First Citizens Bank Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

First Citizens Bank is a leading financial institution dedicated to providing exceptional banking services and innovative technology solutions to enhance customer experiences.

The Software Engineer plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between business needs and technology delivery. This position is responsible for planning, designing, developing, and launching efficient systems that support the organization's core functions. Key responsibilities include keeping abreast of emerging technologies, developing technical strategies, and providing guidance to both technical teams and business stakeholders. The ideal candidate should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, be able to navigate ambiguity, and demonstrate excellent communication abilities. Experience with software development methodologies such as Agile and DevSecOps is crucial, as is a solid understanding of various programming languages and frameworks, particularly Java and the Spring ecosystem.

This guide is designed to help candidates prepare for their interviews by providing insights into the expectations and requirements of the role, as well as common interview questions and strategies to make a positive impression.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at First Citizens Bank is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several rounds, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and experience.

1. Initial Phone Interview

The first step in the interview process is a phone interview with a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivations for applying to First Citizens Bank. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the Software Engineer role. Expect to discuss your resume in detail and how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities of the position.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically participate in a technical interview, which may be conducted via video call. This round often involves discussions with a hiring manager or a senior engineer. You will be asked to solve coding problems and answer theoretical questions related to software development. While there may not be on-the-spot coding assignments, you should be prepared to explain your thought process and approach to problem-solving. Questions may cover topics such as data structures, algorithms, and system design.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next stage usually involves a behavioral interview, where you will meet with team members or supervisors. This round focuses on your past experiences, teamwork, and how you handle challenges in a work environment. You may be asked to walk through specific projects you've worked on, detailing your role and contributions. The interviewers will be looking for evidence of your communication skills, ability to collaborate, and how you align with the company's values.

4. Final Interview

In some cases, there may be a final interview round, which could include additional technical assessments or discussions with higher-level management. This round is often more focused on your long-term fit within the team and the organization. You may be asked about your career goals and how you envision contributing to the bank's technology initiatives.

5. Offer and Negotiation

If you successfully navigate the interview rounds, you will receive a job offer. The offer will include details about salary, benefits, and other compensation elements. Be prepared to discuss your expectations and negotiate if necessary.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise in each round, focusing on both technical and behavioral aspects.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

First Citizens Bank typically conducts a multi-stage interview process, starting with an HR screening followed by interviews with hiring managers and team members. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences and projects in detail, as interviewers often ask candidates to walk through their past work. This will help you establish a connection with the interviewers and demonstrate your fit for the role.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a Software Engineer, you will likely face technical questions that assess your coding abilities and theoretical knowledge. While you may not be asked to code on the spot, be prepared to explain your thought process and approach to problem-solving. Brush up on relevant technologies such as Java, Spring Framework, and microservices architecture, as these are commonly referenced in interviews. Additionally, be ready to discuss how you have applied these technologies in your previous roles.

Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is crucial at First Citizens Bank. The interviewers will be looking for candidates who can articulate their thoughts clearly and collaborate well with others. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you may need to communicate with non-technical stakeholders. Highlight your experience in mentoring or guiding less experienced team members, as this aligns with the collaborative culture of the organization.

Align with Company Values

First Citizens Bank values a strong partnership between business needs and technology delivery. Research the company’s mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work for First Citizens Bank and how you can contribute to their goals. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and the role.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that explore how you handle challenges, work in teams, and adapt to change. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Reflect on past experiences where you successfully navigated complex technical problems or collaborated with cross-functional teams. This will help you provide concrete examples that showcase your skills and adaptability.

Emphasize Continuous Learning

The technology landscape is constantly evolving, and First Citizens Bank seeks candidates who are committed to continuous learning. Be prepared to discuss how you stay updated on emerging technologies and industry best practices. Mention any relevant certifications, courses, or personal projects that demonstrate your dedication to professional growth.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Use this time to inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the company’s approach to technology innovation. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your career aspirations.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at First Citizens Bank. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at First Citizens Bank. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with software development methodologies. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, coding practices, and how you approach complex technical challenges.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the software development lifecycle and your experience with it?

Understanding the software development lifecycle (SDLC) is crucial for a software engineer.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with various phases of the SDLC, such as requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Highlight specific methodologies you have used, such as Agile or Waterfall.

Example

“I have extensive experience with the Agile methodology, where I participated in daily stand-ups and sprint planning sessions. I believe that continuous feedback and iterative development are key to delivering high-quality software. In my last project, I led the team through the SDLC, ensuring that we met all deadlines while maintaining code quality.”

2. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that demonstrates your analytical thinking and technical skills. Explain the problem, your approach to solving it, and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced a significant performance bottleneck in our application. I conducted a thorough analysis and identified that inefficient database queries were the root cause. By optimizing the queries and implementing caching strategies, we improved the application’s response time by 40%.”

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

This question gauges your technical proficiency and preferences.

How to Answer

Mention the programming languages you are proficient in and provide context on how you have used them in your projects.

Example

“I am most comfortable with Java and C#. I have used Java extensively in developing microservices with Spring Boot, which allows for rapid development and deployment. C# has been my go-to for building applications on the .NET framework, especially in enterprise environments.”

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

This question evaluates your coding practices and commitment to quality.

How to Answer

Discuss the practices you follow to maintain code quality, such as code reviews, unit testing, and adherence to coding standards.

Example

“I prioritize code quality by implementing peer code reviews and using static analysis tools to catch potential issues early. Additionally, I write unit tests for critical components to ensure that any changes do not introduce new bugs, which helps maintain the overall integrity of the codebase.”

5. Can you explain the concept of microservices and its advantages?

Microservices architecture is a key focus area for many organizations, including First Citizens Bank.

How to Answer

Define microservices and discuss their benefits, such as scalability, flexibility, and ease of deployment.

Example

“Microservices architecture involves breaking down applications into smaller, independent services that can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently. This approach allows teams to work on different services simultaneously, leading to faster development cycles and improved fault isolation. In my last project, we transitioned to a microservices architecture, which significantly improved our deployment frequency.”

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

6. How do you approach debugging a complex issue in your code?

This question assesses your analytical and troubleshooting skills.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to debugging, including tools and techniques you use.

Example

“When debugging complex issues, I start by reproducing the problem and gathering as much information as possible. I use logging and debugging tools to trace the execution flow and identify where things go wrong. Once I pinpoint the issue, I analyze the root cause and implement a fix, followed by thorough testing to ensure the problem is resolved.”

7. Describe your experience with version control systems.

Version control is essential for collaborative software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with version control systems, particularly Git, and how you use them in your workflow.

Example

“I have been using Git for version control in all my projects. I am comfortable with branching strategies, pull requests, and resolving merge conflicts. In my last role, I implemented a Git workflow that improved collaboration among team members and streamlined our development process.”

8. How do you stay updated with emerging technologies and industry trends?

This question evaluates your commitment to continuous learning.

How to Answer

Share the resources you use to keep your skills current, such as online courses, blogs, or conferences.

Example

“I regularly follow industry blogs, participate in online forums, and attend webinars to stay updated on emerging technologies. I also take online courses on platforms like Coursera and Udemy to deepen my knowledge in specific areas, such as cloud computing and machine learning.”

9. Can you explain the importance of unit testing and how you implement it?

Unit testing is a critical aspect of software development.

How to Answer

Discuss the role of unit testing in your development process and the tools you use.

Example

“Unit testing is crucial for ensuring that individual components of the application function as intended. I use JUnit for Java projects and NUnit for C# projects to write and execute unit tests. I aim to achieve high test coverage, which helps catch bugs early in the development cycle and provides confidence when making changes to the codebase.”

10. What strategies do you use to manage your time and prioritize tasks in a project?

This question assesses your project management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to time management and how you prioritize tasks based on project requirements.

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and task management tools like Jira to prioritize my work. I break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and set deadlines for each. Regular check-ins with my team help ensure that we stay aligned on priorities and can adjust as needed based on project progress.”