LaunchCode is a free education program for software developers. The coding bootcamp and non-profit organization educates students and connects them with employer partners in startups, tech companies, and Fortune 500 companies. LaunchCode focuses on partnering with companies in the Louis, Kansas City, and Miami areas.
There are several things you should know before enrolling in this bootcamp. This article will go over LaunchCode interview questions and how to answer them, so you know what to expect if you choose to apply to this coding bootcamp.
What to Expect in Your LaunchCode Interview
The LaunchCode interview has three main phases. It begins with an online application and an online coding exercise that is completed by answering technical questions. The next part is the behavioral interview. If a candidate passes these three phases, they can be accepted into the program.
LaunchCode Technical Interview
The technical interview includes an aptitude test to assess the applicant’s logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and coding skills. The test takes about an hour to complete and includes coding puzzles. It is critical to complete the coding puzzles because they are necessary for the process.
LaunchCode Behavioral Interview
The behavioral interview is a short interview used to learn more about the applicant. The interviewer will question you about your abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. You may also be asked to discuss your motivation for programming. It mostly covers candid career questions about your tech career.
Is the LaunchCode Interview Hard?
LaunchCode’s in-person interview is not hard for well-prepared applicants. With enough preparation and practice, you should ace the behavioral interview. You will answer basic programming questions for the technical interview, so brushing up on your programming knowledge before the interview will be beneficial.
How Long Does the LaunchCode Interview Process Take?
The behavioral interview for this immersive coding bootcamp lasts approximately one hour and the technical interview lasts 90 minutes. Since there are so many applicants in each cohort, the entire application process can take a few days to a week.
LaunchCode Technical Interview Questions You Should Expect
What steps would you use to handle crashing programs?
This is a common question that will prove to the interviewer that you understand the fundamentals of programming. It also demonstrates your ability to think logically. Describe how to look for bugs and propose a solution when responding to this question. This question will likely come up later when you are looking for a tech job or meeting with potential employers.
Sample Answer
To solve this problem, I look for patterns after running the debugger. If the program crashes while running a command, take note of the command that caused the crash. When I’ve identified the pattern, I think about problem areas and use a code to find the elements that are causing the problem.
Which programming language do you enjoy working with the most?
This response is personal, so you can respond by selecting the programming language that you prefer. Choose the one you are most familiar with, regardless of your skill level. In most cases, choosing a more common language is advantageous.
Sample Answer
There are many excellent programming languages for various purposes, but I prefer Python because it allows me to solve algorithmic problems. My knowledge of Python is still limited, which is why I’ve decided to attend your bootcamp to master it fully.
What process occurs after typing in a website’s URL?
Interviewers may ask this question to determine if you understand basic processing in web development. You can state the entire process to answer the question.
Sample Answer
When you type a URL into your browser, it checks the DNS record as well as the cache to find a corresponding IP address. Next, the browser checks the operating system cache, ISP cache, and router cache.
The DNS server of the ISP initiates a DNS query that finds the server’s IP address. Then, the browser will send an HTTP request to the server, and it will respond by displaying HTML content.
How do you find the maximum chain length of a pair?
The response here should be straightforward. Make sure that you use the correct terminology for systems and elements.
Sample Answer
A good way to do this would be to use a sorting mechanism to sort the pair parameters. The next step involves using a LIS process for element comparison.
How do you start a new project?
To answer this question, emphasize your planning process and other technical skills that demonstrate your ability to be organized.
Sample Answer
When working on any project, I prefer to start with the technical aspects. After that, I consider the features I want to include and how they appear. I also plan each process and work with a timetable. This allows me to stay ahead of schedule.
LaunchCode Non-Technical Interview Questions You Should Expect
How do you ensure that you meet deadlines?
Meeting deadlines is an important part of being a web developer. Interviewers may ask questions to determine if you can handle the workload of the bootcamp program. They need to know that you will work on projects quickly and keep track of other activities.
Sample Answer
I start by reviewing the project and identifying the milestones that must be met. This lets me divide different tasks into phases and better allocate my time. This also helps me meet my objectives and determine whether I am on track. I always complete my projects before the final deadline so that I can deal with any issues or bugs that arise without missing the deadline.
Why do you want to enroll in this bootcamp?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The research you conducted before the interview will come in handy here. Learn more about the bootcamp, why it’s unique, and what drew you to it initially. In some cases, it could be the excellent curriculum, the flexibility, the career support, or a combination of all of these factors.
Sample Answer
I want to enroll in this bootcamp because I have read several bootcamp reviews and LaunchCode is the one that appealed to me most. The teaching method corresponds to my learning preferences and I appreciate that students receive all the assistance they require to succeed in bootcamp and the workforce.
What interests you about programming?
The interviewer may ask this question to understand your motivation for a career in tech. The purpose of this is to determine if you can handle the pressure of the intensive bootcamp. Regardless of the difficulties you face, the right motivation can keep you going.
Sample Answer
I’ve been interested in programming since I was in middle school. I enjoy the creative freedom that comes with developing websites and mobile apps. I’ve always wanted to create a product that changes the way things are done in the tech industry. This is why I have enrolled in several online courses to learn the basics of programming before applying to this bootcamp.
What are your strengths?
This question may be a part of the interview questions because interviewers will want to know about your technical and soft skills. When you describe your strengths, you will also be talking about your attributes and qualities. Furthermore, you must connect these attributes to the program requirements.
Sample Answer
I am a critical thinker who enjoys taking on challenges in any form. I’ve always been good at coming up with creative solutions to problems by thinking critically. This is my greatest strength, and I believe it will come in handy in the data science program I applied for. As a data scientist, critical thinking is a strong suit.
Do you have experience with leading projects?
The interviewer may also want to know about your leadership skills by asking about the personal projects you have led. You do not need to have project management experience before answering this question. It could be the management of a small activity or project that demonstrates your leadership skills and ability to delegate tasks effectively.
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Sample Answer
When I was in high school, I was in charge of organizing a school dance. We didn’t have many resources to work with and we had to come up with creative ways to fundraise. I formed multiple teams and each team met or exceeded its objectives. I was there to communicate with the teams to ensure there were no setbacks. At each dead end, we brainstormed and the dance ended up being a huge success.
What Questions Should I Ask at My LaunchCode Interview?
Answering the questions your interviewer asks is important. However, coming up with useful questions to drive the conversation is also necessary. It’s a good idea to write down any questions you have about the bootcamp. When you’ve finished answering their questions, you can quickly ask yours to demonstrate to the interviewer that you’re serious about the bootcamp.
- What is the tuition cost of the bootcamp?
- Is the program free to attend for all people?
- Who qualifies for the apprenticeship program?
- Will I receive career support like job interview prep after completing the program?
- Does LaunchCode offer a job guarantee?
- What is the teaching style?
- What is the job placement rate?
How to Prepare for the LaunchCode Interview
There are a few things you should do before your LaunchCode interview. Ensure you practice and go over basic programming concepts before the technical interview. Build your confidence by practicing and planning questions to ask the interviewer.
1. Conduct Mock Interviews
It is always a good idea to prepare ahead of time for an interview. Mock interviews with friends, family, or even a mirror can help you gain confidence and reduce anxiety. It may seem like a waste of time, but it is critical in providing you with the confidence you require.
2. Prepare Your Questions
Interviewers often prepare interactive questions because it allows them to get a better feel for your personality. You should not only prepare to answer questions but also to ask questions. You must first research the bootcamp to articulate your questions properly.
3. Do Research
As previously stated, you must spend some time researching the bootcamp and not just because of the questions. It will assist you in making your final decision about enrolling in the bootcamp. You will be able to determine whether the program is flexible enough or not supportive enough.
What Students Have to Say About LaunchCode Interviews
Clair Antoine
Type of interview: Video interview
“The application process to LaunchCode is not difficult. It primarily tests your critical thinking skills and your ability to solve puzzles using logic and the limited information provided.”
How Long Does It Take to Hear Back From LaunchCode After the Interview?
After the interview, it may take a few days to a week to receive a response from the bootcamp. This is most likely because there are several other applications pending. It may take some time to enroll in the bootcamp due to the high level of competition.
What Is the LaunchCode Application Process?
LaunchCode’s admissions process begins with an online application and is followed by an assessment test. The next step is a physical interview, which enables interviewers to ascertain the applicant’s motivation, goals, and reason for applying.
- Apply online
- Write test
- Schedule interview
- Attend behavioral interview
- Get accepted
Am I Ready for the LaunchCode Interview?
You are ready for the LaunchCode interview if you have prepared in advance for it. You need to brush up on the basics of coding, plan questions to ask, and research what the bootcamp offers its students. If you have done all of this, then you are ready for the interview.
LaunchCode Interview Questions FAQ
LaunchCode is not easy to get into. Prospective students must take an aptitude test and participate in a behavioral interview. Those who excel in these interviews have a better chance of being accepted into the program. This may be challenging because only the best students are accepted.
LaunchCode requires a technical interview and behavioral interview. The former takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, whereas the latter can be completed in one hour. Both help the interviewers determine if you are a good fit for the program.
To be accepted into LaunchCode, you must first apply online by filling out a form. You will be required to take a technical assessment once the form has been processed. If you pass this stage, you will be invited to a behavioral interview by the admissions team.
LaunchCode has helped students find positions in a wide variety of tech careers. Those careers could be software developer, software engineer, or data scientist. Students who have been placed in jobs in tech with the help of LaunchCode earn an average salary of $78,000 within two years of being hired.
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