Ironhack is an in-person and online coding bootcamp that offers training to students interested in breaking into the tech industry. Students learn what they need to become cyber security experts, web developers, data analysts, or UX designers.
To get into this bootcamp, you need to go through the application process. This guide will highlight Ironhack interview questions and how to answer them to ease your application process. You will also learn what to expect during the Ironhack interview and how long the interview process will take.
What to Expect in Your Ironhack Interview
Ironhack has both technical and behavioral interviews. You will be required to fill in an application form online and then partake in a personal interview. This behavioral interview helps the interviewer get to know you better and check your suitability for the program. The process ends with a technical assessment to gauge your capacity for learning the chosen topic.
Ironhack Technical Interview
The technical assessment from Ironhack comes after a behavioral interview. It helps interviewers test your logic skills as well as your understanding of basic concepts in your chosen track. This assessment also allows bootcamps to find prospective students who are willing to put in the extra effort to succeed in one of its programs.
Ironhack Behavioral Interview
The behavioral interview or personal interview is used to get to know the applicant. The interviewer will ask some common questions to get the applicant to talk about their skills, personality, and previous experience. It lets them know if the applicant has the right attitude to succeed in an intensive program.
Is the Ironhack Interview Hard?
Ironhack interviews may be hard for applicants who are not well prepared. The behavioral interview is an easy one, but you may be caught off guard if you do not anticipate and prepare for certain questions beforehand. The same applies to the technical assessment. It covers some basic concepts, so it is wise to go over the basics before taking the assessment.
How Long Does the Ironhack Interview Process Take?
The general application process of Ironhack can take around 10 to 15 days to be completed because there are three main stages and two interviews. After writing the main application, you will be contacted for the first behavioral interview and then scheduled for a technical interview.
Ironhack Technical Interview Questions You Should Expect
Is an array a data type?
This question is a common entry question for technical interviews. You can answer it by defining what an array is. This question is designed to measure your understanding of basic JavaScript concepts.
Sample Answer
An array isn’t a data type, but rather a built-in global project of JavaScript. There are many other global objects such as error, date, and promise. Arrays have some functionality built into the programming language, which is what makes them unique.
Explain immutability.
With this question, the interviewers are further assessing your technical background and specifically your understanding of the programming language JavaScript. To answer this question, simply define immutability in your own words.
Sample Answer
Something mutable is subject to alteration and change. The word is used to refer to values that can change state over time. Objects are mutable. An immutable value is something that has been created and cannot change. A good example of immutable value is primitive values in JavaScript.
Is JavaScript considered an object oriented programming language?
This is a trick question to see if you understand the basics of object oriented programming. To answer, you can explain what JavaScript is and whether it is an object oriented language or not.
Sample Answer
JavaScript is known as a multi-paradigm language and this means that it supports different programming styles like object oriented, functional, and event-driven. In other words, JavaScript is an object oriented programming language, but that is not all it is. It is also functional.
What are the differences between declarative and imperative programming?
This question is designed to test your understanding of different types of programming models. The best way to state the differences between declarative and imperative programming is to define both clearly and then state the key difference between the two.
Sample Answer
Imperative programming is a kind of programming paradigm responsible for describing how a program executes. Declarative programming is one that describes the programs to be executed. The difference between both is that the former describes the execution process while the latter describes the ones to be executed.
What is the difference between a function expression and a function declaration?
This question defines your understanding of subtle differences between JavaScript terms. You can choose to define both terms to answer the question or go straight to the point.
Sample Answer
A key difference is that function declarations are executed no matter where they are written in the code, while function expressions can only be used from the moment they are written onwards. Also, function declarations are written as a separate statement in the main code flow, while function expressions can be embedded inside another syntax construct.
Ironhack Non-Technical Interview Questions You Should Expect
What are your career goals?
This question is a common behavioral question that helps interviewers understand your plans for the program. They also use the information to check if your goals align with the bootcamp’s offerings. To answer this question properly, be sure to highlight your long-term and short-term career goals.
Sample Answer
My short-term goal is to master Bootstrap and other tools for programming. My long-term career goal, however, is to get a job in tech as a web developer. This is one of the reasons why I chose the web development bootcamp. I am certain that I can learn the skills I need to pursue my career path.
Do you prefer to work on projects independently or work with a team?
In the tech field, programmers often work with one another and other professionals. Bootcamp interviewers may ask this question to know your thoughts on collaboration. In the same vein, it shows them that you can also work well on your own. So while answering the question, try to incorporate both sides of the coin.
Sample Answer
The project I am working on will determine the best option. However, I love to work with other developers and professionals when building large projects. It eases the entire process and I can learn new things that I may never learn elsewhere. However, if it is a smaller project, then I can work independently and get it done on time.
How much coding experience do you have?
Some bootcamps teach students from scratch while others may start at an intermediate level. This is why the interviewer will want to know where you stand. Answer it honestly so they can advise you on the best intensive program for your skill level. If you have some knowledge of coding, mention the programming languages you have used and talk about the other skills you want to learn.
Sample Answer
I don’t have a lot of hands-on experience in coding. However, I enrolled in an introductory coding course online. So I am familiar with some concepts in JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. Earlier this year, I started learning to use Python. I intend to learn more so I can become a full stack developer.
What motivated you to pursue a career in coding?
Interviewers ask this question to understand your inspiration and motivation for coding. It will help them to determine if you’re learning for the right reasons. They want to hear about how passionate you are when it comes to coding.
Sample Answer
My love for coding has been there since I was a kid. I have been fascinated with mobile apps for as long as I can remember and I always wanted to build my own. In middle school, I was already working with HTML. I used to create profiles and design layouts for friends. I intend to learn new programming languages and techniques to fully achieve my goal.
Tell me about a project you have worked on in the past.
Interviewers also use this question to determine your skill level and work experience. To answer, you can highlight a project you were part of and discuss what you learned working on it. You can also talk about what it meant to you.
Sample Answer
A few years ago, I worked with web developers as an intern to build an interactive app for children. The app was successful and had thousands of downloads. I was happy I was a part of the project because I always wanted to do something to impact the lives of children. I also got to master some basic Python skills which I intend to build on in your bootcamp.
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What Questions Should I Ask at My Ironhack Interview?
For any interview, not just at Ironhack, you need to be able to ask questions after answering a few yourself. This helps you decide if Ironhack is right for you. It also shows the interviewer that you are interested in the program and have taken some time to research the bootcamp. Some questions you could ask are listed below.
- Do you offer bootcamp scholarships?
- What is the current acceptance rate of the bootcamp?
- What is the graduation rate of the bootcamp?
- What type of students are accepted at the bootcamp?
- Does the bootcamp provide one-on-one mentorship?
- What career support services does the bootcamp offer?
How to Prepare for the Ironhack Interview
The first thing you need to do to prepare for an Ironhack interview is to brush up on the basics. Your technical skills will come in handy so you need to sharpen them. Start by practicing for the interview. You can get a friend to rehearse with. Next, listen and ask questions and research.
1. Practice Interviewing
Knowing the potential questions to expect is not enough. You also need to practice and build your confidence. Without practice, you could be nervous and forget everything you learned. It helps to ask a family member or friend to practice before the interview. Using some of the interview questions above will help you to get a good idea of what to expect.
2. Listen and Ask Questions
Don’t focus on answering questions alone, you need to also master the art of listening. If you do not pay attention, your response may not cover the question asked. While practicing, be sure to take time to listen and answer the questions fully.
You also need to be prepared to ask questions. Make it more of a conversation and not a one-sided meeting. It helps you to build a relationship with your interviewer and showcase your unique personality.
3. Research
Before the interview, you should also research the bootcamp. This will help you to understand how to answer some of the questions. It allows you to tailor your answers to the bootcamp’s offerings. Find out about the teaching style and flexibility of the program. This will help you to determine if you can work during the program.
What Students Have to Say About Ironhack Interviews
Alvin Sewram
Type of interview: Video interview
“The experience prior to the course in finding a job was amazing. We had the full support of our career coach for any questions, or doubts we may have had during the application and interviewing process. Without this, I would not have had nearly as much confidence entering a career field that was completely foreign to me.”
How Long Does It Take to Hear Back From Ironhack After the Interview?
After the interview, it can take a few days to hear back from the interviewers. The entire process is in three stages. It starts with the written application to the first behavioral interview. If you make a good impression, you could be called back for the second technical interview. Everything should be completed in 10 to 15 days.
What Is the Ironhack Application Process?
Ironhack’s admissions process starts with an online application on the website. You need to fill out this form and submit it. An admissions team member will contact you with further information about the behavioral interview. When that is done, you will be guided on how to finish the second technical interview.
- Apply online
- Schedule date for behavioral interview
- First interview
- Second interview
- Prework
Am I Ready for the Ironhack Interview?
If you have prepared potential questions for your behavioral and technical interviews at Ironhack, then you are ready for it. It is important to practice as it builds your confidence levels. It may also be necessary to prepare questions for your interviewer to make it more of a discussion and to develop a relationship with the person.
Ironhack Interview Questions FAQ
Ironhack requires two main interviews before prospective students can be accepted into the cohort. One is a behavioral interview to get to know the applicant while the other is a technical interview to test their technical skills.
To get into Ironhack, you need to fill out an online application first. When this is done, you will take part in a behavioral interview. If you pass this interview stage, you will be required to take another technical interview to check your logic skills.
Yes. Ironhack offers career services to its students, including a career coach and job search help. Ironhack alumni work at major companies like Google, Twitter, Visa, and The BBC.
Some common questions to expect at your Ironhack interview include your motivation or inspiration for the program, your collaboration skills, your interpersonal skills, and your knowledge of coding. It helps to master the basic concepts of your chosen track.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
