Agile methodology breaks the software development process down into smaller tasks handled by multiple groups on an ongoing basis to allow for flexible additions and changes when needed. The methodology is highly specific, so a candidate interviewing for a position that utilizes the Agile program should be able to provide detailed examples of their past experience. What to look for in an answer:

• Strong knowledge of Agile methodology

• Indication of attention to detail

• Willingness to collaborate with team members

Example:

Asking a potential hire to describe disadvantages to the methodology is a beneficial question in a few ways. First, it can give an employer a good idea of how familiar the applicant is with the program, and it can also provide insight into areas of Agile they may have trouble with if hired. What to look for in an answer:

• Honest dialogue about aspects of Agile that could be improved

• Willingness to learn

• Strong understanding of Agile methodology

Daily stand-up meetings are an important aspect to the Agile methodology protocol, as they allow team members and stakeholders to check in with one another and discuss project details. In most cases, if a potential hire has past experience with Agile, they should be able to easily describe the basics of these meetings in an interview. What to look for in an answer:

• Clear understanding of daily stand-up meetings

• Positivity when talking about working on a team

• Knowledge of Agile protocols

Agile testing utilizes the Agile methodology principles to test software. When an applicant is interviewing for a tester position or any position in which the Agile program is used, how they answer this question should give the interviewer a good idea of their overall knowledge of the entire system. What to look for in an answer:

• Familiarity with Agile testing procedures and principles

• Strong work ethic

• Problem-solving skills

The Agile ACP is a project management certification and ASM stands for Agile Scrum Masters. Scrum is a specific framework used by product developers. Both certifications are helpful indicators of significant training in Agile when employers are looking to hire more experienced developers and managers. What to look for in an answer:

• Detailed descriptions of held certifications

• Clear knowledge of different types of Agile certifications

• Willingness to learn new things

The Scrum framework often goes hand in hand with Agile, so in most cases developers and other IT workers should have some experience with the program. However, certified Scrum Masters may possess the specific Scrum skills and knowledge needed for certain positions, so how a candidate answers this question can give insight into their overall experience and training. What to look for in an answer:

• Detailed explanation of Scrum experience

• Clear knowledge of the Scrum framework

• Willingness to obtain certifications if required

This is a great question to ask potential hires when positions require a strong knowledge of the Agile methodology. Certain components a candidate may mention include Scrum and Agile's Dynamic Systems Development method, and someone with extensive experience should be able to offer detailed descriptions of each component. What to look for in an answer:

• Clear knowledge of the many components in Agile

• Willingness to learn and/or work outside their expertise

• Strong understanding of Agile methodology

Scrum is a process utilized within Agile methodology, whereas Agile is the overall method used in development and testing. While the explanation can be quite complex, an experienced candidate should be able to explain the specific differences in the two processes. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of the Scrum component within Agile

• Moderate experience working with Agile

• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Pair programming is a system in which two programmers share a workstation and work closely with one another to complete projects. This is a good question for employers to ask if the specific job the applicant is interviewing for requires pair programming, or if the employer is looking to implement it in the future. What to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of or experience with pair programming

• Enthusiasm about pair programming

• Adaptable and willing to learn new things if unfamiliar with pair programming

The Agile Manifesto documents several principles utilized in the Agile methodology. How a candidate answers this question can offer insight into their overall knowledge of both the methodology and the goals of Agile's founders, who created the program to streamline the development process. What to look for in an answer:

• Strong work ethic

• Clear understanding of the Agile Manifesto

• Appreciation of team working dynamics