Galvanize Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Galvanize is a great bootcamp for anyone who wants to dive into software engineering. The Denver-based coding bootcamp was founded in 2012 and has expanded significantly since then, acquiring several other coding schools, including Hack Reactor. If you are looking to start your career in software engineering by enrolling in a Galvanize program, this article is for you. 

We’ll cover what to expect in the Galvanize interview, including a list of the most common technical and non-technical coding bootcamp interview questions for applicants at Galvanize. We’ll also advise you on how long the Galvanize interview process takes and how to pass the entire admissions process for this coding bootcamp.

What to Expect in Your Galvanize Interview

The Galvanize interview usually comes last, after the online application, first non-technical assessment, and technical assessment. However, not everyone who takes the online assessment automatically qualifies for the entire process. 

If you qualify, you will receive an email informing you. After that, you can schedule an interview with a representative from the admissions office. This interview lasts between 40 minutes and one hour and is usually a combination of technical and non-technical interview questions. 

Galvanize Technical Interview

The Galvanize technical interview is a pair programming session and it could be considered a teaching interview. Over video conferencing, you will be required to write a few lines of codes with a specific purpose. The request may vary, but it is usually completed in JavaScript. The interviewer will review the code with you and then ask you a few technical questions about your code. 

Galvanize Behavioral Interview

The Galvanize behavioral interview is a way for the interviewer to get to know you. The interviewer will ask you fundamental questions about yourself, your past professional experiences, and anything else that will provide insight into the soft skills that will make you an ideal candidate for the tech industry. You will also have a chance to ask the admissions advisor any questions. 

Is the Galvanize Interview Hard?

Yes, the Galvanize interview is hard because it is a vital part of the admissions process. The interview involves a series of technical challenges that are typically passed by people with existing knowledge of software engineering who possess basic programming skills. 

The good news is that every applicant is invited to take the interview prep course provided by Hack Reactor to make it easier for them to pass this stage in the admissions process.

How Long Does the Galvanize Interview Process Take?

The interview process runs for about 40 to 60 minutes over video conferencing. Note that the interview is just one stage of the admissions process and the total time required for the Galvanize admissions process is longer. It’ll take lots of time to get from the Galvanize online application to the final enrollment decision.

The first 15 minutes of the interview are used for a non-technical assessment or an aptitude test, the next 30 to 40 minutes are used for a coding challenge, and the remaining time is used for the technical assessment. 

Galvanize Technical Interview Questions You Should Expect

Why is JavaScript most commonly used with HTML and CSS? 

The interviewer may ask this question to find out if you know the fundamentals of web development before proceeding to the coding challenge. You should mention the specific role of each software when you are answering the question. 

Sample Answer

JavaScript, HTML, and CSS are the building blocks of front end development, equally valued by software engineers. Each one plays a unique role in web development. HTML determines how the content on web pages appears, CSS determines the style, and JavaScript determines the interactivity.

How are JavaScript functions used during software development? 

If you have time, start by explaining what functions are in JavaScript programming before explaining their use case. The coding challenge may involve writing JavaScript functions for a specific purpose. So, the interviewer wants to gauge your knowledge of the subject and your technical skills with JavaScript. 

Sample Answer

Functions are time savers in JavaScript, as they are with many other scripting languages. They allow programmers to define blocks of code, name them, and execute them multiple times. When a function needs to be reused, all you need to do is define it by using the function keyword.

Do you think JavaScript is an ideal technology for game development? 

Again, this question is designed to test the depth of your understanding of JavaScript. The admissions representative wants to know if you are aware of all the use cases of JavaScript beyond website development. 

Sample Answer

Yes, JavaScript is an excellent programming language for game development. However, its efficiency depends on the type of game you want to create. For web-based games, JavaScript can be used. It is ideal for mobile game development as well. The most important thing is that you use the right game engine.

Is Python better than JavaScript? 

If you are asked this question, the interviewer is trying to determine your technical understanding of both JavaScript and Python. Make sure that you do not dismiss either of the programming languages in your definition as they both play indispensable roles in the tech industry.

Sample Answer

Python is not better than JavaScript and neither is JavaScript better than Python. It all depends on what you are trying to make. For example, JavaScript is the more ideal option for adding interactive elements to web-based content while Python is an excellent server-side programming language.

What is client-side vs server-side? 

This question isn’t about your knowledge of Python or JavaScript, it is about your knowledge of programming as a whole. How you answer will give the interviewer insight into your experience level and the best curriculum for you to take during the main program. 

Sample Answer

The client-side, also known as the front end, is the part of the software that users interact with. The form of interaction doesn’t matter as long as the application can receive and execute instructions. Server-side is the part of the application that receives the instructions and works behind the scenes to ensure overall functionality.

Galvanize Non-Technical Interview Questions You Should Expect

Do you plan to build a career in software engineering long-term?

Galvanize has the vision to bridge the skills gap in the technology industry, creating skilled software engineers by providing fast-paced education and career services to people who want to dive into tech full-time. This question is used to determine if attending a bootcamp is your new hobby or a vital career-altering decision. 

Sample Answer

Yes, my primary goal for applying is to boost the fundamental knowledge I already have in tech and build a successful career. It is not just a phase. I want to begin my lifelong tech journey and experience career growth through education at Galvanize. 

How much experience do you have with programming? 

Galvanize may have bootcamp prep courses for its software engineering program but the bootcamp is not designed for beginners. This question is used to determine if you have the required prior tech experience and programming skills necessary to start the program. 

Sample Answer

I have been writing simple code for the last three years but I have never had the knowledge or advanced programming skills required to make complex applications, although I have made numerous attempts at doing so. To fuel my passion, I have decided to take a bold step and invest in my education with this exciting opportunity.

How do you intend to pay for the bootcamp?

Financial questions are always touchy subjects but you should never be afraid to answer them during your interview. The advisor wants to know if you intend to pay out of pocket, opt for deferred tuition, or consider loan financing. They simply want to know your financial plan regarding the bootcamp and possibly offer financial advice if you are unsure.

Sample Answer

I intend to opt for the deferred tuition payment plan because I believe that it offers the most value for my money. It also acts as a significant incentive, driving me to work hard in my program and get the best tech job possible after I graduate.

Are you currently employed and do you intend to keep your job during the program? 

This question is used to determine your time management and organizational skills. If you are enrolling in the full-time program, the interviewer will want to know how you intend to meet the rigorous hours of the bootcamp while you work in your current role. 

Sample Answer

I am currently self-employed as a freelance writer so I have significant control over my time. I will cut down on my working hours so I can devote more time and effort to seeing the program through.

What is your greatest weakness? 

When you are answering this question, it is important that you do not give the interviewer any reason not to trust you as an ideal candidate for the bootcamp program. Look for one of your strengths and present it as a weakness without appearing conceited. If possible, include an example of how you are working to get past your weaknesses. 

Sample Answer

My greatest weakness is that I pay too much attention to detail the entire time I’m working on a project. I don’t know how to let things go until everything is just right. Sometimes, this makes me less cautious of the time restraints during collaborative projects.

What Questions Should I Ask at My Galvanize Interview?

During the video interview, you will be free to ask the interviewer questions, making the interview helpful for both parties. Apart from questions regarding the technical assessment at the time, you will have a chance to ask any other questions about the program. Some sample questions are listed below. 

• I noticed that the Galvanize curriculum is provided by Hack Reactor, how does this affect my certificate of completion? 
• Does this program offer a job guarantee?
• What are my options if I do not get a job after the first 12 months of graduation? 
• What type of job role can I expect to have, following my bootcamp graduation?
• What is the current teaching method followed by instructors? 
• If I do not meet the requirements for graduation, do I need to start from scratch? 
• What is the student to instructor ratio in each class? 

How to Prepare for the Galvanize Interview

To prepare for the Galvanize interview, you need to take advantage of all the online resources at your disposal. The interview is an extensive, longwinded process, and there are a series of tests you must pass if you want to become one of Galvanize’s future students. 

1. Take the Free or Premium Prep Course

Galvanize has free and premium prep courses for prospective students. Beginners are advised to take the free bootcamp prep course before the interview so they can prepare for the JavaScript challenge. If you opt for the $250 premium prep course, you will get a structured curriculum and real-time support from Galvanize. You will also enjoy a tuition discount if you are accepted. 

2. Display Grit 

When you display grit, you have the courage to show your strength of character. You also have passion and you are ready to persevere and jump on any advancement opportunities, regardless of obstacles you might face during the program. Galvanize has a rigorous curriculum and the admissions team does not want to admit students who aren’t going to graduate on time. 

3. Showcase Your Soft Skills 

Apart from courage, perseverance, and passion, you also need to show the interviewer that you have excellent problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. Collaboration is especially important since you will be completing several projects with groups. It is also an excellent skill for anyone who wants to launch a successful career in the tech industry. 

What Students Have to Say About Galvanize Interviews

Anonymous 

Type of interview: Video interview

“My enrollment advisor is Cait. She supported me for almost a year as I worked to learn something I never thought I could do. Cait stood by me and didn’t give up on me when I almost did myself. She kept checking on me and encouraging me. I am thankful to have had her as my advisor.”

Anonymous 

Type of interview: Video interview 

“Galvanize was a horrible experience. After signing up for the “premium prep” which is $300 they string you along and tell you how good you are doing, then make you take an admissions assessment. You are only allowed to take the assessment 3 times so it was beyond stressful. At the end of the experience, I was still told I needed to ‘study more’.”

How Long Does It Take to Hear Back From Galvanize After the Interview?

Galvanize usually makes the final decision about three days after the technical interview has been completed. Those who are accepted into the program will be invited for a final in-person or video conversation with a representative of the school. This final meeting is more like a welcome conversation designed to help you get started with Galvanize. 

What Is the Galvanize Application Process?

Galvanize has a long and relatively difficult application process. To stand a chance at getting into the bootcamp, you need to follow the required steps and pass each technical admission assessment. Below is a list of the stages. 

1. Submit an online application. 
2. Take the first aptitude test. 
3. Take the second aptitude test. 
4. Take the coding challenge. 
5. Schedule and complete the technical questions. 
6. Attend the onsite interview and video welcome session with a technical mentor. 

Am I Ready for the Galvanize Interview?

Yes, if you have a fundamental knowledge of software engineering with JavaScript and you know what to expect from the non-technical and technical admission assessment, you are ready for the Galvanize interview. 

Just make sure you speak confidently during the rounds of interviews and show the interviewer that you have the passion and programming skills required to earn a decent salary in the technology industry. 

Galvanize Interview Questions FAQ