Springboard is an excellent place to learn various tech skills to break into the coding industry. The bootcamp prepares its students for careers as data engineers, UX designers, software engineers, data scientists, and machine learning engineers.
To get into the bootcamp, you need to take part in an interview. This guide will discuss what to expect in the Springboard interview, including common coding bootcamp interview questions and how to answer them. Keep reading for interview tips to ace your Springboard interview.
What to Expect in Your Springboard Interview
Springboard has a behavioral interview for its prospective students. In this guide, the software engineering interview will be the focus. This bootcamp also has a technical interview in the form of a skills survey. All it takes for you to begin the admissions process is to fill out the application form online and you’ll be contacted by the school if you are a good fit and ready for the program.
Springboard Technical Interview
The technical interview is mostly a skills survey that Springboard uses to assess your programming skills and check if you understand basic technical concepts. The software engineering program involves a programming challenge to see how you would solve problems that come your way in the field and gauge your experience in software engineering.
This guide will highlight Springboard interview questions, which may include machine learning interview questions, statistics interview questions, and questions about fluid website design, responsive design, and conditional probabilities. You may also be asked about deep learning and content delivery network-related concepts.
Springboard Behavioral Interview
This interview is used to get to know the applicant. It could be about different topics such as whether you’re a cultural fit, your personality, and your problem-solving skills. The questions cover communication and technical skills and can allow interviewers to determine if a student will thrive in a technical field and if they’re pursuing a suitable career track.
Is the Springboard Interview Hard?
The Springboard interview is not hard for people who come prepared and remain calm, even when faced with a tricky question. The skills survey focuses on basic concepts in coding and data science, depending on the track you have chosen. The behavioral interview can also be simple if you prepare ahead of time. It’s also helpful for you to understand if Springboard is the right bootcamp for you.
How Long Does the Springboard Interview Process Take?
The Springboard interview process may take up to three weeks in some cases. This is mainly because there are a lot of steps and many people applying. After submitting an online application, it may take you a few days to get a response and be scheduled for an interview.
The bootcamp also gives you time to work on the skills survey and all these activities take time. You are welcome to send Springboard a follow-up email if you haven’t received a timely response.
Springboard Technical Interview Questions You Should Expect
What is computer programming?
This is one of the common questions to expect in a technical bootcamp interview. This simple question helps determine if you understand the basic concept of programming. The answer should be straightforward.
Sample Answer
Computer programming is also called coding and it involves writing codes to instruct a computer software or program on how to act. It also includes other processes like maintenance, debugging, writing, updating, and designing.
When does a syntax error occur?
This is also a simple technical question for those with basic knowledge of coding. To answer, you can simply state when syntax errors occur and how they are detected. You could also discuss a time when you experienced a syntax error and how you resolved it.
Sample Answer
Syntax errors occur when a program violates some grammatical rules of a programming language. Such errors are often detected during compile time or when the compiler tries to translate the program.
When does a runtime error occur?
To answer this question, you need to define what a runtime error is and also mention when it happens. You can talk or write about what happens to the computer when a runtime error occurs.
Sample Answer
A runtime error is an error that pops up after a program is executed. It occurs when a program directs a computer to run illegal operations like dividing one number by zero. If a runtime error occurs, a computer will stop the program execution. Next, it will help locate the error by displaying a diagnostic message.
What is a modeling language?
This is another basic question that could likely come up during your Springboard interview. To answer, define the modeling language in the simplest terms. If you have relevant hands-on experience with using a modeling language, you can describe that.
Sample Answer
A modeling language is also called an artificial language and it is used to express information. This language can either be graphical or textual.
What is documentation?
As a software engineer, you will hear the term documentation a lot in your career. It is one of the basic concepts you should understand before applying for a bootcamp program at Springboard.
Sample Answer
Documentation is a description of the design, algorithm, coding method, proper usage, and testing of a program. Documentation is practical for users who work with the program daily as well as the programmer responsible for updating and modifying it.
Springboard Non-Technical Interview Questions You Should Expect
Have you ever failed a team project? How did you overcome it?
The interviewer will likely ask this question to see how you cope with failure. To answer the question, be honest and let them know how you learned from the particular event. Be objective in your answer.
Sample Answer
I once participated in a graphic design group project at school. We worked hard on the project and had a lot of amazing ideas. Sadly we did not receive a high grade. We believed that it was a minor setback and worked harder on the next graphic design project. I learned that things can go wrong even if you work hard, but that should not stop you from persevering.
How do you handle challenging situations?
The interviewer may ask this question to determine how you would handle challenging situations when you join the bootcamp cohort. You may answer with an example of when you made a mistake or solved a problem.
Sample Answer
While working on a group project in school, the presentation date was suddenly shifted forward and most of the team members were out of town. We needed to find a way to do the presentation anyway, so we came up with a detailed plan to present it despite being away. We set up video conferencing and everyone was able to participate.
How do you handle conflicts with your peers?
In the bootcamp and within workplaces, you will work with people from different walks of life who have different personalities, which may lead to conflicts. Your interviewer may ask this question to see your conflict resolution strategies. You can answer by pointing out a previous conflict and the strategy used to reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
Sample Answer
At my job, each member of the programming team is given targets and deadlines. Most were not feasible for several reasons and this caused a lot of conflict among the team. I encouraged my colleagues to join me in coming up with a more suitable target and presenting it to the manager. We spoke to the manager and it helped solve a lot of the problems and gave the manager ideas for improving future processes.
How do you set goals?
This question shows the interviewer how you plan goals to complete projects or tasks. You need to answer by speaking about a goal you have set in the past and how you achieved it.
Sample Answer
I interned at a tech company in a non-tech role. At that time, I knew I wanted to make a career transition to tech. I wanted to learn more about the tech industry so I asked the software engineers at the company to provide guidance and expert opinions that helped me begin my tech journey. I started saving up for my bootcamp tuition so that when I had enough money, I could enroll.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
How do you motivate your peers or coworkers?
This question helps the interviewer determine if you have leadership qualities. You don’t need to go overboard with your answer in this case. Just talk about when you encouraged a peer or offered help. It could also be about when you came up with an idea to make your colleague’s job easier.
Sample Answer
Recently, one of my colleagues was having a really hard time with some topics, so I helped him to identify the problem areas and offered to tutor him weekly. Within a few weeks, he was doing better and barely needed my help. Not only did this improve his ability to work, but it also improved the entire team’s productivity.
What Questions Should I Ask at My Springboard Interview?
Before going for your interview in Springboard, you need to prepare some questions to ask the interviewer. This shows that you have a personal interest in the bootcamp and its programs. It also shows that you have taken the time to research the course you’re applying for. Some possible questions you may ask are listed below.
- Does the Springboard bootcamp require pre-work?
- What is the Springboard bootcamp teaching style?
- What is the acceptance rate of the Springboard bootcamp?
- I know that Springboard offers mentorship to students. What will the mentor provide that I won’t be getting during class?
- Does Springboard offer career support for students and what is the duration?
- Does Springboard offer bootcamp scholarships?
How to Prepare for the Springboard Interview
Springboard’s major interview is the behavioral interview and it can take anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour to answer the Springboard interview questions. For this, you’ll need to prepare ahead of time. Here are a few things you can do for your interview preparation at Springboard.
1. Research the Bootcamp
You need to research all you can about the Springboard bootcamp to be sure it can cater to your preferences and learning styles. This research will also help you to come up with questions to ask the interviewer. You can ask questions you didn’t find answers to during your research, such as the bootcamp’s acceptance rate and job placement rate.
2. Prepare for the Interview
It is not possible to predict all questions that can come up during the Springboard interview, but it helps to prepare for the most common ones. Aside from mastering behavioral interview questions, learn some basics of coding and data science for the technical interview. Brush up on your knowledge of topics like machine learning models, clustering techniques, and cloud computing.
3. Sell Yourself
One big challenge many prospective bootcamp students have is selling themselves during the interview. While you may have the required skills and experience to enroll, there are many others like you with the same skillset. You have to strive to stand out. This could include sending the recruiters a follow-up email to check in on the admissions process and show your strong interest in the bootcamp.
What Students Have to Say About Springboard Interviews
Anonymous
Type of interview: Video interview
“The application process for Springboard is really easy. Read through the website as it’s got everything you need to know. There’s also a quick chat box you can access if you have any confusion!”
Anonymous
Type of interview: Video interview
“It was a positive experience. The admissions officers were very clear in pricing and financing options. There’s lots of room to learn industry-standard technologies and gain a strong network of professionals.”
Anonymous
Type of interview: Video interview
“The application experience was fast and easy. I applied online, then the school’s admission officer called me to ask further questions and introduce the test. Test took less than 60 minutes and it was fairly straightforward. Once I submitted the test online, I got a call back from the admissions officer and he welcomed me to the program. I received a welcome packet and payment information by email. Then, I paid and was in the program.”
How Long Does It Take to Hear Back From Springboard After the Interview?
According to reviews from previous applicants, the application and interview process was quick and easy. It could take a few hours to a few days to hear from the admissions team after the interview. They often reach out to conduct the behavioral interview and then schedule you for a skills survey.
What Is the Springboard Application Process?
Springboard’s application process is quick and easy. First, you need to submit an application on the Springboard bootcamp website and the admissions team will contact you for a behavioral interview. The next step is a skills survey and a review of the application before you can be fully enrolled.
- Submit application.
- Behavioral interview.
- Skills survey.
- Application review.
- Join the program.
Am I Ready for the Springboard Interview?
You are ready for the Springboard interview if you have prepared for potential questions, planned questions to ask the interviewer, and learned basic concepts relevant to the particular track you are applying for. Be sure to do some research and implement what you learned during the interview.
Springboard Interview Questions FAQ
Springboard has a simple interview process. You need to fill out the online application to show your interest in the program and an admissions team member will contact you for an interview. After that, you will take a skills survey and be accepted into the program if you qualify.
Springboard is a lot easier to get into than some other bootcamps. The interview process is easier and takes less time. By following the interview tips above, you should be able to ace the interview and skills survey. According to Springboard’s company profile, this bootcamp’s business outcomes include transforming lives through education and bridging the skills gap in tech, so its programs need to be accessible.
Springboard requires a behavioral interview after you apply on the website. This interview helps the bootcamp determine if you are a good fit for the program. It takes less than an hour and focuses on your strengths and skills, plus checking that you’re ready for the competitive pressures of the tech field. This interview also gives you an idea of what future interviews will entail.
The actual interview is a behavioral interview so you can expect to answer questions about your communication skills, problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, and interpersonal skills. You may need to use personal experience to answer the questions.
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.
