20 Essential Prescreening Questions to Ask When Hiring an iOS Developer

Tell us about yourself and something specific about your career that you are most proud of.

This question is essential because it allows the candidate to share their personal journey and achievements. It also gives an insight into what they consider their most significant career accomplishment so far.

Where do you reside?

Although remote working has become more prevalent, knowing where the candidate is based can still be important for logistical reasons.

What is your notice period in days?

This question is crucial in planning the transition period and estimating when the candidate will be available to join your team.

What is your experience with iOS development?

Here, the candidate can share their knowledge and skills in iOS development. They can also mention the various projects they have worked on, giving you an idea of their practical experience.

Are you familiar with Objective-C or Swift?

Objective-C and Swift are the primary languages used for iOS development. Information about the candidate's proficiency in these languages is crucial.

What types of iOS applications have you developed in the past?

This question allows the candidate to discuss the range of applications they have developed, emphasizing their versatility and experience.

What is your experience with Xcode?

Xcode is Apple's IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for developing iOS applications. A candidate's familiarity with Xcode is essential for iOS development.

Can you explain your experience with iOS frameworks such as UIKit, Core Data, Core Animation, etc.?

Each iOS framework has a unique function, and knowing how a candidate has used these frameworks can provide insight into their capabilities and experience.

Do you understand how to use Git for version control?

Version control is a critical aspect of software development. Understanding a candidate’s experience with Git can show their ability to work in a collaborative environment.

What is your process for testing and debugging iOS applications?

This question can help you understand a candidate's approach to problem-solving and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for any software developer.

Can you explain the differences between Objective-C and Swift?

Understanding the differences between the two primary languages used in iOS development is important. A candidate's ability to explain these differences can demonstrate their depth of knowledge.

Are you familiar with Apple's design principles and interface guidelines?

A good iOS developer will be familiar with Apple's design philosophy. This understanding ensures that the apps they create will be user-friendly and meet Apple's standards.

Can you describe your experience with multithreading in iOS?

Multithreading is a crucial aspect of iOS development that affects an application's performance. A candidate's experience with multithreading can be a strong indicator of their technical skills.

What is your experience with third-party libraries and APIs?

Third-party libraries and APIs can significantly enhance an application's functionality. An iOS developer's experience with these tools can show their ability to incorporate external resources into their projects.

Can you explain how you optimize memory management in iOS?

Memory management is crucial for the performance of an iOS application. An efficient iOS developer will know how to optimize memory usage to ensure smooth application operation.

Have you ever had to work within the constraints of App Store's review guidelines?

The App Store has strict guidelines for application submission and updates. A candidate's experience navigating these guidelines is a testament to their adaptability and compliance.

What is your understanding of push notifications in iOS?

An iOS developer's understanding of push notifications can be critical, especially for apps that rely heavily on user engagement and interaction.

Do you have experience with secure coding and handling sensitive user data?

Security is a major concern in app development. A candidate's experience with secure coding practices and handling sensitive data is a vital consideration.

Are you comfortable working with a team and using project management tools?

Teamwork and project management are essential in software development. A candidate's comfort level with these aspects can indicate their ability to work effectively within your team.

Can you describe a challenging problem you faced during iOS development and how you solved it?

This question provides an opportunity for the candidate to showcase their problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to handle challenges during the development process.