Humana Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Humana is a leading health insurance company committed to putting health first for both its customers and employees.

As a Software Engineer at Humana, you will play a critical role in developing and maintaining software applications that align with business requirements, particularly in the area of Identity and Access Management (IAM). Your responsibilities will include coding software applications, overseeing the quality assurance procedures, and conducting testing and debugging. You will be expected to research and resolve complex software-related issues and make independent decisions when necessary, all while adhering to established guidelines and procedures.

To excel in this position, you should possess a strong foundation in programming languages such as Java and JavaScript, and frameworks like React. Experience with ForgeRock and Ping Identity components will be beneficial, as you will be working on IAM platforms that enhance customer experience and ensure compliance with security standards. Additionally, familiarity with Agile methodologies, OAuth2.0, Docker, and Kubernetes will set you apart as a strong candidate. Excellent communication skills are essential, as you will be collaborating with cross-functional teams and mentoring junior developers.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the interview process at Humana confidently, helping you highlight your skills and experiences in a way that resonates with their values and mission.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Humana is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that includes various types of interviews, focusing on their past experiences, technical knowledge, and problem-solving abilities.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial screening, which may be conducted via phone or video call. During this stage, a recruiter will discuss the role, the company culture, and the candidate's background. This is an opportunity for candidates to articulate their experiences, technical skills, and motivations for applying to Humana. The recruiter will also gauge the candidate's fit for the company’s values and mission.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may be invited to participate in a technical assessment. This can take the form of a coding challenge or a whiteboard exercise where candidates are asked to solve programming problems. The focus is often on practical coding skills, algorithmic thinking, and the ability to articulate their thought process while solving problems. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their previous projects and demonstrate their proficiency in relevant programming languages.

3. Behavioral Interviews

Candidates will likely face one or more behavioral interviews, where interviewers will ask questions aimed at understanding how candidates have handled various situations in the past. These interviews often explore teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership experiences. Candidates should prepare to provide specific examples that highlight their problem-solving abilities and adaptability in a professional setting.

4. Onsite or Final Interviews

The final stage of the interview process may involve onsite interviews or a series of video calls with team members and hiring managers. This stage typically includes a mix of technical and behavioral questions, as well as discussions about the candidate's fit within the team. Candidates may also be asked to present their previous work or projects, showcasing their technical expertise and communication skills.

5. Offer and Negotiation

If successful, candidates will receive a job offer, which may include discussions around salary, benefits, and other employment terms. Humana values transparency and encourages candidates to ask questions and negotiate terms that align with their expectations.

As you prepare for your interview, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked during the process. Here are some common themes and areas of focus that candidates have encountered in their interviews at Humana.

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

Emphasize Your Project Experience

During the interview, be prepared to discuss your past projects in detail. Highlight your role, the technologies you used, and the impact your work had on the project or organization. Given that interviewers often ask about your experiences, having a well-structured narrative about your projects will help you stand out. Make sure to connect your experiences to the specific requirements of the role, especially in areas like Java, React, and IAM concepts.

Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios

Expect to engage in problem-solving discussions, including whiteboard exercises. Practice coding problems that are relevant to the technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Java and REST APIs. Familiarize yourself with common algorithms and data structures, as well as specific tasks like generating the Fibonacci sequence or reversing a linked list. The interviewers appreciate candidates who can articulate their thought process while solving problems, so be ready to explain your reasoning and approach.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Humana values a collaborative and caring culture, so expect behavioral questions that assess your teamwork and communication skills. Prepare to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams, handled conflicts, or mentored others. Questions like "What song describes you?" may seem quirky, but they are designed to gauge your personality and fit within the company culture. Approach these questions with authenticity and confidence.

Understand the Company Culture

Humana emphasizes a caring community and a commitment to health. Familiarize yourself with their mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to a company that prioritizes health and well-being. This alignment can be a significant factor in your favor.

Clarify Expectations and Requirements

Given some feedback about unclear expectations during interviews, don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions about the role and the interview process. If you're unsure about the technical requirements or the coding languages expected, ask the interviewers directly. This shows your proactive nature and willingness to ensure you are well-prepared.

Practice Communication Skills

Strong communication skills are essential for this role, especially when presenting demos or pitching solutions. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider conducting mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your delivery and receive constructive feedback.

Be Adaptable and Open-Minded

The interview process may involve multiple rounds and different interviewers, so be adaptable to varying styles and questions. Some interviewers may provide hints or guidance during problem-solving, so be open to collaboration. This adaptability will demonstrate your ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your interest in the role and the company, and mention any specific points from the interview that resonated with you. This thoughtful follow-up can leave a positive impression.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a strong candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a great cultural fit for Humana. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Humana. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and past experiences, particularly in software development and identity access management. Be prepared to discuss your projects in detail and demonstrate your coding skills through practical exercises.

Technical Skills

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

This question aims to assess your proficiency in Java, which is crucial for the role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized Java, focusing on the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Highlight any frameworks or libraries you used.

Example

“In my last project, I developed a web application using Java Spring Boot. I faced challenges with integrating third-party APIs, but by implementing a robust error-handling mechanism, I ensured seamless data retrieval and improved the application's reliability.”

2. Describe a time when you had to debug a complex issue in your code. What was the issue and how did you resolve it?

This question evaluates your debugging skills and problem-solving approach.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, detailing the steps you took to identify and fix the issue. Emphasize your analytical skills and persistence.

Example

“I encountered a memory leak in a microservices architecture. I used profiling tools to identify the source and discovered that a service was holding onto references longer than necessary. I refactored the code to release resources promptly, which resolved the issue and improved performance.”

3. How do you ensure the quality of your code?

This question assesses your understanding of software quality assurance practices.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to testing, code reviews, and adherence to coding standards. Mention any tools or methodologies you use.

Example

“I follow TDD (Test-Driven Development) principles, writing unit tests before implementing features. I also conduct peer code reviews to ensure adherence to best practices and use tools like SonarQube for static code analysis.”

4. Can you explain the concept of RESTful APIs and how you have implemented them?

This question tests your knowledge of API design and implementation.

How to Answer

Define RESTful APIs and discuss your experience in designing and consuming them, including any specific technologies or frameworks.

Example

“RESTful APIs are stateless services that use HTTP requests to perform CRUD operations. In my previous role, I designed a REST API using Spring Boot, which allowed our frontend application to interact with the backend seamlessly. I ensured proper authentication and error handling to enhance security and user experience.”

5. What is your experience with cloud technologies, specifically AWS or Azure?

This question evaluates your familiarity with cloud platforms, which is essential for the role.

How to Answer

Share your experience with cloud services, focusing on specific projects where you utilized these technologies.

Example

“I have deployed applications on AWS using EC2 and S3 for storage. In one project, I set up a CI/CD pipeline using AWS CodePipeline, which automated our deployment process and reduced the time to market significantly.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a situation where 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.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, focusing on your communication and conflict-resolution skills.

Example

“I worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our project goals and listened to their concerns. By fostering open communication, we found common ground and improved our collaboration.”

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

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use.

Example

“I use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. This helps me focus on high-impact activities first. I also communicate regularly with my team to align on priorities and deadlines.”

3. Can you give an example of a project where you took the lead? What challenges did you face?

This question assesses your leadership skills and ability to manage projects.

How to Answer

Share a specific project, detailing your role and the challenges you encountered.

Example

“I led a project to migrate our legacy system to a microservices architecture. The main challenge was ensuring minimal downtime. I coordinated with cross-functional teams to develop a phased migration plan, which allowed us to transition smoothly without disrupting services.”

4. What motivates you to perform well in your job?

This question aims to understand your intrinsic motivations and work ethic.

How to Answer

Discuss what drives you, whether it’s personal growth, team success, or delivering quality work.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems and make a positive impact on users’ lives. Knowing that my work contributes to improving healthcare services drives me to perform at my best.”

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

This question evaluates your commitment to continuous learning.

How to Answer

Share your strategies for staying informed about industry trends, such as attending conferences, taking courses, or following relevant publications.

Example

“I regularly attend tech meetups and webinars, and I’m an active member of several online communities. I also subscribe to industry newsletters and take online courses to deepen my knowledge in areas like cloud computing and security.”