Published: 02 Sep 2025 | Reading Time: 8 min read
Starting a career as a software developer involves (generally) a formal interview process, especially as a new developer. Knowing how to answer software developer interview questions may increase the chance of landing a job. This article will go over the many steps of the interview process for entry-level software developers, including initial screening, technical interviews, behavioral interviews, and HR interviews.
By being familiar with these characteristics, you will be able to approach each stage of the interview process with confidence, from mock interviews to final evaluations, guaranteeing that you are well-prepared to overcome and secure your chosen position.
As aspiring software developers, it is important to understand the job interview process for freshers so you know how to complete each stage of the interview from the initial phases of screening to answering technical questions, therefore you will be ready to demonstrate your skills and land your first job as a software developer. So let's take a look at the different rounds of interviews:
Employers will evaluate your resume in advance and make points about your skills and applicable experience. Be sure your resume states your technology skills, past projects, and problems/areas of study.
This is usually the first point of contact directly with a recruiter or hiring manager. It usually deals with your resume, core technology skills, and if you would fit in the corporate culture.
Expect to solve issues including algorithms, data structures, and coding during these sessions. You may be asked to create code on a whiteboard or on an online coding tool. Theoretical questions about object-oriented programming, databases, and other topics were also raised.
These rounds will assess you on your ability to work in various scenarios and will also assess your interpersonal skills. Use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method of explaining your answers when describing your experiences or accomplishments. You could be asked about, for example, teamwork, conflict resolution, time management, etc.
The HR Interview questions center on your motives, career aspirations, and fit with the company's values and culture. They may inquire about your skills and shortcomings, long-term career objectives, and interest in the firm.
Data structures allows for systematic storage and manipulation of data to allow access and modification at will in an efficient manner. Typical data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, hash tables, and trees.
| Algorithm | Type | Best Case | Average Case | Worst Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubble Sort | Comparison-based | O(n) | O(n^2) | O(n^2) |
| Merge Sort | Comparison-based | O(n log n) | O(n log n) | O(n log n) |
| Quick Sort | Comparison-based | O(n log n) | O(n log n) | O(n^2) |
| Linear Search | Sequential | O(1) | O(n) | O(n) |
| Binary Search | Divide and Conquer | O(1) | O(log n) | O(log n) |
Merge sort is an algorithm that divides and conquers. It decomposes the array in half, sort each half of the array and the merges the sorted halves back together to produce one sorted array. Merge sort will repeatedly split the original array in half to a base case of single element and will then merge the two sub-arrays in order.
Graphs can be shown as either an adjacency list or an adjacency matrix. An adjacency list is created by utilising a list or dictionary of lists, where each key represents a vertex and the value is a list of vertices to which the key is adjacent. In contrast, an adjacency matrix is a 2D array where matrix[i][j] represents an edge from vertex i to vertex j.
A hash table is a data structure that connects keys to values with a hash function that assigns an index of an array where the slots or buckets are and you can quickly access the value associated with that key. Under average-case scenario it provides O(1) for insertions, deletions and searching.
SQL JOIN allows the rows from two or more tables to be collected based on the related column between them. There are the following kinds of JOIN:
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual model for understanding network interaction. Physical, Data Link, Network, Transportation, Session, Presentation, and Application are the seven levels that comprise the OSI paradigm.
The four principles of OOP is:
Big O notation indicates the time complexity of an algorithm based on input size, which gives an upper bound on its rate of growth. Big O notation, when represent the efficiency of an algorithm, is useful when comparing different algorithms.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) maintains a connection, and works to ensure that the accurately delivered data is in the same order as received between applications. TCP provides error checking and acknowledgments to guarantee the integrity of the data. UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is connectionless, where nothing is guaranteed, no order, no delivery, no error checking, making it faster but less reliable. UDP is used more in instances where speed is important and reliability is not, such as in streaming.
In a min-heap, the minimum element is the root node, and for any given parent node, its value is less than or equal to the values of its children. In a max-heap, the maximum element is the root node, and for any given parent node, its value is greater than or equal to the values of its children.
A binary tree is a special type of hierarchical data structure (node with at most 2 children). One particular kind of binary tree is a binary search tree, in which the right child is always > than the parent and the left child is always < than the parent.
A base class that may be inherited by other classes but cannot be created on its own is defined by abstract classes. They can contain abstract methods (methods without implementation) that must be overridden by derived classes.
Constructor: A special member function of a class that initializes objects of the class. It is automatically called when an object is initialized. A constructor can be a default constructor or parameterized constructor.
class Example {
public:
Example() {
// Default constructor
}
Example(int x) {
// Parameterized constructor
}
};
Destructor: When an object is destroyed, a particular member function is invoked. A destructor frees up resources that an object has acquired.
class Example {
public:
~Example() {
// Destructor
}
};
def reverse_string(s):
return s[::-1]
You would need to iterate through the array while keeping two variables as the maximum and minimum values. Initialize them with the array's initial entry and adjust one of the maximum or minimum values for each.
Python Code:
def find_max_min(arr):
max_val = min_val = arr[0]
for num in arr[1:]:
if num > max_val:
max_val = num
if num < min_val:
min_val = num
return max_val, min_val
For sorted arrays, you can do this with a two pointer technique. One pointer goes through the array and the other tracks where to place the unique elements. For unsorted arrays, you can use a hash set and maintain a record of seen elements.
Python Code:
def remove_duplicates(arr):
if not arr:
return 0
n = len(arr)
unique_index = 0
for i in range(1, n):
if arr[i] != arr[unique_index]:
unique_index += 1
arr[unique_index] = arr[i]
return unique_index + 1
Use Floyd's cycle-finding algorithm (Tortoise and Hare). Use two pointers moving at different speeds (one fast, one slow). If a cycle exists, the fast pointer will eventually intersect with the slow pointer.
Python Code:
def has_cycle(head):
slow = fast = head
while fast and fast.next:
slow = slow.next
fast = fast.next.next
if slow == fast:
return True
return False
In order to prevent duplication of effort, dynamic programming solves issues by decomposing them into overlapping subproblems and storing the outcomes. The goal of greedy algorithms is to reach a global optimum by making local optimal decisions at each stage. Dynamic programming is used when the problem has overlapping subproblems, while greedy algorithms are used when local decisions lead to an overall optimal solution.
As a recent graduate, one of the more difficult projects I worked on was a group project that required us to build a tiny application from scratch. We had some difficulties in putting the various components of the app together and fulfilling the project deadline. In terms of management, I worked to structure our duties, create a calendar for milestones, and facilitate communication among team members. We had frequent check-ins to keep the team focused on finding solutions and tracking progress. Despite the hurdles, we finished the assignment, and I learnt a lot about collaboration and problem resolution.
As a student, I had often to deal with multiple assignments and projects at once. Before I would prioritize by breaking those tasks down into smaller steps with deadlines for all the steps along the way; and I had a list of tasks that I prioritized based on the due date and importance. I used digital tools like calendars and task management apps to keep track of the status of each of my projects and adjust as I went along.
I worked on a group project at university where one of the group members was not able to meet deadlines. Adopting a friendly way, I had a conversation with my team member and we talked about where the difficulties lay, and how we could coordinate better with each other. We agreed to have regular check-in calls and defined our responsibilities more clearly. This approach to seek clarity improved our communication and we were able to complete the project together.
During my final year of university, I led a modest project with a few classmates to construct a software application. I would hold meetings to create goals, assign duties based on individual strengths, plan work schedules, and ensure the team met the goals. Despite a few challenges, we finished the assignment and were glad to receive excellent feedback from the teachers. Throughout this process, I developed excellent leadership and teamwork skills.
For one of my college projects, we were required to use a brand new software tool that I was completely unfamiliar with. I studied from the official documentation and watched instructional videos in a few hours. I practiced a little with a small personal project until I got comfortable using the software tool. After I got familiar with the software tool, I was soon able to contribute to my team's project in a short amount of time.
I am a recent graduate, and I am eager to launch my career with a company that engages in exciting projects and is focused on technology. I knew that your organization has a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, which matches my desire to learn and develop in a real-world environment. I hope to be able to contribute to your organization in a positive way using what I have gained through my studies.
In five years, I plan to establish a strong foundation in my field and further develop my technical skill set as I gain experience and take on increased responsibilities. I want to become a capable professional that can contribute to the organization as a professional, with the hope of developing into a position eventually where I would have the confidence and capability to mentor other new professionals and run projects.
One of my strengths is my interest in learning and my ability to learn quickly. I have a desire to learn and face challenges. In terms of a weakness, I have limited practical experience, and while I can acknowledge that this is a weakness, I will not be sitting idle waiting for experience. I have been very proactive in regard to finding opportunities to learn, and develop myself. I am also working on improving my time management as I find that I can have difficulty managing multiple tasks or responsibilities.
During my last year project at university, I was the lead on a small project with a few of my classmates to develop a software application. I would convene meetings to develop goals, assign tasks based on individual talents, arrange work schedules, and ensure the team adhered to the goals. Despite a few obstacles that surfaced, we completed the project and were pleased to receive positive feedback from the instructors. This method gave me invaluable leadership and teamwork experience.
I want to emphasize that feedback and criticism can be valuable opportunities to further develop both personally and professionally. I always try to supplement feedback with a few suggestions for improvement and then apply those suggestions for improvement. I always welcome constructive criticism and feel that it contributes positively to my development and success in my role.
Here are a few tips for freshers when preparing for an interview:
To make a favorable impression, candidates can do the following:
In summary, preparing for a software developer interview is an undertaking that includes understanding the process, practicing technical and behavioral questions, and leaving a good impression. There is plenty to think about and practice, and by following the tips in this guide, you will increase your chances of success and help navigate the interview process with confidence.
Common questions include coding problems, technical concepts, and behavioral questions. Examples include "Create a function to determine the maximum and minimum values in an array" and "Share an experience where you encountered a challenge at work."
Practice coding problems, review key technical concepts, and understand basic algorithms and data structures. Utilize coding platforms and review sample questions.
In a behavioral interview for a software development position, a fresher should expect questions on final-year project experiences, problem-solving abilities, communication, adaptability, and time management. Prepare to discuss how you manage different work situations, utilizing the STAR approach to frame your responses effectively.
Platforms like Nxtwave Lastminute Pro, Interviewing.io, and LeetCode offer mock interview services and practice questions specialized for software developers.
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