HR Templates | Sample Interview Questions
Senior iOS Engineer Interview Questions and Answers
Use this list of Senior iOS Engineer interview questions and answers to gain better insight into your candidates, and make better hiring decisions.
Senior iOS Engineer overview
When interviewing for a Senior iOS Engineer position, it's crucial to assess the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and ability to work within a team. Look for experience with Swift, Objective-C, and iOS frameworks, as well as a strong understanding of app lifecycle and performance optimization.
Sample Interview Questions
Can you walk us through your favorite iOS project and why it stands out to you?
Purpose: To gauge the candidate's passion and experience with iOS projects.
Sample answer
“Sure! My favorite project was a fitness app that used CoreMotion to track user activity. It stands out because it challenged me to integrate various iOS frameworks seamlessly.
️ How do you handle memory management in Swift?
Purpose: To assess the candidate's understanding of memory management in Swift.
Sample answer
“I use Automatic Reference Counting (ARC) to manage memory. I also make sure to avoid retain cycles by using weak and unowned references where appropriate.
What's the most challenging bug you've encountered in an iOS app, and how did you squash it? 🪲
Purpose: To understand the candidate's problem-solving skills and debugging process.
Sample answer
“I once faced a tricky bug related to background app refresh. I used Xcode's debugging tools and logs to trace the issue and found that a background task was not being properly terminated.
How do you ensure your app provides a smooth user experience?
Purpose: To evaluate the candidate's focus on user experience and performance optimization.
Sample answer
“I prioritize efficient code, use Instruments to profile performance, and ensure smooth animations and transitions. I also gather user feedback to continuously improve the app.
How do you handle version control in your projects? ️
Purpose: To assess the candidate's familiarity with version control systems.
Sample answer
“I use Git for version control, following a branching strategy like GitFlow. This helps in managing features, bug fixes, and releases efficiently.
Can you explain the difference between a delegate and a closure in Swift?
Purpose: To test the candidate's understanding of common Swift concepts.
Sample answer
“A delegate is a design pattern that allows one object to communicate with another, while a closure is a self-contained block of functionality that can be passed around and used in your code.
How do you handle networking in your iOS apps?
Purpose: To evaluate the candidate's approach to networking and API integration.
Sample answer
“I use URLSession for networking tasks and often leverage libraries like Alamofire for more complex needs. I also ensure proper error handling and data parsing.
How do you approach testing in your iOS projects?
Purpose: To understand the candidate's testing strategies and practices.
Sample answer
“I write unit tests using XCTest and also implement UI tests. I believe in Test-Driven Development (TDD) to ensure code quality and reliability.
How do you handle UI/UX design in your apps? ️
Purpose: To assess the candidate's approach to UI/UX design and collaboration with designers.
Sample answer
“I collaborate closely with designers, using tools like Sketch and Zeplin. I also follow Apple's Human Interface Guidelines to ensure a consistent and intuitive user experience.
How do you stay updated with the latest iOS development trends and technologies?
Purpose: To gauge the candidate's commitment to continuous learning and staying current.
Sample answer
“I regularly follow WWDC sessions, read blogs, and participate in iOS developer communities. I also experiment with new frameworks and tools in side projects.
🚨 Red Flags
Look out for these red flags when interviewing candidates for this role:
- Lack of experience with Swift and Objective-C.
- Inability to explain past projects or technical decisions clearly.
- Poor understanding of memory management and performance optimization.
- Limited experience with version control systems.
- Inadequate problem-solving skills and debugging techniques.