15 Agile Scrum Interview Questions and Answers

Agile Scrum has become a cornerstone methodology in modern project management, particularly in software development. Its iterative approach and emphasis on collaboration, flexibility, and customer feedback make it a preferred choice for teams aiming to deliver high-quality products efficiently. Understanding Agile Scrum principles and practices is crucial for anyone looking to thrive in dynamic and fast-paced work environments.

This article offers a curated selection of interview questions designed to test your knowledge and application of Agile Scrum concepts. By familiarizing yourself with these questions and their answers, you’ll be better prepared to demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities in an interview setting.

Agile Scrum Interview Questions and Answers

1. What is a User Story and how do you write one?

A User Story in Agile Scrum captures a software feature from an end-user perspective. It is written in simple language to ensure all stakeholders can understand it. The typical format is:

*As a [type of user], I want [an action] so that [a benefit/a value].*

This format keeps the focus on the user and their needs. User Stories often include acceptance criteria, which are conditions that must be met for the story to be considered complete. These criteria help the development team understand the requirements and verify that the feature works as expected.

Example of acceptance criteria for a User Story:

• The user must receive an email with a password reset link.
• The link must expire after 24 hours.
• The user must be able to set a new password that meets security requirements.

2. How do you prioritize tasks in a Product Backlog?

Prioritizing tasks in a Product Backlog ensures the team focuses on delivering the highest value features first. The Product Owner leads this effort, collaborating with the development team and stakeholders. Key factors include:

• Business Value: Prioritize tasks that deliver the highest business value, aligning with stakeholder needs and goals.
• Dependencies: Manage task dependencies to avoid bottlenecks and ensure a smooth workflow.
• Risk and Uncertainty: Address high-risk items early to mitigate potential issues.
• Stakeholder Input: Engage stakeholders regularly to align the backlog with their expectations.
• Effort and Complexity: Estimate tasks to balance workload and ensure delivery within sprint timelines.

3. What is a Definition of Done (DoD) and why is it important?

The Definition of Done (DoD) in Agile Scrum is a set of criteria that a user story or task must meet to be considered complete. It ensures consistency and quality in the work delivered. The DoD typically includes criteria such as code being written, reviewed, and tested; documentation being updated; and the feature being integrated into the main branch without any outstanding defects.

The DoD helps maintain quality, promote transparency, facilitate better planning, and improve accountability by setting clear standards for task completion.

4. Describe the process of a Sprint Planning meeting.

A Sprint Planning meeting involves the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team collaborating to define the work for the upcoming sprint. The main objectives are to set the sprint goal and select product backlog items for the sprint.

Key steps include:

1. Reviewing the Product Backlog: The Product Owner presents prioritized items to the team.
2. Defining the Sprint Goal: The team defines a clear sprint goal aligned with project objectives.
3. Selecting Backlog Items: The team selects items based on capacity and velocity.
4. Task Breakdown: Break down selected items into manageable tasks and estimate effort.
5. Commitment: The team commits to completing the selected tasks within the sprint.

5. How do you ensure that your team adheres to Agile principles?

Ensuring a team adheres to Agile principles involves:

• Regular Communication: Foster open communication with daily stand-up meetings to keep everyone aligned.
• Agile Ceremonies: Conduct regular ceremonies like sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives for planning and improvement.
• Continuous Improvement: Encourage a culture of improvement through retrospectives and feedback implementation.
• Collaboration: Promote teamwork and collective ownership of tasks.
• Customer Feedback: Regularly seek feedback to ensure the product meets customer needs.
• Empowerment: Empower team members to make decisions and self-organize.
• Training and Coaching: Provide training on Agile principles and practices.

6. How do you measure the velocity of a Scrum team?

Velocity in Agile Scrum measures the amount of work a team can complete during a Sprint. It is calculated by summing the story points of completed user stories. This metric helps predict the team’s capacity for future Sprints.

To measure velocity:

• Sum the story points of completed user stories at the end of each Sprint.
• Record this total for each Sprint.
• Calculate the average velocity over multiple Sprints.

For example, if a team completes 30 story points in Sprint 1, 25 in Sprint 2, and 35 in Sprint 3, the average velocity would be (30 + 25 + 35) / 3 = 30 story points per Sprint.

7. Explain the concept of “Sprint Retrospective” and its significance.

A Sprint Retrospective occurs at the end of each sprint to reflect on the sprint and identify areas for improvement. The team discusses what went well, what didn’t, and actions for future sprints. This meeting focuses on continuous improvement, leading to better efficiency, quality, and team morale.

8. What strategies do you use for effective backlog grooming?

Effective backlog grooming involves:

• Regular Review Sessions: Schedule regular sessions to keep the backlog up-to-date.
• Prioritization: Continuously prioritize items based on value and alignment with goals.
• Stakeholder Involvement: Involve key stakeholders to ensure the backlog reflects team needs.
• Clear Acceptance Criteria: Define clear criteria for each item to set expectations.
• Break Down Large Items: Decompose large items into smaller tasks for easier management.
• Estimate Effort: Use estimation techniques to plan and allocate resources effectively.
• Keep It Lean: Maintain a lean backlog with high-priority items for upcoming sprints.

9. How do you handle scope creep during a Sprint?

Scope creep refers to uncontrolled expansion of project scope. Handling it during a Sprint involves:

• Clear Definition of Done (DoD): Set clear expectations for task completion.
• Strict Adherence to Sprint Goals: Focus on the Sprint Goal and avoid additional work.
• Effective Communication and Collaboration: Maintain regular communication between the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team.
• Change Control Process: Implement a process for reviewing and approving new requests.
• Timeboxing and Sprint Planning: Limit time spent on new requests and commit to a realistic amount of work.
• Retrospectives and Continuous Improvement: Use retrospectives to address scope creep issues.

10. Describe how you would implement pair programming in an Agile team.

To implement pair programming in an Agile team:

• Introduce the Concept: Explain the benefits of pair programming, such as improved code quality and collaboration.
• Set Up Workstations: Ensure workstations accommodate two people comfortably.
• Define Roles: Clearly define the roles of “Driver” and “Navigator.”
• Rotate Pairs: Regularly rotate pairs to spread knowledge and prevent silos.
• Establish Guidelines: Create guidelines for effective pair programming.
• Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor effectiveness and gather feedback.

11. How do you handle incomplete tasks at the end of a Sprint?

Handling incomplete tasks at the end of a Sprint involves:

• Review and Reflect: Discuss incomplete tasks during the Sprint Review to identify issues.
• Reprioritize: The Product Owner reassesses the priority of incomplete tasks.
• Refinement: Refine tasks by breaking them down or redefining acceptance criteria.
• Carry Over: Carry over prioritized tasks to the next Sprint.
• Continuous Improvement: Use the Sprint Retrospective to discuss improvements.

12. What are the key ceremonies in Scrum and what is their purpose?

Key ceremonies in Scrum include:

• Sprint Planning: Define deliverables and create a sprint goal.
• Daily Stand-up (Daily Scrum): Synchronize activities and plan for the next 24 hours.
• Sprint Review: Inspect the increment and gather feedback.
• Sprint Retrospective: Reflect on the sprint and identify improvements.
• Backlog Refinement (Grooming): Review and prioritize the product backlog.

13. How do you manage stakeholder expectations in an Agile project?

Managing stakeholder expectations involves:

1. Regular Communication: Maintain frequent and transparent communication.
2. Involvement in Planning: Involve stakeholders in planning processes.
3. Incremental Delivery: Deliver work in small increments for regular feedback.
4. Clear Definition of Done: Establish a shared understanding of task completion.
5. Managing Scope Creep: Prioritize features and maintain a well-groomed backlog.
6. Setting Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for each sprint.

14. What techniques do you use for effective Sprint Reviews?

Effective Sprint Reviews involve:

• Involve Stakeholders: Ensure stakeholder presence for valuable feedback.
• Prepare in Advance: Prepare a clear demonstration of completed work.
• Focus on Completed Work: Demonstrate only work that meets the Definition of Done.
• Encourage Open Feedback: Create an environment for honest feedback.
• Time Management: Keep the review within the timebox.
• Actionable Outcomes: Conclude with clear, actionable outcomes.

15. How do you handle changes in requirements during a Sprint?

Handling changes in requirements during a Sprint involves maintaining flexibility while ensuring focus on the Sprint Goal. The Product Owner manages the Product Backlog and prioritizes items. If a change is critical, the team evaluates its impact. Minor changes may be incorporated, while substantial changes may lead to terminating the current Sprint and starting a new one. Daily Standup meetings provide opportunities to discuss changes and adapt plans as needed.