How to Answer UI Developer Interview Questions

If you work in software development, you may be tasked with answering interview questions about how to create a user interface, or UI, as its commonly known. Many software developers, and especially frontend developers and system administrators, need to know about UI development. In this article, learn about some of the most common UI Developer interview questions to help you prepare for your next interview.

Why you should consider applying for a UI Developer job

Here are some of the top reasons you should consider applying for a UI Developer position:

  • Frontend development is in high demand. UI Developers are sometimes known as Frontend Developers. They are a high-demand sector of the development industry that is anticipated to continue to see growth as more businesses convert analog processes to digital.
  • Salary expectations. UI Developers are among some of the more highly paid developers. The average salary is $104,040 per year.
  • Lots of occupational options. UI Developers find themselves creating the front end of applications for all kinds of industries and occupational sectors from non-profit to large corporations.

 UI Developer roles and responsibilities are common because enterprise businesses rely on user interaction to propel them to their goals. 

Common UI Developer interview questions

Here are some common UI Developer questions and example answers:

In your own words, what does a UI Developer do?

An introductory question about UI development might be something like “What does a developer do?” This question allows you to display your knowledge of the profession and sets the tone for expectations during the interview. You can answer it by offering a brief account of the duties of a UI Developer.

Example: ‘A UI Developer is a frontend developer responsible for transforming the creative and strategic vision of an enterprise business into an actionable interface that users can interact with. To do this, developers use languages designed for the frontend, like JavaScript and others, to develop features that result in a workable UI.’

What skills should a UI Developer possess?

Answering this question allows you to touch on key skills you possess that could be good for the job. To answer this question, study the job description prior to attending the interview and have some key skills from the job description that overlap with your current skills ready to discuss.

Example: ‘UI Developers should be fluent in typical frontend development languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript. They should also know other programming languages and frameworks like Java, .Net, PHP and Ruby. Frontend developers should have a strong knowledge of creative tools used for making wireframes and imaging. They should also be competent using CMS editors, among other key skills like being detail-oriented, having a deep knowledge of testing methods and more.’

What does semantic HTML mean?

If you’re asked about semantic HTML, you might be tasked with explaining it or asked to discuss its usefulness. This is a good opportunity to explain how you can use semantic HTML to assist with communication since communication is important in development. 

Example: ‘Semantic HTML is HTML that provides additional context about how the design should look. Semantic HTML is used to help designers communicate with other people on the design team and stakeholders about what a website should look like and includes things like paragraph tags, blockquote and more.’

What is a CSS reset?

Talking about something like a CSS reset provides you the opportunity to show you understand important functions of UI development. A CSS reset is one of many protocols and functions you might be asked about. 

Some others include:

  • Creating an array in JavaScript
  • Implementing testing
  • Prototypal inheritance

To answer this question about CSS reset, offer an answer that briefly explains what is CSS reset is and why it’s used.

Example: ‘A CSS reset is a small piece of compressed CSS code that resets the styling of HTML on a web document to an agreed-upon stylistic foundation. A CSS reset is used to bring a web document back to a consistent baseline to be completely re-styled without concern that browser rendering differences will hinder your development.’

What is Big O notation? How do developers use it?

This question is a more complex topic that you might encounter after some basic introductory questions. To answer, talk about Big O notation and its use-case for frontend developers.

Example: ‘A Big O notation is a Bachmann–Landau notation, or also called an asymptotic notation. It’s a mathematical notation that helps developers describe limiting behavior of certain types of functions. When it comes to computer science, the Big O notation helps classify algorithms that tell developers about running time and space specifications as they grow and change. Developers can use this function to determine how fast the need for running time and space is growing.’

Explain RESTful architecture.

REST stands for ‘representational state transfer’ and is an important concept in development. Many companies strive to achieve RESTful architecture for benefits like flexibility. Because data in REST isn’t tied to methods or other resources, RESTful interfaces can handle more and can evolve with the needs of the business. This makes REST an attractive option for enterprise businesses. For this reason, you might need to be able to demonstrate knowledge by answering interview questions about REST. 

Example: ‘RESTful architecture has the following constraints:

  • The client is separate from the server
  • RESTful architecture is stateless
  • REST encourages the storage of data that is otherwise cachable 
  • The interface should be uniform to allow for growth and development
  • RESTful architecture has layers that allow developers to scale more easily
  • Code on demand is accessible’