Expedia, Inc. Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Expedia, Inc. is a leading global online travel company that provides industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers.

The Software Engineer role at Expedia focuses on designing and implementing robust software solutions within a collaborative, agile environment. This position requires a strong foundation in object-oriented programming, algorithms, and data structures, ideally using JVM languages such as Java, Scala, or Kotlin. The software engineer will be responsible for developing product features, enhancing data APIs, and integrating business intelligence tools that support the company's B2B operations. The ideal candidate will possess effective communication skills for engaging with cross-functional teams, a passion for learning new technologies, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. As a member of the team, you'll contribute to building scalable solutions while maintaining high coding standards and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the types of questions you may face, enabling you to showcase your technical skills and align with the values and mission of Expedia, Inc.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Expedia is structured and involves multiple stages designed to assess both technical and behavioral competencies. Here’s a breakdown of the typical process:

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This conversation typically lasts around 30 to 45 minutes and focuses on your resume, relevant experiences, and motivations for applying to Expedia. Expect to answer general behavioral questions and discuss your understanding of the role and the company.

2. Online Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are usually required to complete an online coding assessment, often hosted on platforms like HackerRank. This assessment typically lasts about 90 minutes and includes a mix of coding questions that test your knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving skills. The questions can range from easy to medium difficulty, and you may also encounter multiple-choice questions related to computer science concepts.

3. Technical Interviews

Candidates who perform well in the online assessment are invited to participate in one or more technical interviews. These interviews can be conducted virtually and typically consist of two to three rounds, each lasting around 45 minutes to an hour. During these sessions, you will be asked to solve coding problems in real-time, often using a shared coding environment. Expect questions that cover object-oriented programming, system design, and algorithmic challenges. Interviewers may also ask you to explain your thought process and approach to problem-solving.

4. Behavioral Interview

In addition to technical assessments, candidates will also undergo a behavioral interview. This round is designed to evaluate your soft skills, cultural fit, and how you handle various workplace scenarios. Expect questions that follow the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format, focusing on your past experiences, teamwork, conflict resolution, and motivations.

5. Final Interview

The final stage may involve a more in-depth discussion with a hiring manager or senior team members. This interview can include a mix of technical and behavioral questions, as well as discussions about your previous projects and how they relate to the role at Expedia. You may also be asked to present your approach to a specific problem or design a system relevant to the company's needs.

Throughout the process, communication may vary, and candidates have reported delays in feedback. However, the overall experience is generally regarded as professional and thorough, with interviewers often providing constructive feedback.

As you prepare for your interviews, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may arise. Here are some examples of the interview questions that candidates have encountered during the process.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at Expedia typically consists of multiple stages, including an online coding assessment, technical interviews, and a behavioral interview. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Expect to face two technical rounds focused on coding and system design, followed by a behavioral round. Knowing what to expect will help you manage your time and energy effectively during the interview process.

Master Coding Challenges

Coding challenges are a significant part of the interview process. Practice on platforms like HackerRank and LeetCode, focusing on medium to difficult level problems. Pay special attention to data structures and algorithms, as these are frequently tested. Be prepared to discuss your thought process while solving problems, as interviewers appreciate candidates who can articulate their reasoning and approach.

Prepare for System Design Questions

Given the emphasis on system design in the interviews, it’s crucial to brush up on your design skills. Be ready to discuss how you would design scalable systems, such as a hotel booking application or an API for travel data. Familiarize yourself with design patterns and best practices in software architecture. Practice articulating your design choices and the trade-offs involved.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Expedia values collaboration and teamwork. During your interviews, demonstrate your ability to work well with others by sharing examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated on projects. Be prepared to discuss how you handle feedback and contribute to a team environment. This will align with the company’s culture of continuous improvement and open communication.

Showcase Your Passion for Learning

Expedia seeks candidates who are passionate about technology and eager to learn. Highlight any recent projects or technologies you’ve explored, especially those related to cloud services like AWS, APIs, or data visualization tools. This will show your commitment to personal and professional growth, which is highly valued in their work culture.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Behavioral interviews at Expedia often include questions about your past experiences and how you handle various situations. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Prepare to discuss challenges you’ve faced, how you resolved conflicts, and your approach to teamwork. This will help you convey your interpersonal skills and fit within the company culture.

Stay Calm and Engaged

Interviews can be stressful, but maintaining a calm demeanor is essential. If you encounter a challenging question, take a moment to think before responding. Keep the conversation flowing by asking clarifying questions and engaging with your interviewers. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps create a more interactive and enjoyable interview experience.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is a chance to reiterate your interest in the position and reflect on any key points discussed during the interview. A thoughtful follow-up can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can enhance your chances of success in the interview process at Expedia. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Expedia, Inc. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of software development principles, particularly in JVM languages and cloud technologies.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and how you have applied them in your projects?

Understanding OOP is crucial for software development roles. Be prepared to discuss the four main principles: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction, and provide examples from your experience.

How to Answer

Discuss how you have implemented these principles in your past projects, focusing on specific examples that highlight your understanding and application of OOP concepts.

Example

“In my last project, I designed a hotel booking system where I used encapsulation to hide the internal state of the booking class. This allowed me to manage the booking process without exposing sensitive data. I also utilized inheritance to create different types of bookings, such as standard and premium, which shared common attributes but had unique behaviors.”

2. Describe a challenging coding problem you faced and how you solved it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations.

How to Answer

Choose a specific problem, explain the context, the challenges you faced, and the steps you took to arrive at a solution. Highlight any tools or methodologies you used.

Example

“I encountered a performance issue in a data processing application where the response time was unacceptable. I profiled the application and discovered that a nested loop was causing inefficiencies. I refactored the code to use a hash map for faster lookups, which reduced the processing time by over 50%.”

3. How do you approach designing APIs?

APIs are a critical part of software development, especially in a company like Expedia that relies on data integration.

How to Answer

Discuss your understanding of RESTful principles, versioning, and documentation. Mention any tools or frameworks you have used for API development.

Example

“When designing APIs, I follow RESTful principles to ensure they are stateless and resource-oriented. I also prioritize clear documentation using tools like Swagger, which helps other developers understand how to interact with the API. In my last project, I implemented versioning to ensure backward compatibility as we introduced new features.”

4. Can you explain the difference between SQL and NoSQL databases? When would you use one over the other?

This question tests your knowledge of data storage solutions.

How to Answer

Explain the fundamental differences between SQL and NoSQL databases, including structure, scalability, and use cases.

Example

“SQL databases are relational and use structured query language for defining and manipulating data, making them ideal for complex queries and transactions. In contrast, NoSQL databases are more flexible and can handle unstructured data, which is beneficial for applications requiring high scalability and rapid development. For instance, I would choose a NoSQL database for a real-time analytics application where data structure may evolve over time.”

System Design

5. How would you design a hotel booking system?

This question evaluates your system design skills and ability to think through complex architectures.

How to Answer

Outline the key components of the system, including data models, user interactions, and any third-party integrations. Discuss scalability and performance considerations.

Example

“I would start by defining the core entities such as hotels, rooms, and bookings. I would use a microservices architecture to separate concerns, allowing for independent scaling of services like search and booking. For data storage, I would use a relational database for structured data and a NoSQL database for user-generated content like reviews. Additionally, I would implement caching strategies to improve performance during peak times.”

Behavioral Questions

6. Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, focusing on the actions you took to resolve the conflict and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, I worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our communication styles and find common ground. By actively listening to their concerns and expressing my own, we were able to establish a more collaborative working relationship, which ultimately improved our project outcomes.”

7. Why do you want to work at Expedia?

This question gauges your motivation and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Discuss your interest in the travel industry, the company’s mission, and how your skills align with the role.

Example

“I am passionate about technology and travel, and I admire Expedia’s commitment to making travel accessible for everyone. I believe my experience in building scalable applications and my enthusiasm for learning new technologies would allow me to contribute effectively to your team.”

8. How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methodologies you use.

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and project management tools like Jira to prioritize my tasks. I assess the urgency and impact of each task, focusing on high-priority items that align with project goals. Regular check-ins with my team also help ensure we are aligned and can adjust priorities as needed.”

9. What is your experience with cloud services, particularly AWS?

This question assesses your familiarity with cloud technologies, which are essential for modern software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with specific AWS services and how you have utilized them in your projects.

Example

“I have worked extensively with AWS, particularly with services like S3 for storage, EC2 for computing, and RDS for database management. In my last project, I deployed a web application on AWS, leveraging Elastic Beanstalk for easy scaling and management, which significantly improved our deployment times and reliability.”