Job Interview: Misael Riojas

The Job Offer

Senior Backend Engineer - blockchain clean tech platform 🌐⛓️

Hi Misal, I am recruiting an experienced backend engineer for an award-winning

🔗
cleantech startup. Your profile looks like a good fit and I wonder if you’d be interested in
exploring the opportunity. The company has developed a blockchain-based platform

⚡
for tracking material sustainability data for steel, metal, and plastics and issuing carbon

👇 👈
footprint certificates. Their tech transforms the way material sustainability data is

📍 ⏰ 🌿
shared and used by industries with strong decarbonisation goals. Good to know

💸 🥞
Remote (hybrid optional if you’re Vienna-based) Flexible hours Great culture
with open communication €60-80k salary dependent on experience Stack:
Node.JS and TypeScript.

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. Let's start with the first question.

1. Tell me about yourself.

Me: Certainly. I was born in Peru, but I moved to Spain two years ago. I'm a 30-year-old
IT Senior FullStack developer with a strong passion for technology and innovation. I've
been working in the IT industry for seven years, and my experience encompasses both
frontend and backend development. Currently, I'm employed by a US company, but I'm
actively exploring new opportunities in Europe.

Interviewer: Thank you for sharing that. Now, let's move on to the next question.

2. Why are you interested in this job?

Me: I'm excited about the opportunity to work as a Senior Backend Engineer at your
Startup. I'm passionate about sustainable technologies, and your blockchain-based
platform for tracking material sustainability data aligns perfectly with my interests and
skills. Additionally, the option for remote work and the use of Node.JS and TypeScript in
your tech stack make this role even more appealing.
Interviewer: Great, it's good to know your motivation. Next,

3. Why should we hire you?

Me: You should hire me because I have a proven track record of successfully leading
development projects, and my experience in both frontend and backend development
makes me a well-rounded candidate. I'm confident in my ability to contribute to the
success of your platform and help drive innovation in material sustainability tracking.

Interviewer: Excellent. Now, let's discuss your strengths.

4. Explain your strengths.

Me: My strengths lie in my ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a
team. I have a keen attention to detail, excellent problem-solving skills, and strong
communication abilities. I'm also highly motivated and skilled in multitasking, which
allows me to deliver high-quality work efficiently.

Interviewer: That's a valuable set of strengths. Moving on to the next question:

5. Describe your weaknesses.

Me: One of my weaknesses is that I tend to try and solve problems on my own before
asking for assistance from colleagues. Additionally, I can become nervous in
high-pressure situations. However, I’m aware of these weaknesses and actively work on
improving them through self-awareness and seeking mentorship when necessary.

Interviewer: Good to know that you're self-aware and proactive about self-improvement.
Now, let's talk about your experience.

6. What experience have you had?

Me: I have 5 years of experience as a Senior FullStack developer with a strong focus on
web/app applications. In my previous role, I played a Team Lead role in the development
of several successful projects, including Everything Money, EatosApp & GHX

Interviewer: Impressive. Let's discuss your future aspirations.

7. Where do you see yourself in five years' time?

Me: In five years, I aim to further enhance my skills as a DevOps Engineer, one step
above backend developer. I see myself contributing to the growth of your company and
helping it become a recognized leader.

Interviewer: That's a clear vision. Now, let's test your knowledge about our company.

8. What do you know about our company?

Me: I've done my research on your company and I'm impressed by your commitment to
sustainable technologies. I know that you've developed a blockchain-based platform for
tracking material sustainability data in the steel, metal, and plastics industry. Your
innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize how industries with
decarbonization goals manage their sustainability data.

Interviewer: Great to hear you've done your homework. Now, a crucial topic:

9. What salary do you expect to earn?

Me: I'll need more information about the job responsibilities before we can discuss the
salary. But FYI, currently I’m over 60k so I’d expect more.

Interviewer: Thank you for your understanding. Lastly:

10. Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?

Me: Yes, I'd like to inquire about the company's expectations for the role's day-to-day
responsibilities, and if there are any ongoing projects that the Senior Backend Engineer
would be involved in. Also, I'd be interested to know more about the company's
approach to professional development and opportunities for career growth.

Interviewer: Those are excellent questions, and we'll certainly discuss them in more
detail. Thank you for your time and thoughtful responses today.