Essential Prescreening Questions to Ask a Mobile Developer in an Interview Process

What mobile platforms are you experienced in developing for?

This is an essential question as it determines if the developer has the perfect skill set for your project. An ideal candidate will be experienced in developing for platforms such as iOS and Android and be skilled in using platform specific tools and languages.

Can you describe your familiarity with programming languages such as Swift, Java, or Kotlin?

A developer's expertise in fundamental programming languages is critical. Notably, Swift is frequently used for iOS app development, while Java and Kotlin are popular choices for Android app development.

Do you have experience with cross-platform mobile app development tools like React Native or Flutter?

Cross-platform app development tools are increasingly popular due to their ability to enable developers to use a single codebase for building apps for multiple platforms. The most common tools are React Native and Flutter, tools supported by Facebook and Google, respectively.

How do you approach testing when it comes to mobile application development?

Testing is a key step in mobile app development to ensure it performs well and provides a sound user experience. The developer's approach to testing can show how they ensure the developed app is bug-free and ready for its users.

Have you ever had an app published in either Google Play Store or Apple App Store? If yes, can you provide the links?

Having an app in the store shows the developer's experience with an app's final step: distribution. If they have links to any live apps, you can review them to assess their work.

Can you share your process for troubleshooting a problematic application?

This question zeroes in on the developer's problem-solving skills. Their approach to handling and resolving app issues can reveal how effective they are at debugging and maintaining apps.

Can you share any examples of apps where you made significant contributions?

By asking for examples of their work, you're able to gauge their skill level first hand. Their contributions can give you a fair view of their technical abilities and problem-solving skills.

Do you have experience with APIs and can you integrate them into an app?

APIs allow different software to interact and are critical when building dynamic Android and iOS apps. Developers should know how to use APIs — it's a feature that can make or break the app's functionality.

Can you outline your experience with mobile UI/UX design?

In addition to technical skills, a mobile app requires an engaging and navigable user interface. This question checks their experience in the design and user experience aspects of mobile app development.

How do you handle outdated app versions on different devices?

This critical query reveals how the candidate manages backward compatibility, which can be a major concern as standard operating systems are frequently updated.

Could you explain a time where you had to develop a mobile application under tight deadlines?

This question can tell you a lot about how the developer handles pressure and tight deadlines. Can they maintain the same level of quality, or does it degrade under strain? Their answers will provide insight into their efficiency and stress management skills.

Are you familiar with Agile or Scrum development methodologies?

Agile and Scrum are popular methodologies followed in most modern software development projects. Developers practicing these methodologies often produce high-quality work while maintaining flexibility to address changing requirements.

Do you have experience in using source control systems like Git?

Source control systems like Git are a crucial part of software development these days. They help manage code and track changes in a collaborative and efficient way.

What’s your approach to securing data in mobile applications?

Data security is a top concern in any application today. This question tonus on how the developer ensures the user's data is safe and secure.

How would you ensure the best possible performance, quality, and responsiveness of the mobile application?

This question covers the critical points of performance optimization, and how the developer ensures that the app has the best possible response time, functionality and quality.

Do you have experience working with mobile databases? If so, which ones?

This question gives you insight into the developer's experience with databases on the mobile platform. A comprehensive understanding of how to work with databases such as SQLite, Realm or CoreData is essential for app developers.

How do you keep your technology skills current?

Technology is always evolving, so it's critical to understand how the developer stays up to date. Regularly updating their skills guarantees they'll be up to speed with the latest development practices and technologies.

Do you have experience in developing applications with payment functionalities?

If your application requires payment functionalities, it's crucial to know how familiar they are with payment gateway integration. This question should lead to discussing their experience in integrating popular gateways like Stripe, PayPal, or Braintree.

Can you explain how you handle changes in project requirements?

This question helps gauge the candidate's flexibility and their ability to adapt to changes and maintain efficiency throughout the development process.

What steps would you take to diagnose and fix an app crashing issue?

Crashes are common problems in app development. This question can provide insight into their troubleshooting skills and how they respond to crisis situations.