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Tricky one to answer without knowing how much they actually wanted you coding versus managing.
Emphasize that you value staying hands-on because it keeps your technical skills sharp and helps you make better architectural decisions. Show flexibility by noting that the balance between coding and other responsibilities can shift based on team needs, but you're always willing to dive into code when necessary.
Pro tip: Mention a specific example where being hands-on helped you solve a critical problem or mentor others, demonstrating that you don't just code for the sake of it but to drive impact.
Start by clearly stating that you enjoy being hands-on with code and that it's a core part of your identity as an engineer.
Explain how staying technical helps you contribute to team goals, make informed decisions, and maintain credibility with peers.
Acknowledge that the role may require balancing coding with other tasks, and express willingness to adjust based on priorities.
Share a brief story where your hands-on involvement led to a successful outcome, highlighting your technical contribution.
Tie your answer back to the role and company, expressing enthusiasm for contributing wherever you're most needed.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.