Scrum is one of the most widely adopted frameworks in Agile project management. Whether you’re aiming for a role as a Scrum Master, Product Owner, or part of a Scrum Team, preparing for common Scrum interview questions is essential.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most frequently asked Scrum interview questions and their answers to help you succeed in your next interview!
People Also Ask
What are the 5 C’s of Scrum?
The 5 C’s of Scrum are: Change, Collaboration, Commitment, Communication, and Continuous Improvement.
What are the 5 pillars of Scrum?
Scrum is built on five key values (pillars): Commitment, Courage, Focus, Openness, and Respect.
What are the 3 questions in Scrum?
During the Daily Scrum, team members answer:
- What did I do yesterday?
- What will I do today?
- Are there any impediments in my way?
Top Scrum Interview Questions with Answers
Basic Scrum Interview Questions
1. What is Scrum?
Answer:
Scrum is an Agile framework used to develop, deliver, and sustain complex products through iterative progress, accountability, and teamwork.
2. What are the key roles in a Scrum Team?
Answer:
The three core roles are:
- Scrum Master
- Product Owner
- Development Team
3. Define a Sprint.
Answer:
A Sprint is a fixed time-boxed period (typically 1–4 weeks) where a usable and potentially releasable product increment is created.
4. What is the purpose of a Daily Scrum?
Answer:
The Daily Scrum allows the team to synchronize activities, create a plan for the next 24 hours, and identify any obstacles.
5. What is a Product Backlog?
Answer:
The Product Backlog is an ordered list of everything needed in the product, maintained by the Product Owner.
Intermediate Scrum Interview Questions
6. Explain the role of a Scrum Master.
Answer:
The Scrum Master ensures the Scrum framework is followed, removes impediments, facilitates Scrum events, and coaches the team and the organization.
7. What is a Definition of Done (DoD)?
Answer:
The Definition of Done is a shared understanding within the Scrum Team of what it means for work to be complete, ensuring transparency.
8. What is Velocity in Scrum?
Answer:
Velocity measures the amount of work a Scrum Team can handle during a single Sprint, often used for forecasting.
9. What is Sprint Planning?
Answer:
Sprint Planning is a Scrum event where the team decides what can be delivered in the Sprint and how the work will be achieved.
10. Explain Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective.
Answer:
- Sprint Review: Demonstrates what was done and gathers feedback.
- Sprint Retrospective: Reflects on the Sprint to improve processes.
Advanced Scrum Interview Questions
11. How does Scrum support risk management?
Answer:
Frequent reviews, transparency, and early feedback loops reduce project risks significantly.
12. What happens if a team cannot complete all the planned work for a Sprint?
Answer:
The incomplete items are reviewed during the Sprint Review and typically moved back to the Product Backlog for prioritization.
13. What are Scrum Artifacts?
Answer:
- Product Backlog
- Sprint Backlog
- Increment
Each artifact provides transparency and key information to optimize the team’s efficiency.
14. Can the Product Owner also be the Scrum Master?
Answer:
It is not recommended, as the two roles have conflicting responsibilities—one being the customer’s voice and the other facilitating the team.
15. How does Scrum differ from traditional Waterfall methodology?
Answer:
Scrum is iterative and flexible, promoting regular feedback and incremental improvements, while Waterfall is sequential and rigid.
Scenario-Based Scrum Interview Questions
16. What would you do if the team is consistently missing Sprint goals?
Answer:
Conduct a deep analysis during Sprint Retrospectives, identify root causes, adjust Sprint Planning, and improve team collaboration.
17. How do you handle scope changes during a Sprint?
Answer:
Ideally, changes are avoided mid-Sprint. Major changes are reviewed and reprioritized in the Product Backlog for future Sprints.
18. How do you coach a team unfamiliar with Scrum?
Answer:
Start by educating them on Scrum values and principles, gradually introduce ceremonies, and provide consistent support and feedback.
19. How do you facilitate collaboration between remote Scrum teams?
Answer:
Use collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Jira), encourage over-communication, and schedule regular check-ins to keep the team connected.
20. If a Product Owner is unavailable for Sprint Planning, what should be done?
Answer:
Postpone planning until they can participate, or proceed with the most recent Product Backlog if delay is not an option, while minimizing risks.
Tips to Prepare for a Scrum Interview
- Understand Scrum Guide Deeply: Familiarize yourself with the latest Scrum Guide.
- Practice STAR Method: For scenario-based questions, use Situation, Task, Action, and Result structure.
- Relate to Real Experiences: Use examples from your past work experiences.
- Stay Agile Minded: Show your understanding of flexibility, iteration, and teamwork.
- Prepare Questions: Always have questions ready to ask about the company’s Agile practices.
Conclusion
Scrum roles are crucial in Agile transformations across industries. By preparing with these Scrum interview questions, understanding key concepts like the 5 C’s, pillars of Scrum, and mastering Daily Scrum questions, you’ll boost your chances of acing any Scrum-related interview.
Stay focused, stay Agile, and success will surely follow you!