Etek It Services, Inc. Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Etek It Services, Inc. is a forward-thinking technology company that specializes in providing innovative IT solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients.

As a Software Engineer at Etek It Services, you would be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications that are integral to the company's operations. Key responsibilities include leveraging senior programming skills, particularly in COBOL, and working with CICS Restful Services and JSON for application integration. Proficiency in DB2, SQL, and JCL is also essential for managing database interactions and executing complex queries.

To excel in this role, candidates should possess strong problem-solving abilities, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for continuous learning, as the technology landscape is always evolving. Etek's commitment to innovation aligns with the need for engineers who can adapt and implement new technologies effectively.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the essential skills and responsibilities of the Software Engineer role, enabling you to showcase your qualifications and align with the company's goals effectively.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Etek It Services, Inc. is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening, which usually takes place over a phone call with a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on understanding your background, skills, and motivations for applying. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, including expectations and potential career growth.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates typically undergo a technical assessment. This may be conducted via a video call and involves a series of coding challenges or problem-solving exercises. Expect to demonstrate your proficiency in programming languages relevant to the role, such as COBOL, and your understanding of database management with SQL and DB2. You may also be asked to discuss your experience with CICS Restful Services and JSON, as these are critical components of the job.

3. In-Depth Technical Interview

Candidates who perform well in the technical assessment are usually invited to an in-depth technical interview. This round may consist of multiple one-on-one interviews with senior engineers or team leads. Each session will delve deeper into your technical expertise, including algorithms, system design, and your approach to software development. Be prepared to discuss past projects and how you tackled specific challenges.

4. Behavioral Interview

In addition to technical skills, Etek It Services places a strong emphasis on cultural fit. Therefore, a behavioral interview is often part of the process. This interview will explore your soft skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Expect questions that assess how you handle conflict, work under pressure, and collaborate with others.

5. Final Interview

The final stage may involve a wrap-up interview with a senior manager or executive. This conversation typically focuses on your long-term career goals, alignment with the company’s vision, and any remaining questions you may have about the role or the organization.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the specific skills and experiences that will showcase your qualifications for the Software Engineer position at Etek It Services, Inc. Next, let’s explore the types of questions you might encounter during this process.

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

Understand the Company and Its Culture

Before your interview, take the time to familiarize yourself with Etek It Services, Inc. and its core values. Understanding the company’s mission and recent projects will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also allow you to tailor your responses to align with their goals. Given the hybrid work model, consider how you can demonstrate your adaptability and ability to collaborate in both remote and in-person settings.

Highlight Relevant Technical Skills

As a Software Engineer, proficiency in COBOL, CICS Restful Services, JSON, and DB2/SQL is crucial. Make sure to brush up on these technologies and be prepared to discuss your experience with them in detail. Consider preparing examples of past projects where you utilized these skills, focusing on the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will showcase your problem-solving abilities and technical expertise.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect questions that assess your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Think of specific instances where you demonstrated leadership, collaboration, or innovation in your previous roles. This will help you convey your fit within the company culture and your ability to contribute to team dynamics.

Be Ready to Discuss Salary Expectations

Based on feedback from previous candidates, be prepared to discuss your salary expectations during the interview. Research industry standards for the role and location to provide a well-informed range. This shows that you are serious about the position and have done your homework, which can leave a positive impression on your interviewers.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the company’s future direction. This not only demonstrates your interest in the role but also gives you valuable insights into whether the company aligns with your career goals. Tailor your questions to reflect your understanding of the company and the specific challenges they may be facing.

Follow Up After the Interview

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point from the interview that resonated with you. This not only shows professionalism but also keeps you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-prepared and enthusiastic candidate, increasing your chances of success in securing the Software Engineer position at Etek It Services, Inc. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for a Software Engineer position at Etek It Services, Inc. The interview will likely focus on your programming skills, experience with specific technologies, and problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to discuss your technical expertise, particularly in COBOL, CICS Restful Services, and database management.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain your experience with COBOL and how you have used it in past projects?

Etek It Services is looking for candidates with strong COBOL skills, so be ready to discuss your hands-on experience.

How to Answer

Highlight specific projects where you utilized COBOL, focusing on the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Example

“In my previous role, I worked on a legacy system that required extensive COBOL programming. I was responsible for optimizing existing code, which improved processing speed by 30%. This experience taught me the importance of maintaining legacy systems while integrating modern solutions.”

2. Describe a project where you implemented CICS Restful Services. What challenges did you encounter?

This question assesses your familiarity with CICS and your ability to handle real-world challenges.

How to Answer

Discuss the project scope, your role, and any specific challenges you faced, along with how you resolved them.

Example

“I led a project to develop a RESTful API using CICS for a financial application. One challenge was ensuring secure data transmission. I implemented OAuth for authentication, which not only secured the API but also improved user trust in our application.”

3. How do you approach debugging a complex SQL query?

SQL skills are essential for this role, and your approach to debugging will be evaluated.

How to Answer

Explain your systematic approach to identifying and resolving issues in SQL queries.

Example

“When debugging a complex SQL query, I first break it down into smaller parts to isolate the issue. I use tools like EXPLAIN to analyze the query execution plan, which helps me identify bottlenecks. This method has consistently led to faster resolution times.”

4. Can you discuss your experience with DB2 and how you have optimized database performance?

Your ability to work with databases is crucial, and this question will gauge your expertise.

How to Answer

Share specific examples of how you have optimized DB2 performance in your previous roles.

Example

“In my last position, I noticed performance issues with our DB2 database. I conducted a thorough analysis and implemented indexing strategies that reduced query response times by 40%. This significantly improved the overall application performance.”

5. What is your experience with JCL, and how have you used it in your projects?

Understanding JCL is important for this role, so be prepared to discuss your experience.

How to Answer

Detail your experience with JCL, including specific tasks you have accomplished using it.

Example

“I have used JCL extensively for job scheduling and managing batch processes. In one project, I automated a series of nightly jobs using JCL, which reduced manual intervention and improved reliability. This automation saved the team several hours each week.”

Behavioral Questions

6. Describe a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a tight deadline. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your ability to manage stress and prioritize tasks effectively.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example that demonstrates your time management and problem-solving skills.

Example

“During a critical project, we faced a tight deadline due to unexpected changes in requirements. I organized a team meeting to reassess our priorities and delegated tasks based on each member's strengths. By maintaining open communication and focusing on key deliverables, we successfully met the deadline without compromising quality.”

7. How do you ensure effective communication within a development team?

Communication is key in software development, and this question evaluates your interpersonal skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for fostering clear communication among team members.

Example

“I believe in regular check-ins and using collaborative tools like Slack and Jira to keep everyone updated. I also encourage team members to share their progress and challenges during stand-up meetings, which fosters a culture of transparency and support.”

8. Can you give an example of a time you had to learn a new technology quickly? How did you approach it?

This question gauges your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully learned a new technology under time constraints.

Example

“When I was tasked with integrating a new microservices architecture, I dedicated time to online courses and hands-on practice. I also reached out to colleagues who had experience with the technology for guidance. This proactive approach allowed me to contribute effectively to the project within a short timeframe.”

9. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Conflict resolution is an important skill in any collaborative environment.

How to Answer

Describe your approach to resolving conflicts and maintaining a positive team dynamic.

Example

“I approach conflicts by first listening to all parties involved to understand their perspectives. I then facilitate a discussion to find common ground and encourage compromise. This method has helped me resolve conflicts amicably and maintain a collaborative team atmosphere.”

10. What motivates you to excel in your role as a Software Engineer?

Understanding your motivation can help the interviewer gauge your fit within the company culture.

How to Answer

Share what drives you in your work and how it aligns with the company’s values.

Example

“I am motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create impactful software solutions. I find great satisfaction in seeing my work improve user experiences and contribute to the success of the organization.”