Hack Reactor Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Hack Reactor has been around since 2012 and has gained a reputation as one of the best coding bootcamps for aspiring software engineers. In 2018, the bootcamp was acquired by Galvanize, another reputable bootcamp in the industry. The acquisition allowed both companies to combine their efforts while working towards the same goal. 

Hack Reactor is an exclusive bootcamp that has an acceptance rate of just three percent, making it incredibly hard for people to get admitted. To qualify, you will need to ace the Hack Reactor coding bootcamp interview as part of the admissions process. This article is your complete guide for preparing to answer Hack Reactor interview questions. 

What to Expect in Your Hack Reactor Interview

Hack Reactor has a 60-minute interview that is divided into different sections. The first few minutes of the interview are an introduction to break the ice. During this part, the interviewer will tell you what to expect. This is followed by a technical interview and wrapped up in a question and answer section. 

Hack Reactor Technical Interview

The technical interview is based on JavaScript so you need a fundamental knowledge of the programming language. You will receive a series of questions and coding tasks that need to be completed in real-time over 20 to 40 minutes. When you finish displaying your technical skills, you and the interviewer will discuss the results of your code over video conferencing. 

Hack Reactor Behavioral Interview

The behavioral interview is more of a question and answer section that comes after the technical tests. The goal of this interview is to test your problem-solving, communication, and other soft skills. You should learn the most important types of soft skills for software developers and use this knowledge to prepare for your interview. 

Is the Hack Reactor Interview Hard?

Yes, Hack Reactor’s interview process is hard because of the series of technical challenges you will have to pass to get admitted. While students without advanced coding knowledge are given fewer technical coding tasks, they still have to write lines of code. Also, the software engineering bootcamp is very selective of its students, so the competition is tough.

How Long Does the Hack Reactor Interview Process Take?

The interview process takes about one hour but you could finish in a shorter period of time if you complete the coding challenges quickly. The interview is divided into three parts with the bulk of the time dedicated to the programming part. All of Hack Reactor’s bootcamp interview questions take place over video conferencing.

Hack Reactor Technical Interview Questions You Should Expect

What Are Functions in JavaScript? 

Almost the entire technical interview section will be based on JavaScript so the interviewer will want to know if you understand the concept of functions for writing clean code blocks. This question is typically reserved for applicants who state that they are beginners with little experience. 

Sample Answer

Functions in JavaScript are blocks of code developed to perform specific tasks in a program. Functions can only be executed when they are invoked by something. When used properly, functions play key roles in the overall user experience of the software and they can be reused multiple times. 

Define JavaScript Objects 

Objects are basic concepts in JavaScript that everyone with some fundamental knowledge should know. If you have enough time and you get this question after getting a question about JavaScript functions, make sure you state the difference between both. It shows the interviewer that you have intermediate-level programming experience. 

Sample Answer

A JavaScript object is a standalone entity with unique properties and types. It can contain many values at a time and is usually used as storage for complex entities and related collections of data. JavaScript objects play a different role than functions. 

Would You Say JavaScript Syntax Is Important? 

This is a trick question. The interviewer asks this question in an attempt to rattle you and see if you will make a mistake. If you do not understand the basics of JavaScript, you are going to answer this incorrectly. If you do understand, make sure you answer the question with an example of what a JavaScript syntax looks like. 

Sample Answer

Yes, syntax is an important part of JavaScript since it is a set of rules that determine how JavaScript programs should be constructed. While JavaScript syntax visually looks like the syntax of C programming languages, it is vital to note that the underlying mechanisms are completely different. 

What Is JavaScript Used for in Web Development? 

This is one of the easiest questions you may be asked during the interview process. Since you already know that JavaScript is the primary programming language used to teach at Hack Reactor, you will be expected to know exactly what it is. Besides, Hack Reactor has an entire blog post that you will likely come across in your research that breaks down JavaScript.  

Sample Answer

JavaScript is a text-based programming language that is most popularly used for web development. It helps developers create dynamic pages and add interactive actions to web pages and web-based applications. It can be used for both server-side and client-side software development. 

What Would You Like to Build with Me During the Pair Programming Section? 

The interviewer wants to know if you have any burning ideas that you are comfortable building. In most cases, your idea may not be your final pair programming assignment but it is important that you make some suggestions anyway. Make sure you suggest simple projects that can be completed within a few minutes. 

Sample Answer

I think I would love to write a model simulator of our solar system with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. I shouldn’t need more than 500 lines of code to complete this project and I feel like it is something that I can finish within the required time. 

Hack Reactor Non-Technical Interview Questions You Should Expect

Would You Say You Are Passionate About Coding? 

Every bootcamp, including Hack Reactor, wants the most passionate applicants to get the opportunity. You need to make sure that your reply reflects your passion and that you speak from your heart. Besides, without passion, there is no way you will be able to complete the rigorous program, and Hack Reactor doesn’t want dropouts. 

Sample Answer

I am passionate about coding and if there was another word I could use to describe how I feel I would. For me, coding is a way of life, not just a career path. For many years, I have had a natural inclination toward technology, specifically coding. 

What Plans Have You Made to Create Time for the Rigorous Curriculum? 

If you are applying for the 12-week full-time immersive software engineering program, you will need to make significant changes to your daily schedule. The interviewer understands the intensity of this program and they want to know if you understand that sacrifices must be made. 

Sample Answer

I used to have two jobs but I quit one and adjusted my schedule for the second one so that I would have enough time to commit to Hack Reactor. I understand that devoting up to 60 hours weekly to class lessons and at least 10 hours to coding assignments isn’t a task to be taken lightly.

Do You Have Any Money Saved? 

The tuition at Hack Reactor costs almost $18,000 which is a lot of money for an upfront payment. No matter which of the payment options you choose, you will need to have money saved up. Even if you opt for deferred tuition, Hack Reactor still wants to know that you have money saved up to make the necessary payments. 

Sample Answer

Yes, I have some money saved up to pay for my living expenses during the 12 weeks of the program and at least three months after that. I have been planning this for months. 

If You Weren’t Currently Pursuing a Career in Coding, What Else Would You Be Doing? 

The interviewer asks this question to find out if you have any other technological interests. These days, having more than one tech skill can significantly improve your marketability as you launch your career in tech. So, do not be afraid to tell the interviewer your interests and career goals. 

Sample Answer

Because of my natural leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, I have always believed that I would thrive in technical project management. I took a few project management courses online and they felt right. So, if I was not currently chasing a career in software development, I’d be chasing one in project management. 

Do You Have Any Questions? 

This question is usually asked at the beginning of the question and answer section of the interview. Make sure you have a list of some of the most pressing questions you want to ask the interviewer before the scheduled call. This is also a perfect opportunity to showcase your communication skills.

Sample Answer

I have a few questions but I would like to start by getting some clarity about the deferred tuition option. On the official website, it is stated that I can pay $0 until I am hired. Does this mean that I do not have to make any payments if I do not get an industry-specific role?

What Questions Should I Ask at My Hack Reactor Interview?

You will have an opportunity to ask any question you want during the question and answer section. Make sure that the questions you ask are relevant. Do not ask obvious questions like tuition cost or duration since the details are clearly stated on the website. Some important questions you can ask are listed below. 

• What are the teaching methods and general approaches to teaching? 
• Will I still have access to career services even if I have launched my career in software engineering? 
• Can you tell me about the professional qualifications of the instructors? 
• If I complete the program but do not pass the final graduation requirement, what are my options? 
• Will I have exclusive rights to my project portfolio as a beginner programmer? 

How to Prepare for the Hack Reactor Interview

Hack Reactor has an entire page for interview prep. The page contains step-by-step details about the process. Some key details from the post are listed below. 

1. Take an Online JavaScript Course 

Before the bootcamp interview, make sure that your knowledge of JavaScript is up to date by taking online courses. Depending on how much knowledge you currently have, you may take either beginner, intermediate, or advanced JavaScript courses. 

Udemy has a rich collection of JavaScript courses. Some are free while others are less than $100. You can also take the online Hack Reactor Prep Program which costs $250.

2. Don’t Give Up 

For each part of the technical challenge you complete, you will be awarded points. The further along you get for each challenge, the more points you will get. This system reflects grit and shows the interviewer that you will be willing to push forward irrespective of how rigorous the bootcamp program becomes.

3. Boldly Ask Questions 

Every aspect of the Hack Reactor interview process is interactive. This means that you will have a direct line to your interviewer throughout the interview. You should not shy away from asking questions when you are confused about a particular challenge. You may also ask questions about what happens after you have been admitted. 

How Long Does It Take to Hear Back from Hack Reactor After the Interview?

You should hear back from the Hack Reactor admissions team within 10 days after completing the interview. If you qualify for enrollment, you will receive an email welcoming you to Hack Reactor and instructions on the next steps. You can start the program after filling out financial information or picking a payment plan. 

What Is the Hack Reactor Application Process?

The Hack Reactor application process is organized into steps. However, you will face the most difficulty during the technical parts of the process. The steps below summarize the entire process. 

1. Visit the official website to start the online application.
2. Complete the online coding challenge. It is usually the same challenge for every student. 
3. If you pass the online challenge, you will be invited to schedule an interview. 
4. Complete the technical and non-technical interviews. 
5. Complete the enrollment process to start taking classes. 

Am I Ready for the Hack Reactor Interview?

Yes, if you understand more than just basic programming concepts you are ready for an interview. You must know JavaScript and related technologies. Without this background, you may not pass the interview at Hack Reactor. Now that you have a glimpse of the kind of questions to expect, you are even better prepared. 

Hack Reactor Interview Questions FAQs