Degreed Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Degreed is a leading platform focused on empowering individuals and organizations to develop their skills and drive growth through continuous learning.

As a Software Engineer at Degreed, you will play a critical role in developing and maintaining scalable software solutions that enhance the user experience and support the company's mission of transforming how people learn. Key responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and optimize software features, writing clean and efficient code, and conducting code reviews to ensure high standards of quality. You will also be expected to troubleshoot and debug applications, contribute to architecture discussions, and stay current with industry trends to incorporate best practices into your work.

To excel in this role, you should have a strong foundation in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C#, as well as experience with microservices architecture, cloud technologies, and agile development methodologies. A great fit for this position will demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

This guide aims to help you prepare effectively for your interview at Degreed by providing insights into the role and the specific expectations of the company, thereby increasing your chances of making a lasting impression.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Degreed is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the team. It typically unfolds in several stages:

1. Initial Phone Interview

The process begins with a phone interview, usually conducted by a recruiter or the hiring manager. This conversation is designed to gauge your interest in the role and the company, as well as to discuss your background and experiences. Expect to answer questions about your previous work, your motivations for applying, and how you align with Degreed's values. This stage serves as a preliminary filter to determine if you will move forward in the process.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are often required to complete a technical assessment. This may take the form of a take-home coding challenge or a live coding session via video call. The assessment is designed to evaluate your problem-solving abilities, coding skills, and understanding of software engineering principles. Be prepared for open-ended questions that require you to demonstrate your thought process and approach to problem-solving, as well as to discuss your previous projects in detail.

3. Team Interviews

Candidates who successfully pass the technical assessment will typically participate in a series of interviews with team members. These interviews may include one-on-one discussions with developers, the hiring manager, and possibly other stakeholders. The focus here will be on technical questions related to your expertise, such as your experience with specific programming languages, frameworks, and methodologies. Additionally, expect questions that assess your work habits, collaboration skills, and cultural fit within the team.

4. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process may involve a wrap-up conversation with senior leadership or a director. This interview often covers broader topics, including your long-term career goals, your vision for contributing to the team, and how you can help drive Degreed's mission forward. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask any remaining questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and expectations for the role.

Throughout the process, communication may vary, and candidates have reported experiences ranging from timely feedback to prolonged silence. It’s advisable to remain proactive in following up after interviews to express your continued interest in the position.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise during each stage of the process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Company Culture

Degreed values a collaborative and innovative environment. Familiarize yourself with their mission and how they approach learning and development. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with the company’s culture. This will not only demonstrate your interest in the company but also help you assess if it’s the right fit for you.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Given the feedback from previous candidates, it’s crucial to prepare for behavioral questions that explore your past experiences. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you played a significant role. Focus on the challenges you faced, how you collaborated with team members, and the impact of your contributions. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Emphasize Technical Proficiency

As a Software Engineer, you will likely be assessed on your technical skills. Brush up on relevant programming languages and frameworks that are commonly used at Degreed. Be prepared to discuss your experience with microservices, coding standards, and software development methodologies. Additionally, practice articulating your thought process during coding challenges, as clarity and code readability are essential.

Approach the Take-Home Challenge Thoughtfully

The take-home task is a significant part of the interview process. Approach it methodically: clearly define the problem, outline your solution, and document your thought process. Make sure to present your findings in a well-structured format, as presentation quality is key. This will not only demonstrate your technical skills but also your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Be Ready for a Multi-Stage Interview Process

Expect a structured interview process that may include multiple rounds with different team members. Each interview may focus on different aspects, such as technical skills, cultural fit, and project management experience. Prepare to adapt your responses based on the interviewer’s focus, and don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions if needed.

Maintain Professionalism Throughout

While some candidates have reported unprofessional experiences, it’s essential to maintain your professionalism throughout the process. Regardless of how the interview unfolds, keep your demeanor positive and respectful. This will reflect well on you and may even influence the interviewers’ perceptions.

Follow Up Respectfully

If you find yourself waiting for feedback, it’s acceptable to follow up, but do so respectfully. A polite email expressing your continued interest can keep you on their radar without coming across as pushy. However, be prepared for the possibility of delays or lack of communication, and remember that this reflects more on the company than on you.

By following these tailored tips, you can enhance your chances of making a positive impression during your interview at Degreed. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Degreed. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the team. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, technical knowledge, and how you approach software development challenges.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with microservices architecture?

Understanding microservices is crucial for modern software development, especially at Degreed, where scalability and flexibility are key.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you implemented microservices, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Highlight your understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of this architecture.

Example

“In my last project, I transitioned a monolithic application to a microservices architecture. This involved breaking down the application into smaller, independently deployable services. I faced challenges with service communication and data consistency, which I addressed by implementing API gateways and event sourcing. This transition improved our deployment speed and system resilience.”

2. What programming languages are you most comfortable with, and why?

This question assesses your technical proficiency and your ability to adapt to the technologies used at Degreed.

How to Answer

Mention the languages you are proficient in, providing context on how you’ve used them in past projects. Be honest about your strengths and areas for improvement.

Example

“I am most comfortable with Python and JavaScript. I’ve used Python extensively for backend development and data processing, while JavaScript has been my go-to for frontend development. I appreciate Python’s readability and extensive libraries, which speed up development, and JavaScript’s versatility in creating dynamic user interfaces.”

3. How do you ensure code quality and maintainability in your projects?

Degreed values high-quality software, so demonstrating your commitment to best practices is essential.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to code reviews, testing, and documentation. Mention any tools or methodologies you use to maintain code quality.

Example

“I prioritize code quality by adhering to coding standards and conducting regular code reviews with my team. I also implement unit tests and integration tests to catch issues early. Additionally, I ensure that my code is well-documented, making it easier for others to understand and maintain.”

4. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you solved it.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of challenges.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that showcases your analytical skills and creativity. Explain the problem, your thought process, and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced performance issues due to inefficient database queries. I analyzed the queries and identified several that could be optimized. By implementing indexing and restructuring some queries, we reduced load times by over 50%, significantly improving user experience.”

Behavioral Questions

5. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?

Understanding how you cope with stress is important for team dynamics at Degreed.

How to Answer

Share your strategies for managing stress and meeting deadlines, emphasizing your organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.

Example

“When faced with tight deadlines, I prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency. I break down larger tasks into manageable chunks and set mini-deadlines for each. This approach helps me stay focused and organized, even under pressure. I also communicate proactively with my team to ensure we’re aligned and can support each other.”

6. Can you give an example of how you worked effectively within a team?

Collaboration is key in software development, and Degreed will want to know how you contribute to a team environment.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific project where teamwork was essential. Highlight your role, how you communicated with team members, and the outcome.

Example

“During a recent project, I collaborated with designers and product managers to develop a new feature. I facilitated regular check-ins to ensure everyone was aligned and encouraged open communication. This collaboration led to a successful launch that met both user needs and business goals.”

7. Why do you want to work at Degreed?

This question assesses your motivation and cultural fit within the company.

How to Answer

Express your enthusiasm for Degreed’s mission and values. Relate your skills and experiences to what the company is doing.

Example

“I admire Degreed’s commitment to lifelong learning and empowering individuals to take control of their education. I believe my background in software development aligns well with your mission, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a platform that makes a meaningful impact on people’s lives.”

8. How do you stay updated with the latest technology trends?

Degreed values continuous learning, so demonstrating your commitment to professional development is important.

How to Answer

Share the resources you use to stay informed, such as blogs, podcasts, or online courses. Highlight any recent technologies you’ve learned about.

Example

“I regularly read tech blogs and follow industry leaders on social media to stay updated on trends. I also participate in online courses and attend webinars to deepen my knowledge. Recently, I completed a course on cloud computing, which I believe is crucial for modern software development.”