Harnham Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Harnham is a fast-growing recruitment firm specializing in data and analytics, providing innovative solutions tailored to the needs of its clients.

As a Software Engineer at Harnham, you will be integral to the development of cutting-edge technological solutions that enhance data-driven decision-making processes in various industries. Your key responsibilities will include architecting and implementing robust software applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions, and optimizing existing software systems for improved performance. You will leverage your expertise in programming languages and frameworks such as Python and JavaScript, while also engaging in best practices for software development, including test-driven development (TDD) and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) methodologies.

The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving abilities, a keen attention to detail, and the capacity to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Experience in cloud environments and a solid understanding of algorithms will be highly advantageous, as you will be working on projects that require the manipulation and analysis of large datasets.

This guide will aid you in preparing for your interview by equipping you with insights into the company culture, the specific demands of the role, and the skills that will be evaluated during the process.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Harnham is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. It typically consists of several stages, each focusing on different aspects of the candidate's qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step in the interview process is an initial phone screen, which usually lasts about 30 minutes. During this call, a recruiter will discuss the role and the company, while also gauging your interest and alignment with Harnham's values. This is an opportunity for you to share your background, skills, and motivations for applying, as well as to ask any preliminary questions about the position.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates typically undergo a technical assessment. This may involve a coding challenge or a take-home project that tests your proficiency in relevant programming languages and frameworks, particularly JavaScript and Python. You may also be asked to demonstrate your understanding of algorithms and data structures, as well as your ability to design and implement efficient solutions. This assessment is crucial for evaluating your technical capabilities and problem-solving skills.

3. Technical Interview

Candidates who successfully pass the technical assessment will be invited to a technical interview, which is often conducted via video conferencing. In this round, you will engage with one or more engineers from the team. Expect to tackle coding problems in real-time, discuss your previous projects, and explain your thought process as you work through technical challenges. This interview will also cover system design and architecture, focusing on your ability to create scalable and maintainable software solutions.

4. Behavioral Interview

The final stage of the interview process is a behavioral interview. This round is designed to assess your soft skills, teamwork, and cultural fit within Harnham. You will be asked about your past experiences, how you handle challenges, and your approach to collaboration and communication. This is an opportunity to showcase your interpersonal skills and demonstrate how you align with the company's values and work environment.

As you prepare for these interviews, it's essential to be ready for a variety of questions that will test both your technical knowledge and your ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.

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

Understand the Fintech Landscape

As a Software Engineer in a fast-growing Fintech company, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the current trends and challenges in the financial technology sector. Research the company's products, their competitors, and the regulatory environment. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the industry.

Showcase Your Technical Proficiency

Given the emphasis on algorithms and programming languages like Python and JavaScript, be prepared to discuss your technical skills in detail. Brush up on your understanding of algorithms, data structures, and system design principles. You may be asked to solve coding problems or discuss your previous projects, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

In addition to technical skills, the interviewers will likely assess your cultural fit within the team. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others, handled challenges, and contributed to team success. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

As a Software Engineer, you will be working closely with product and design teams. Highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration and your ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. This will demonstrate your capability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams, which is essential in a startup environment.

Be Ready to Discuss Machine Learning Concepts

With the role involving the development of machine learning applications, familiarize yourself with basic machine learning concepts and their applications in finance. Be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have in this area, including specific algorithms or projects you've worked on.

Show Enthusiasm for Innovation

Startups thrive on innovation and fresh ideas. Be prepared to discuss how you stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in software development. Share any personal projects or contributions to open-source initiatives that showcase your passion for technology and innovation.

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 company's future projects, team dynamics, and how they measure success in the engineering team. Thoughtful questions will not only provide you with valuable insights but also demonstrate your interest in the role and the company.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you'll position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Harnham. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Harnham. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience in a collaborative environment. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to software development, and how you can contribute to the team.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between REST and GraphQL?

Understanding API design is crucial for a Software Engineer, especially in a full-stack role.

How to Answer

Discuss the fundamental differences in how data is requested and structured in REST versus GraphQL, emphasizing the flexibility of GraphQL in fetching only the required data.

Example

"REST APIs typically expose multiple endpoints for different resources, while GraphQL provides a single endpoint that allows clients to specify exactly what data they need. This can reduce the amount of data transferred and improve performance, especially in mobile applications."

2. Describe your experience with cloud services, particularly AWS.

Given the emphasis on cloud environments, your familiarity with AWS will be assessed.

How to Answer

Highlight specific AWS services you have used, how you implemented them in your projects, and the benefits they provided.

Example

"I have utilized AWS EC2 for hosting applications and S3 for storage solutions. In my last project, I set up a CI/CD pipeline using AWS CodePipeline, which significantly reduced deployment times and improved our release cycle."

3. How do you ensure the security of APIs you develop?

Security is a critical aspect of software development, especially in fintech.

How to Answer

Discuss best practices for API security, such as authentication, authorization, and data encryption.

Example

"I implement OAuth 2.0 for secure authentication and ensure that all data transmitted is encrypted using HTTPS. Additionally, I regularly conduct security audits and use tools like Postman to test for vulnerabilities."

4. Can you walk us through a challenging bug you encountered and how you resolved it?

Problem-solving skills are essential for a Software Engineer.

How to Answer

Describe the bug, your troubleshooting process, and the final solution, emphasizing your analytical skills.

Example

"I once faced a memory leak issue in a Node.js application. I used profiling tools to identify the source of the leak, which was a forgotten event listener. After removing it and optimizing the code, the application's performance improved significantly."

5. What is your approach to writing unit tests?

Testing is a key part of software development, and your approach will be scrutinized.

How to Answer

Explain your testing strategy, the tools you use, and the importance of testing in the development lifecycle.

Example

"I follow the TDD approach, writing tests before the actual code. I primarily use Jest for unit testing in JavaScript projects, ensuring that each function behaves as expected. This practice helps catch bugs early and improves code quality."

Collaboration and Communication

1. How do you handle disagreements with team members regarding technical decisions?

Collaboration is vital in a small team environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution and the importance of open communication.

Example

"I believe in addressing disagreements directly and respectfully. I encourage open discussions where everyone can present their viewpoints. If consensus cannot be reached, I suggest we weigh the pros and cons of each approach and make a decision based on data and project requirements."

2. Describe a project where you had to collaborate with non-technical stakeholders.

Your ability to communicate with non-technical team members is important.

How to Answer

Share an example that illustrates your communication skills and how you ensured everyone was on the same page.

Example

"In a previous project, I worked closely with the marketing team to develop a feature that required their input on user experience. I organized regular meetings to gather their feedback and translated their requirements into technical specifications, ensuring alignment throughout the development process."

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

Time management is crucial in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Explain your prioritization strategy and any tools you use to manage your workload.

Example

"I use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. I also utilize project management tools like Trello to keep track of deadlines and progress, ensuring that I focus on high-impact tasks first."

4. Can you give an example of how you’ve mentored a junior engineer?

Mentorship is often a part of a senior engineer's role.

How to Answer

Describe your mentoring style and a specific instance where you helped a junior engineer grow.

Example

"I mentored a junior developer by pairing with them on a project. I encouraged them to take the lead on certain tasks while providing guidance and feedback. This not only helped them build confidence but also improved their coding skills significantly."

5. What do you do to stay updated with the latest technology trends?

Continuous learning is essential in the tech industry.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for keeping your skills current, such as online courses, reading, or attending conferences.

Example

"I regularly follow tech blogs, participate in online courses on platforms like Coursera, and attend local meetups. I also contribute to open-source projects, which helps me learn from others in the community."