How to Answer
Agile is a project management philosophy focused on flexibility, collaboration and customer feedback. Scrum is a specific framework within Agile that organizes work into short sprints with defined roles like Scrum Master and Product Owner. Think of Agile as the mindset and Scrum as one method of putting that mindset into action.
This answer is clear, accurate and avoids jargon. It separates the high-level concept (Agile) from the practical tool (Scrum), which helps non-technical interviewers and hiring managers quickly understand your knowledge.
What makes this a strong answer?
- 🧭 Clarifies the hierarchy where Agile is the umbrella, Scrum is a framework
- 🔧 Uses simple comparisons to explain technical terms
- 📚 Shows understanding of both philosophy and execution
- 💬 Uses plain language suitable for cross-functional settings
Other frameworks under Agile you might mention:
- Kanban: visual workflow boards and continuous delivery
- Lean: eliminating waste and optimizing flow
- Extreme Programming (XP): iterative software engineering practices
🌟 Tip: If asked this in an interview, follow up by sharing which Agile methods you’ve used and how they helped your team deliver value.
Why this question matters
This question helps assess your fluency in modern project methodologies. It also reveals whether you understand the difference between high-level principles and practical application.
- 📌 Tests your technical and process literacy
- 📌 Gauges your ability to adapt to fast-paced, collaborative work environments
- 📌 Shows if you can communicate methodology clearly to others
✅ Key Insight: You don’t need to be a Scrum Master, but you do need to understand how Agile thinking supports better outcomes.
What the Recruiter Is Really Evaluating
| What they ask | What they’re evaluating |
|---|---|
| What’s the difference between Agile and Scrum? | Do you understand modern development or project workflows? |
| Have you worked within structured methodologies? | Can you apply these tools practically, not just conceptually? |
- 👀 “Can this person adapt to our delivery style?”
- 👀 “Do they understand Agile in theory *and* in practice?”
- 👀 “Can they communicate clearly across technical and non-technical teams?”
🔍 Summary Insight: Agile is the mindset, Scrum is one proven way to implement it and show that you can bridge both in your work.