Top 15 Agile and Scrum Interview Questions and Answers

Agile and Scrum are powerful project management methodologies that allow teams to adapt quickly to changing requirements. As organizations increasingly adopt these frameworks, interviewers prefer candidates well-versed in Agile and Scrum concepts. However, to increase your chances of selection, you must know the common questions asked during Agile Scrum interviews. It will not only help you brush up your knowledge but also give you the confidence to answer all the questions correctly. In this guide, we’ll cover the 15 most common Agile Scrum interview questions along with the answers. 

So, let’s begin!

Basic Agile and Scrum Interview Questions 

Here are some basic Agile Methodology Scrum interview questions with answers:

1. What is Scrum in Agile?

Scrum in Agile is a framework for managing complex projects by emphasizing adaptability and iterative progress. It breaks down tasks into short periods called sprints. 

The team works on specific tasks during each sprint, aiming to deliver valuable results. Regular meetings, like Daily Standups and Sprint Reviews, help the team stay on track and improve their process.

2. What is a sprint in Scrum?

A sprint in Scrum is a time-boxed iteration where a team works collaboratively to accomplish a set amount of work. Typically lasting between one to four weeks, sprints focus on delivering a potentially shippable product incrementally. 

During a sprint, the team selects items from the product backlog and commits to completing them by the end of the sprint. 

3. What are the similarities and differences between Agile and Scrum?

Both Agile and Scrum are methodologies used in project management, focusing on iterative development and adaptability. The key difference is that Agile is a broader approach encompassing various methodologies, while Scrum is a specific framework within Agile. 

They both share the similarity of prioritizing customer collaboration and delivering value incrementally. However, Scrum provides a structured framework with defined roles and ceremonies, such as sprints and daily standups, whereas Agile is more flexible and adaptable to different project needs.

4. What are the different roles in Scrum?

In Scrum, there are three primary roles:

• Product Owner: Represents the stakeholders and is responsible for maximizing the value of the product. They prioritize the product backlog, define requirements, and make decisions about what features to include in each sprint.
• Scrum Master: Facilitates the Scrum process and ensures adherence to Agile principles and practices. They coach the team on Scrum practices, remove impediments, and foster an environment conducive to collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Development Team: Cross-functional team members responsible for delivering the product increment. They self-organize to complete the work agreed upon in each sprint, collaborate closely with stakeholders, and strive to deliver high-quality, valuable outcomes.

5. What do you know about Scrum ban?

Scrum-ban is a hybrid agile methodology that combines elements of Scrum and Kanban. It aims to provide a balance between the structure of Scrum and the flexibility of Kanban, making it suitable for teams that require more adaptability in their workflow.

In Scrum-ban, teams typically use a Kanban board to visualize their work and limit work in progress (WIP), similar to Kanban. However, unlike traditional Scrum, Scrum-ban does not have fixed time-boxed iterations (sprints). Instead, it allows for continuous delivery of work, with items being pulled from the backlog and completed as capacity allows.

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Advanced Interview Questions On Agile and Scrum

Here are some advanced Agile Scrum Master interview questions with answers:

6. What do you know about impediments in Scrum? Give some examples.

Impediments in Scrum are hurdles or challenges that hinder the progress of the Scrum team. These obstacles prevent the team from completing their work efficiently and meeting their goals. Examples of impediments include:

• Technical, operational, or organizational issues.
• Shortage of resources or a team member’s absence due to illness.
• External factors like adverse weather conditions or geopolitical unrest.
• Lack of support from management.
• Business-related problems.
• Lack of necessary skills or knowledge within the team.

7. What is the role of Sashimi in Scrum methodology?

The role of Sashimi in Scrum methodology is significant. Sashimi serves as a technique utilized to ensure the completion of all functions developed by the team. 

It involves scrutinizing all aspects of product development, including analysis, design, coding, testing, and documentation. Only after confirming the fulfilment of these requirements is the product showcased.

8. What do you understand by the term “Scrum of Scrums”?

The term “Scrum of Scrums” refers to a meeting held to coordinate and communicate between multiple Scrum teams working on a project. 

Imagine a scenario where several teams, each with its own members, are actively engaged in a project. While each team conducts its own daily Scrum meetings, it becomes necessary to organize a separate meeting to ensure coordination across teams. 

This meeting, known as the Scrum of Scrums, involves representatives from each team, often team leaders called ambassadors. The purpose is to discuss progress, dependencies, and any issues that require cross-team collaboration to ensure alignment and smooth project execution.

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9. Can you explain the concept of continuous improvement in Scrum?

“Continuous improvement, also known as kaizen, is a fundamental principle of Scrum. It involves regularly reflecting on the team’s processes and practices to identify opportunities for improvement. 

As a Scrum Master, I facilitate retrospective meetings at the end of each sprint to gather feedback from the team and implement actionable changes to enhance efficiency and productivity.”

10. How do you handle scope creep in a Scrum project?

“Scope creep, or the gradual expansion of project scope, is addressed by maintaining a clear understanding of project goals and priorities. 

I work closely with the Product Owner to manage stakeholder expectations and ensure that changes to the scope are evaluated based on their impact on the project timeline and budget. Additionally, I encourage regular communication and transparency to minimize the risk of scope creep.”

SAFe Scrum Master Interview Questions

Here are some important SAFe Scrum Master interview questions with answers:

11. What is SAFe?

SAFe, or the Scaled Agile Framework, is a comprehensive framework for implementing Lean-Agile practices at scale within organizations. It provides a set of principles, practices, and roles to help enterprises deliver value more quickly, efficiently, and predictably. 

SAFe extends Agile principles beyond individual teams to larger programs and portfolios, enabling alignment, collaboration, and synchronization across multiple teams and stakeholders. 

12. What is the role of a SAFe Scrum Master?

The role of a SAFe Scrum Master is to help teams and the entire organization work better together using Agile principles. They support teams in following the SAFe framework, making sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. They also help remove any obstacles that may get in the team’s way, like problems with tools or processes. 

13. How does a SAFe Scrum Master address dependencies and impediments in a scaled Agile environment?

A SAFe Scrum Master handles dependencies and obstacles in a scaled Agile setting by working closely with other Scrum Masters, Release Train Engineers (RTEs), and stakeholders. They organize meetings, like Scrum of Scrums, to coordinate tasks and resolve issues between teams. 

Moreover, they communicate with stakeholders to solve problems and ensure the team has what they need to succeed. By collaborating and addressing challenges together, the Scrum Master helps keep the project moving smoothly.

Infosys Agile Scrum Interview Questions

During interviews, understanding Agile Scrum in practice answers Infosys, which is crucial for showcasing one’s alignment with the company’s methodologies and practices. Here are some questions on Scrum:

14. What do you see as the biggest benefit of implementing Agile and Scrum methodologies within a project?

The biggest benefit of implementing Agile and Scrum methodologies is the ability to respond quickly to change and deliver value to customers more frequently. By breaking down work into smaller, manageable chunks and prioritizing collaboration, Agile allows teams to adapt to evolving requirements and deliver high-quality products efficiently.

15. Can you share an example of how you’ve helped a team overcome a significant obstacle or impediment during a sprint?

“One example of overcoming a significant obstacle during a sprint involved addressing a critical dependency on an external team that was delaying our progress. 

I worked closely with the Product Owner to escalate the issue and collaborated with the other team’s Scrum Master to find a solution. By facilitating clear communication and negotiating priorities, we were able to mitigate the dependency and keep the project on track.”

Also Read - Top 15 Agile Methodology Interview Questions and Answers

Tips to Answer Scrum and Agile Interview Questions

Follow these tips to answer Agile interview questions for Scrum Master:

• Understand Agile and Scrum principles thoroughly.
• Use real-life examples to illustrate your experience.
• Keep your answers clear and to the point.
• Showcase your ability to identify and address challenges.
• Maintain a positive attitude and show your enthusiasm for Agile methodologies.
• Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions and respond thoughtfully.
• Stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in Agile and Scrum.
• Show your interest by asking insightful questions about the company’s Agile processes.

Conclusion

So, these are the top 15 Agile Scrum interview questions and answers to help you excel in your upcoming interviews. Understanding these concepts is vital for success in the IT industry. If you’re looking for opportunities in Agile Scrum roles and other IT positions, find Agile job listings on Hirist. As India’s number one job portal, Hirist offers a comprehensive platform to find your next career opportunity. Start your job search today and take your career to new heights.