hackyourfuture.dk

Session Plan

This session is focused on realistic screening interviews, peer feedback, and volunteer involvement. Trainees present themselves with an elevator pitch, and give answers based on a case that they’ve been preparing for over the prior 2.5 days.

Session Goal

Create a realistic but supportive interview environment where trainees can:

  1. Practice giving their elevator pitch clearly and confidently

  2. Gain actionable feedback on both technical and soft skills

  3. Improve their readiness for real interviews

Key message to reinforce: “It’s not about having the perfect experience - it’s about clearly explaining your skills, competencies and potential in the role.”

Session Outline

A screening interview serves as an initial assessment that helps employers determine whether a candidate possesses the foundational skills, professional disposition, and communication abilities required for further consideration in the hiring process. It allows interviewers to verify key qualifications, explore general behavioral tendencies, and gauge overall alignment with the role and organizational culture. This early conversation streamlines the selection process by identifying strong potential matches while ensuring that subsequent stages focus on candidates who demonstrate both capability and suitability.

During the Interview

  1. Observe how clearly the candidate explains past experiences and technical concepts

  2. Note whether responses are structured, coherent, and appropriately detailed

  3. Assess the candidate’s ability to stay focused on the question without unnecessary distractions

  4. Evaluate the candidate’s listening skills and how accurately they respond to prompts

  5. Consider the candidate’s level of professionalism in tone, pace, and choice of language

  6. Watch for signs of confidence and composure when addressing unfamiliar or challenging questions

  7. Assess how well the candidate adapts explanations for different audiences and levels of expertise

Examples of questions to ask

  1. Can you describe a situation where you adapted to a significant change in project requirements and explain how you managed the transition?

  2. How do you respond when you realize you have made an error in your work, and what steps do you take to correct it?

  3. Can you share an example of how you handle conflict within a team, particularly when opinions differ about a technical decision?

  4. How do you maintain focus and motivation during long or complex development cycles?

  5. Can you describe a time when you supported a colleague who was struggling with a task and explain what you did to assist them?

  6. How do you approach constructive criticism in a code review or technical discussion, and how do you incorporate the feedback?

  7. Can you discuss a moment when you took initiative to solve a problem before it became a larger issue?

  8. How do you stay organized when managing multiple tasks or priorities, and can you share a recent example?

  9. Can you describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision without having all the information you wanted?

  10. How do you maintain effective communication with teammates who have different working styles or levels of experience?

  11. Can you talk about a moment when you demonstrated resilience during a challenging project?

  12. How do you approach mentorship, whether you are guiding a colleague or seeking guidance yourself?

  13. Can you describe a situation where you balanced your own preferred solution with the broader needs of the team?

  14. How do you ensure that your personal work habits contribute positively to team culture and project outcomes?

  15. Can you reflect on a time when you identified an opportunity to improve a workflow and explain how you encouraged others to adopt the change?

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