What are your best tips for explaining Agile methodology in an interview?

1 Know the basics

Before you dive into the details of Agile methodology, make sure you have a clear understanding of its core principles and values. You can use the Agile Manifesto as a reference, which states that Agile prioritizes individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responding to change. You can also mention some of the benefits of Agile, such as faster delivery, higher quality, lower risk, and better alignment with customer needs.

2 Choose a relevant example

One of the best ways to demonstrate your knowledge and experience with Agile methodology is to use a specific example from your previous or current projects. Choose an example that is relevant to the position and the company you are applying for, and that showcases your role and contributions. Explain how you applied Agile practices, such as Scrum, Kanban, or XP, to plan, execute, and deliver your project. Highlight how you collaborated with your team and your stakeholders, how you adapted to changing requirements, and how you measured and improved your performance.

3 Use simple language

When explaining Agile methodology in an interview, avoid using jargon or technical terms that might confuse or bore your interviewer. Instead, use simple and clear language that anyone can understand. For instance, instead of saying "we used a burn-down chart to track our progress and velocity", you can say "we used a graph to show how much work we had left and how fast we were completing it". You can also use analogies or metaphors to illustrate your points, such as comparing Agile to a road trip or a buffet.

4 Focus on the value

Another tip to explain Agile methodology in an interview is to focus on the value that it delivers, rather than the process itself. Your interviewer is not interested in hearing a lecture on Agile theory, but rather how it helps you solve problems, meet customer expectations, and achieve business goals. Therefore, when describing your example, emphasize the outcomes and benefits that Agile enabled, such as faster feedback, higher satisfaction, lower costs, or more innovation.

5 Prepare for follow-up questions

Finally, your interviewer might ask follow-up questions to better understand your Agile experience and skills. Common questions include how you handle conflicts or disagreements within an Agile team, how you deal with changing or unclear requirements, how you ensure quality and testing, and how you balance flexibility and discipline. To answer these questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide concrete examples that show your Agile competencies and mindset.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?