them, and interviewers can add them to their lists of questions to ask.
Key Takeaways:
Prepare for your backend developer interview by refreshing yourself on the developing and coding basics. You'll likely have to explain concepts you've taken for granted for years, so be ready for this.
When interviewing backend developer candidates, ask about their interpersonal skills as well as their technical skills.
Tell me about yourself.
Many interviewers choose to kick off with this question, as it lays a good foundation for who you are and what you bring to the table as a backend developer. When you answer, give an overview of your work experience, skills, and passion for your work.
Example Answer:
I've been a backend developer for six years now, and during that time, I've been able to work for both small and large organizations. That experience has familiarized me with API development, server-side development, and performance optimization.
In my most recent position, I've also been able to work on a lot of security-related projects, which I love. That's why I immediately applied when I saw this security-focused role.
Why should we hire you?
This is a common question to encounter in a backend developer interview. When you answer it, highlight the top two or three skills that set you apart and explain why they make you a great fit for this role.
Example Answer:
You should hire me because my extensive background in database management and my experience collaborating with multiple developers and stakeholders make me a great fit for this role and its work with stakeholders to develop data storage systems.
Why do you want to work here?
Interviewers ask this because they want to know that you understand what the company is about and are invested in its mission. In other words, they want to know that you're in it for more than just a paycheck and clout. So, when you answer, give specifics about why you like the company and how it aligns with your values and skills.
Example Answer:
I've always admired your company and its mission to create tools for schools to use. I'm passionate about education, and I've seen what a difference technology can make in helping schools reach students in a more impactful way.
When I saw this opening for a backend developer, I knew that this was my chance to use my skills to further your mission, and I had to apply.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
No one is expecting you to accurately guess where you'll be in five years. Instead, they're trying to get a feel for your professional goals. When you answer, communicate your drive to move forward in your career while not making it sound like you're using this position as a stepping stone to bigger and better things.
Example Answer:
In five years, I hope to be a senior backend developer who has an in-depth understanding of the company's systems and is in a position to mentor younger developers and help make larger strategic decisions. In five years, I see myself being a valuable asset to this company and having even more skills that I can use to further it.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This isn't a trick question, believe it or not. Hiring managers know you have strengths and weaknesses — they just want to see if you know that as well. When you answer, give specific examples of your strengths and share what you're doing to overcome or compensate for your weaknesses.
Example Answer:
My strengths are bug fixing and maintenance, and performance optimization. I love finding what went wrong and figuring out how to fix it or help already good code become even better.
I'm also good at communicating complex topics, as I have to know how to listen to users' questions and complaints and then communicate the solution to them in an easy-to-understand way.
My greatest weakness tends to be getting bogged down in the details. While this helps me find tiny errors or problems, it can also slow me down. To combat this, I'll give myself a time limit for a certain task and set a timer.
When it goes off, I can add a little more time if I legitimately need it, but usually, I have plenty, and it just helps keep me from going down rabbit holes.
What programming languages and frameworks are you proficient in for backend development?
This is one of a few very common backend developer interview questions. It's designed to make sure you have the skills required to do the job and to see what additional skills you may have. If you don't have a long list of languages, talk about your experiences learning them quickly on the job.
Example Answer:
I'm most proficient in Python, but I also have significant experience in Java and Spring Boot, as well as Node.js and Express.js. As far as databases go, I've used MySQL and MongoDB the most, but I'm familiar with PostgreSQL as well. I've learned many of these while on the job, so I'm confident in my abilities to learn new ones quickly.
Describe a situation where you encountered a performance issue and how you resolved it.
Backend developer behavioral interview questions like this one are common, so practice answering a few of them before your interview. When you do, make sure you include the result or impact of your actions in addition to the steps you took.
Example Answer:
In my last role, we encountered an issue where a system's response time was noticeably slow, and we got a lot of user complaints about it. To solve it, I had to find the bottlenecks and figure out how to improve them. Via profiling and benchmarking, I found that database queries were the main problem.
I alleviated the bottleneck by rewriting complex joins, adding appropriate indexes, and using caching mechanisms to reduce the database's load. Once I did this, the response time picked up considerably, and the complaints stopped.
How do you stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in backend development?
The world of backend development is constantly changing and improving, and employees need to keep up with it in order to remain effective. Companies want to hire someone who they can trust to stay updated on the latest technology and best practices, not someone who will cause them to fall behind their competitors.
Example Answer:
I subscribe to several industry publications and blogs, and I make it my goal to read these at least three days a week if not every day. I also follow several industry leaders on social media to make sure I'm keeping up with their announcements and news stories.
In addition, I attend at least one development conference a year so that I can learn the best practices and see all the new tech and trends. This also helps me expand my professional network. I aim to take at least one professional development class every quarter in order to keep my skills sharp and up-to-date as well.
What is your experience with cloud platforms and their services for backend development?
Cloud platforms are vital for scalable and resilient backend systems, so as a backend developer, you need to be familiar with them.
Example Answer:
I've used several cloud platforms, but the one I'm most familiar with is Microsoft Azure. In particular, I've used Azure App Service for managing web applications and AzureStorage for storing files. I've also used Azure Functions and Azure SQL Database quite a bit.
What is the role of RESTful APIs in backend development?
RESTful APIs are a key aspect of backend development, so it follows that interviewers will want to know that you understand them.
Example Answer:
RESTful APIs enable smooth communication and data exchange between software systems and applications. REST stands for Representational State Transfer, and it refers to an architectural style that gives principles for building scalable web services.
RESTful APIs allow clients to interact with the server in standardized ways. They promote statelessness and allow servers to handle large numbers of requests at the same time.
Can you explain the difference between a synchronous and an asynchronous request?
Understanding these concepts is crucial to backend development, so it's important that you're ready to explain them in your interview.
Example Answer:
A synchronous request is when a client sends a request to a server and waits for its response before continuing. The client can't perform any other tasks while they wait. Usually, this request is used for immediate and sequential data processing, such as retrieving small amounts of information from the database.
An asynchronous request is when a client sends a request to a server and then can move on to other tasks while waiting for a response. This type of request is often used for time-consuming operations or when the server needs to handle several requests at the same time.
How do you prioritize and manage your workload?
Backend developers usually have a lot of projects going on at once, and new, emergent ones can pop up without warning. Employers want to know if you can handle this, so they'll probably ask you a question along these lines. When you answer, give examples of specific steps you take to manage your workload.
Example Answer:
I prioritize and manage my workload by keeping thorough to-do lists and calendars. I put each project deadline on my calendar and then make a list of tasks I need to complete for each one. I attach due dates to those, and then I incorporate them into my weekly to-do list.
I prioritize my weekly list into three categories: "Must-do," "High priority," and "Low priority." Then I do the same for my daily tasks and start with the must-dos. By making these lists, I make sure nothing falls through the cracks and that I stay on top of everything. I can also easily add new tasks as they pop up.
Can you describe a time when you demonstrated leadership skills?
Even if you aren't applying to a managerial backend developer role, you'll likely still be put in charge of projects at some point and may even be considered for a promotion down the line. Because of this, employers want to see that you have leadership skills, so give them a specific example of when you've used yours.
Example Answer:
In my current role, I was put in charge of a major security project. I had a team of three, and it was the first time I was in authority over these particular coworkers. I knew they were more experienced than I was in some areas, so I made it clear I wanted their input.
During meetings, I would invite all ideas, but I didn't want to be the committee that created a camel, so I didn't implement all of the ideas right away — I'd consider them carefully and then implement the ones that would be best for the group.
I also delegated tasks to each person according to their strengths and worked with the team to set up due dates for each task. This helped me ensure there was some accountability without micromanaging or nitpicking.
How do you handle feedback and criticism?
Employers want to know that you can accept feedback — good or bad. When you answer this question, give an example of how you've successfully done this in the past.
Example Answer:
I value feedback and criticism. While I don't always enjoy receiving it, I understand its value, so I accept it graciously and then consider and implement it. At my first job, my manager would sit down with me after I completed a project and go over what I did well and what I needed to go back and fix.
While this was sometimes painful, it really helped me grow a lot. I got into the habit of not taking things personally and being thankful for constructive criticism. I had another manager who didn't give me any feedback, and I realized that I'd rather have my work criticized than not have any feedback at all.
Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you handled it.
The key to answering this question is to be specific. Give an example of a problem, what needed to happen, how you made it happen, and what the results of your actions were. Interviewers want to see your problem-solving skills at work, so give them a window into your process.
Example Answer:
I had a project where my team had to integrate a third-party API into our backend system, and we realized the API's documentation was outdated and lacked crucial details. This made it really difficult to understand the API's functionality and integrate it into our system.
To solve the problem, I reached out to the API provider's support team. While I waited on a response, I researched as much as I could via online forums and articles. The support team and my research allowed us to integrate the API and to make sure this wouldn't cause problems in the future, and I documented our integration process.
Our team used that documentation for several other projects, and it really sped up future integrations.
How do you handle difficult coworkers?
Whether it's your team members, your boss, or a disgruntled system user, you're going to encounter difficult coworkers as a backend developer. Employers want to know that you're able to handle these encounters with professionalism, so walk them through how you'd do this. Give an example of how you've handled this in the past if you can.
Example Answer:
At my first job, I had a coworker who was slow at getting his work done and then would get upset with me whenever I didn't get my part of the project to him within an hour of his asking.
I tried not to react when he did this and would instead say, "I'm sorry for the delay, but I had a few other tasks I had to finish up first. If you could give me a little more warning next time, I can get it to you sooner." I also worked to create a good relationship with this person outside of these encounters.
As our relationship got better and I kept drawing this kind but firm boundary, these incidents happened less and less often. By the time I left the company, we had a great relationship, and he would apologize to me for getting things to me late.
How do you work under pressure and tight deadlines?
When answering this question, go into detail about what you do to handle pressure and tight deadlines, giving whatever examples you can.
Example Answer:
When I'm under a tight deadline or in a high-pressure situation, I take a deep breath and then start writing a list of everything I need to do and when I need to do it. This helps my mind focus. Then, I block out times to crank out the work I need to do that day so that I can do so with minimal interruptions.
To avoid burning myself out and making mistakes, I make sure I take regular breaks to stretch, grab a snack, or take a quick walk down the hall. I also make sure I ask someone to check my work to make sure I didn't rush through too quickly and make a mistake.
What is your ideal work environment?
As far as interview questions for a backend developer job go, this one might seem a little out of left field, but it's a common method interviewers use to see if you'd be a good cultural fit for the role. When you answer this question, be honest about your preferences, but highlight your flexibility and adaptability as well.
Example Answer:
While I do some tasks better when I'm by myself in a quiet environment, most of the time, I really enjoy having people nearby who I can bounce ideas off and collaborate with. I saw on my tour that you have both common workspaces and private offices that employees can use, and that actually got me even more excited about this role.
Why are you interested in leaving your current job?
One of the trickiest interview questions to answer; it's important to be diplomatic as you explain why you're leaving your old job. Be honest because hiring managers can easily fact-check your answer, but don't bash your current employer, manager, or coworkers.
Example Answer:
I currently work for a small company, and while I've really enjoyed my time there and have learned a lot, I don't get the chance to work on new projects from the ground up very often — I mostly just maintain our current systems.
While I don't have a problem with doing maintenance, I want to be able to work on new projects as well, so when I saw this position open up and that it focuses on new projects, I decided to apply.
Do you have any questions for us?
This is a common closing interview question, and it's designed to give you a chance to find out more about the company to see if it's a good fit for you. You should always answer this question with "Yes," so write up a list of several questions to have ready to go for your interview.
Example Answer:
Yes, I was wondering how you would describe success in this particular role.
How do you handle data validation and sanitization to ensure security?
Explain the concept of database indexing and its importance.
What are the different types of databases you have worked with?
Can you describe the process of handling database migrations?
How do you optimize database queries for performance?
What security measures do you consider while developing backend systems?
How do you handle caching to improve application performance?
Explain the concept of session management and how it can be implemented.
Have you worked with message queues or asynchronous task-processing systems?
Can you explain the concept of load balancing and its importance in backend development?
How do you handle API versioning and backward compatibility?
Have you implemented any logging or monitoring systems in your previous projects?
What steps do you take to ensure the scalability of backend systems?
How do you approach debugging and troubleshooting backend issues?
As a Candidate:
Refresh yourself on the problems you've solved and projects you've worked on. From solving performance issues to using APIs, employers want to hear about the work you've done in the past because it gives them a glimpse of what you'll be able to do for them.
Being able to give examples of your past work as you answer interview questions will put you ahead of other candidates, so have an arsenal of these stories ready to go.
Be ready to explain complex topics simply. You'll likely encounter a lot of technical questions designed to test your expertise in your backend developer interview, so prepare for these by practicing explaining concepts, tools, and ideas in an easy-to-understand way.
Highlight your interpersonal skills as well as your technical skills. Like it or not, backend developers have to deal with a lot of people. Whether it's dealing with user complaints, working on a project together, or answering questions, your communication and people skills need to be sharp.
As an Interviewer:
Ask behavioral interview questions. When you're making your list of questions to ask in a backend developer interview, include plenty that asks for examples.
Many candidates will be able to talk the talk, but until you ask them to tell you about their past projects or challenges they've overcome, you won't know what they're actually capable of.
Ask candidates to explain developer tools and concepts. When a backend developer can easily explain a complicated tool or concept, it's a good sign that they have an in-depth understanding of it. This helps you weed out candidates who might have stretched the truth on their resumes.
Look for candidates who have good interpersonal skills. Customer service and teamwork may not sound like important parts of backend development, but employees who don't have these skills can often do more harm than good.
Ask questions about solving interpersonal conflict, leading teams, and dealing with difficult people to find out what this candidate will be like to work with.