(Junior) Backend Developer (f/m/x)

As a Junior Backend Developer (f/m/x) at ZEAL, you'll actively contribute to the development and maintenance of high-performing backend services. This involves working collaboratively in an agile environment, creating user interfaces for administrative tasks, and developing RESTful APIs for flawless integration. You'll work with technologies like Kotlin, Spring, and MongoDB, ensuring our innovative systems run smoothly.

To be considered for the Junior Backend Developer (f/m/x) role at ZEAL, you should have completed your studies in computer science or a related field. A love for coding and practical experience in projects outside of academics is beneficial. Your willingness to learn, strong communication skills in English, and a collaborative mindset are essential to fit into our vibrant team.

At ZEAL, as a Junior Backend Developer (f/m/x), you will work with a variety of innovative technologies including Kotlin, Spring, MongoDB, and Postgres, along with tools like Gradle and Intellij. We embrace an agile environment, so your technical skillset will be continually enhanced as you learn and grow.

ZEAL is committed to fostering growth, which is why we offer a yearly development budget of EUR 1,500 for each employee, including our Junior Backend Developers (f/m/x). This budget can be used for courses, workshops, or any resources that help you enhance your technical skills and knowledge.

The work culture for a Junior Backend Developer (f/m/x) at ZEAL is one of trust and innovation. We prioritize collaboration and creativity, allowing you to work independently while still being part of a supportive team. You will enjoy flexible work hours, unlimited vacation days, and opportunities for fun team events, making it a vibrant place to enhance your career.

While prior experience with the specific technologies used at ZEAL is a plus, it is not mandatory for the Junior Backend Developer (f/m/x) position. What matters most is your passion for coding, your willingness to learn, and your enthusiasm for working in a collaborative environment.

As a Junior Backend Developer (f/m/x) at ZEAL, you will engage in exciting projects aimed at reinventing the online lottery business. You'll contribute to developing backend services and APIs that play a critical role in the operational efficiency of our systems, allowing you to make a tangible impact in an innovative field.

When discussing your experience, focus on any relevant projects you've worked on, even if they were during your studies or personal projects. Highlight specific backend technologies you've utilized, like Kotlin or Spring, and explain how you implemented them to solve problems or improve efficiency.

Describe your approach to task management. You could mention how you analyze project requirements, break them down into manageable tasks, and use tools or techniques like Kanban or Scrum to stay organized. Emphasize your ability to adapt to changing priorities in an agile environment.

Explain that RESTful APIs are a set of conventions for building web services that ensure seamless communication between different software systems. Highlight how they enable the efficient transfer of data and are crucial for the backend services you would be developing at ZEAL.

Illustrate your experience by sharing a specific project where you collaborated with others. Discuss your role, how the team dynamic contributed to the project's success, and any challenges you overcame as a team, showcasing your communication and problem-solving skills.

Discuss your strategies for maintaining code quality, such as adhering to best practices, using code reviews, conducting testing (unit, integration, etc.), and leveraging version control tools like Git. Emphasize your commitment to delivering robust and reliable software.

Share your genuine interest in coding and backend systems. Discuss the aspects that excite you about backend development, such as problem-solving, optimizing performance, and enabling a seamless user experience through strong backend architecture.

Talk about your proactive approach to learning, whether through online courses, tech blogs, or communities like GitHub. Mention specific resources you follow and how you apply new knowledge to enhance your work and stay current in your field.

Detail a specific coding challenge, explaining the problem, the approach you took to solve it, and the outcome. This showcases your analytical thinking and coding skills while highlighting your ability to learn and adapt.

Explain that a Junior Backend Developer (f/m/x) contributes to the success of an agile team by bringing fresh ideas and perspectives. You would participate actively in sprint planning, collaborate with team members, and take ownership of tasks while learning from more experienced colleagues.

You could express admiration for ZEAL's mission to innovate within the online lottery space and how you resonate with their values. Highlight the opportunity to work with a diverse team, the commitment to personal growth, and your enthusiasm for contributing to exciting projects.