FactSet Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

FactSet is a leading provider of financial data and analytics, empowering investment professionals with comprehensive insights to make informed decisions.

As a Software Engineer at FactSet, you will be integral to the development of innovative applications that leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve complex challenges in the financial sector. Your key responsibilities will include designing, developing, and maintaining software solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure product effectiveness and stability. You will work in an agile environment, utilizing your strong programming skills in languages such as Python, C++, and Java, alongside your knowledge of data structures and algorithms. A solid understanding of object-oriented programming principles, experience with cloud technologies like AWS, and proficiency in relational databases are essential for success in this role.

The ideal candidate will also possess excellent problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills, and a passion for continuous learning and improvement. At FactSet, we value diversity and innovation, making it vital for our engineers to contribute unique perspectives and work collaboratively towards common goals.

This guide aims to prepare you for your interview at FactSet by providing insights into the expectations and types of questions you may encounter, ultimately giving you an edge in the selection process.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at FactSet is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Typically, candidates can expect the following stages:

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, often conducted by an HR representative. This conversation typically lasts around 30-45 minutes and focuses on understanding the candidate's background, skills, and motivations for applying to FactSet. The HR representative may also discuss the company culture and the specifics of the role to ensure alignment.

2. Online Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are usually required to complete an online assessment. This assessment often includes coding challenges that test knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving skills. The platform used for this assessment can vary, with HackerRank being a common choice. Candidates should be prepared for questions that range from easy to medium difficulty, focusing on practical coding tasks.

3. Technical Interviews

Candidates who perform well in the online assessment will move on to one or more technical interviews. These interviews are typically conducted by senior engineers or technical leads and can take place over video conferencing platforms. The technical interviews often consist of live coding exercises where candidates are asked to solve problems in real-time. Interviewers may focus on various topics, including object-oriented programming, system design, and specific programming languages relevant to the role, such as Python, C++, or Java. Candidates should be ready to explain their thought process and approach to problem-solving during these sessions.

4. Behavioral Interview

In addition to technical assessments, candidates will likely participate in a behavioral interview. This round is designed to evaluate cultural fit and interpersonal skills. Interviewers may ask about past experiences, teamwork, conflict resolution, and how candidates align with FactSet's values. It’s important for candidates to articulate their experiences clearly and demonstrate their ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

5. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process typically involves a meeting with a hiring manager or senior leadership. This interview may cover both technical and behavioral aspects, with a focus on the candidate's long-term career goals and how they align with the company's objectives. Candidates may also be asked to discuss their previous projects in detail and how they can contribute to FactSet's mission.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should be prepared to engage in discussions about their technical skills, past experiences, and how they can add value to the team at FactSet.

Next, let’s delve into the specific 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 FactSet typically consists of multiple rounds, including technical assessments and HR interviews. Familiarize yourself with the structure, as it often includes a coding assessment, technical interviews focused on data structures and algorithms, and discussions about your past experiences. Knowing what to expect can help you manage your time and energy effectively throughout the day.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to face a variety of technical questions, particularly around data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming. Brush up on your knowledge of arrays, linked lists, trees, and common algorithms. Practice coding problems on platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode, focusing on medium to hard-level questions. Be prepared to explain your thought process and the reasoning behind your solutions, as interviewers value clarity and problem-solving skills.

Showcase Your Projects

Be ready to discuss your previous projects in detail. FactSet values candidates who can articulate their contributions and the technologies they used. Highlight any experience with Python, C++, or cloud technologies, as these are relevant to the role. Discuss challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this demonstrates your problem-solving abilities and resilience.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

FactSet places a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you have collaborated with others in past projects, especially in agile environments. Highlight your ability to work with cross-functional teams and how you handle feedback during code reviews. This will show that you are not only technically proficient but also a team player who can contribute to a positive work culture.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

In addition to technical skills, FactSet is interested in your cultural fit within the company. Prepare for behavioral questions that explore your motivations, work ethic, and how you handle challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples from your past experiences.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of your interview, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Use this time to demonstrate your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about the team dynamics, the technologies they are currently using, or how they approach professional development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if FactSet is the right fit for you.

Stay Calm and Confident

Finally, remember to stay calm and confident throughout the interview process. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but maintaining a positive attitude and being yourself will help you connect with your interviewers. Practice mindfulness techniques or mock interviews to build your confidence and reduce anxiety.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically skilled but also a great fit for FactSet's collaborative and innovative culture. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at FactSet. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of software engineering principles. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and programming languages, as well as your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Data Structures and Algorithms

1. Can you explain the difference between a stack and a queue?

Understanding the fundamental data structures is crucial for any software engineering role.

How to Answer

Discuss the key characteristics of both data structures, including their operations and use cases.

Example

“A stack is a Last In First Out (LIFO) structure, where the last element added is the first to be removed. In contrast, a queue follows a First In First Out (FIFO) principle, where the first element added is the first to be removed. Stacks are often used in function call management, while queues are used in scheduling tasks.”

2. How would you find a loop in a linked list?

This question tests your understanding of linked lists and algorithmic problem-solving.

How to Answer

Explain the Floyd’s Cycle Detection algorithm (Tortoise and Hare) and how it can be implemented.

Example

“I would use Floyd’s Cycle Detection algorithm, where I maintain two pointers: one moving at normal speed and the other at double speed. If there is a loop, the fast pointer will eventually meet the slow pointer. If they meet, a loop exists; otherwise, it does not.”

3. Describe how you would implement a binary search algorithm.

Binary search is a common algorithm that demonstrates your understanding of searching techniques.

How to Answer

Outline the steps of the binary search algorithm and its time complexity.

Example

“Binary search works on sorted arrays. I would start with two pointers, one at the beginning and one at the end of the array. I would calculate the middle index and compare the middle element with the target value. If they match, I return the index; if the target is smaller, I adjust the end pointer; if larger, I adjust the start pointer. This process continues until the target is found or the pointers cross. The time complexity is O(log n).”

4. Can you explain the concept of time and space complexity?

Understanding complexity is essential for evaluating the efficiency of algorithms.

How to Answer

Discuss the definitions and how they are calculated, along with examples.

Example

“Time complexity measures the amount of time an algorithm takes to complete based on the input size, while space complexity measures the amount of memory used. For example, a linear search has a time complexity of O(n) and a space complexity of O(1), as it only requires a constant amount of space regardless of input size.”

5. How would you design a data structure for a hospital management system?

This question assesses your ability to design complex systems.

How to Answer

Discuss the key components and relationships in the system, such as patients, doctors, and appointments.

Example

“I would create classes for Patients, Doctors, and Appointments. The Patient class would contain attributes like name, ID, and medical history. The Doctor class would include specialization and availability. The Appointment class would link a patient to a doctor and include date and time. I would use a relational database to manage these relationships efficiently.”

Programming Languages

1. What are the main principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)?

This question tests your understanding of OOP concepts.

How to Answer

Discuss the four main principles: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction.

Example

“OOP is based on four main principles: encapsulation, which restricts access to certain components; inheritance, which allows a class to inherit properties from another; polymorphism, which enables methods to do different things based on the object; and abstraction, which simplifies complex systems by modeling classes based on essential properties.”

2. How do you handle exceptions in Python?

This question assesses your knowledge of error handling in programming.

How to Answer

Explain the try-except block and how it can be used to manage exceptions.

Example

“In Python, I handle exceptions using try-except blocks. I place the code that might raise an exception in the try block, and if an exception occurs, the code in the except block executes. This allows the program to continue running without crashing.”

3. Can you explain the concept of recursion and provide an example?

Recursion is a fundamental programming concept that is often tested in interviews.

How to Answer

Define recursion and provide a simple example, such as calculating the factorial of a number.

Example

“Recursion is a method where a function calls itself to solve smaller instances of the same problem. For example, to calculate the factorial of a number n, I would define a function that returns n multiplied by the factorial of n-1, with a base case of 1 when n equals 0.”

4. What is the difference between a list and a tuple in Python?

This question tests your understanding of data structures in Python.

How to Answer

Discuss the key differences, including mutability and use cases.

Example

“A list is mutable, meaning its elements can be changed, while a tuple is immutable, meaning once it is created, it cannot be modified. Lists are typically used for collections of items that may change, while tuples are used for fixed collections of items.”

5. How do you optimize a SQL query?

This question assesses your knowledge of database management and optimization techniques.

How to Answer

Discuss indexing, query structure, and analyzing execution plans.

Example

“To optimize a SQL query, I would first ensure that appropriate indexes are in place for the columns used in WHERE clauses. I would also analyze the execution plan to identify bottlenecks and avoid using SELECT * to limit the amount of data retrieved. Additionally, I would consider restructuring the query to minimize joins and subqueries where possible.”