Mastering the Hiring Process: Essential Prescreening Questions for a Full Stack Engineer

What Backend programming Language do you use?

This question will help you understand the candidate's expertise and comfort level with backend programming languages. The response can indicate their knowledge and experience in languages such as Python, Ruby, PHP, Java, .NET, and more.

Can you tell me about some of the challenges you have solved using this programming language?

This allows the candidate to showcase their problem-solving abilities and how they have applied their programming skills to overcome challenges. It also provides insights into their practical experience with the backend language they claim to know.

What JavaScript frameworks do you have experience in?

JavaScript frameworks like Angular, React, Vue.js, and others are essential for full-stack development. Understanding which frameworks the candidate is familiar with can help determine their skill level and potential fit for your project.

How many years have you been using this framework?

Experience matters. The length of time a candidate has spent using a particular JavaScript framework can give you an idea about their proficiency and expertise in it.

Can you tell me a problem you solved while programming JavaScript?

This question allows candidates to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and proficiency with JavaScript. Their response will give you a glimpse of their ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues.

What does SOLID stand for and what does it mean?

SOLID principles are fundamental to good software design. A candidate's familiarity with these principles can indicate their understanding of best practices in software development.

Can you give me an example of how you have built a scalable system and what technologies you used?

Scalability is crucial in today's dynamic tech environment. This question helps you understand a candidate's approach to building scalable systems and their technological choices.

Can you explain your experience with both front-end and back-end development?

As a full-stack engineer, candidates should be comfortable with both front-end and back-end development. Their answer to this question will give you a clearer understanding of their overall full-stack development skills.

What is your experience with databases? Can you explain different types of databases you have worked with?

Understanding databases is a key skill for full-stack engineers. Their response will reveal their knowledge of databases, whether relational, non-relational, or others, and how they have used them.

Do you have experience with cloud computing services such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure?

Cloud computing skills are becoming increasingly important for full-stack engineers. This question will help you gauge their experience with popular cloud platforms.

How do you approach testing in full-stack development?

Testing is a vital part of the development process. A candidate's approach to testing can give you insights into their understanding of quality assurance and their development process.

What experience do you have with API development and integration?

API development and integration are essential skills for a full-stack engineer. This question will allow the candidate to demonstrate their experience and knowledge in this area.

Can you describe a time when you had to optimize a web application for better performance?

Performance optimization is a crucial aspect of creating user-friendly applications. This question will help you understand the candidate's ability to identify performance issues and their approach to resolving them.

What is your experience with DevOps practices and CI/CD processes?

DevOps and CI/CD are important for streamlining development processes. A candidate's experience in this area can indicate their ability to work in a modern development environment.

Have you worked in an Agile environment before? Can you explain your experience?

Agile methodologies are commonly used in software development. Understanding a candidate's experience with Agile can give you insights into their ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

What is your approach to handling security issues in a web application?

Security is a top concern in web development. A candidate's approach to security can reveal their understanding of best practices and how they implement them in their work.

Can you explain a complex project you've worked on and how you managed the full-stack development?

This question allows candidates to demonstrate their project management skills and how they handle full-stack development in complex projects.

Do you have experience with mobile-first or responsive design?

With the growing use of mobile devices, experience with mobile-first or responsive design is a valuable skill for a full-stack engineer. This question will help you assess their ability to develop applications for a variety of devices.

How comfortable are you with creating and maintaining documentation for code and technical processes?

Good documentation is crucial for maintaining code quality and facilitating collaboration. This question will help you gauge the candidate's commitment to keeping their work understandable and accessible to others.

Can you explain a situation where you had to troubleshoot a production issue and how you solved it?

Troubleshooting is a key skill for any engineer. This question will give you insights into the candidate's problem-solving skills and their ability to handle pressure.