Sentara Healthcare Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Sentara Healthcare is a leading nonprofit health organization dedicated to improving health every day while prioritizing quality, patient safety, and service integrity.

As a Software Engineer at Sentara Healthcare, you will be pivotal in developing a range of software solutions, from end-user applications to enterprise data architecture. Your responsibilities will encompass understanding software functionality, writing code using various programming and scripting languages, and supporting software testing, deployment, and maintenance. You will also engage in the software development lifecycle (SDLC), applying best practices such as coding standards, code reviews, and source control management. The ideal candidate will bring over ten years of software development experience, expertise in Azure Data Factory, SSIS, and proficiency in languages like C# and Python. A collaborative spirit and a commitment to quality and service excellence are essential, aligning with Sentara's mission of enhancing community health through innovative technology solutions.

This guide aims to equip you with tailored insights to prepare effectively for your interview, helping you to articulate your experience and demonstrate how your values align with those of Sentara Healthcare.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Sentara Healthcare is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and compatibility with the team.

1. Initial Phone Screening

The process begins with a 30-minute phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This initial conversation focuses on your resume, professional background, and motivations for applying to Sentara. The recruiter will gauge your communication skills and assess whether your experience aligns with the role's requirements. Be prepared to discuss your technical skills and how they relate to the healthcare sector.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in a technical interview, which may be conducted via video conferencing. This interview often involves a panel of team members who will engage in a conversational format to assess your technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Expect questions related to software development methodologies, programming languages, and specific technologies relevant to the role, such as Azure Data Factory, C#, and SQL.

3. Behavioral Interview

Candidates who successfully navigate the technical interview may be invited to a behavioral interview. This stage typically involves discussions with multiple team members and focuses on your past experiences, teamwork, and how you handle challenges. Be ready to provide examples of your work in collaborative environments, your approach to project management, and how you ensure quality in your software development processes.

4. Final Interview

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted with senior management or key stakeholders. This interview aims to assess your alignment with Sentara's values and mission, as well as your long-term career goals. It may also include discussions about your vision for contributing to the team and the organization as a whole.

5. Offer and Onboarding

If you successfully pass all interview stages, you will receive a job offer. The onboarding process will follow, where you will be introduced to the team and provided with the necessary resources to start your role effectively.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise during each stage of the process.

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

Understand the Company Culture

Sentara Healthcare emphasizes values such as People, Quality, Patient Safety, Service, and Integrity. Familiarize yourself with these core values and think about how your personal values align with them. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a culture that prioritizes these principles. Show enthusiasm for being part of a mission-driven organization that aims to improve health every day.

Be Ready for Technical Discussions

Expect a mix of technical and behavioral questions during your interviews. Given the role's focus on software development, be prepared to discuss your experience with programming languages, ETL processes, and cloud technologies like Azure. Review your past projects and be ready to explain your technical decisions, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Highlight your experience with tools like Azure Data Factory, SSIS, and C# in a way that demonstrates your problem-solving skills.

Communicate Clearly and Concisely

Interviews at Sentara can involve panel discussions, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Avoid overly verbose answers, as some candidates have noted that lengthy responses can lead to a negative impression. Focus on delivering your points succinctly while still providing enough detail to showcase your expertise. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses to behavioral questions.

Prepare for Team Dynamics

Sentara values teamwork and collaboration, so be ready to discuss your experience working in teams. Reflect on how you have contributed to team projects, led initiatives, or supported colleagues in achieving common goals. Be prepared to share examples of how you handle conflicts or differing opinions within a team setting, as this will demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.

Know Your Resume Inside and Out

Many candidates have reported that initial interviews often focus on your resume. Be prepared to discuss every aspect of your work history, including your roles, responsibilities, and achievements. Highlight specific projects that relate to the job description and be ready to explain how your experiences make you a strong fit for the position.

Emphasize Continuous Learning

Given the fast-paced nature of technology, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning can set you apart. Discuss any recent courses, certifications, or self-study efforts you have undertaken to stay current in your field. This demonstrates your proactive approach to professional development and your dedication to bringing the best practices to your work at Sentara.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about the team, projects, and company culture. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if Sentara is the right fit for you. Inquire about the team dynamics, the technologies they are currently using, and how success is measured in the role you are applying for.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at Sentara Healthcare. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, experience with software development practices, and your ability to work within a team. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, the technologies you've used, and how you approach problem-solving in a healthcare context.

Technical Skills

1. Can you walk us through your experience with the software development lifecycle (SDLC)?

Understanding the SDLC is crucial for a software engineer, as it outlines the stages of software development from planning to deployment.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with each phase of the SDLC and provide examples of how you've contributed to each stage in your previous roles.

Example

“I have extensive experience with the SDLC, having led projects from the requirements gathering phase through to deployment. For instance, in my last role, I coordinated with stakeholders to gather requirements, developed the software using Agile methodologies, and ensured thorough testing before deployment.”

2. What programming languages and frameworks are you most comfortable with?

This question assesses your technical proficiency and adaptability to the technologies used at Sentara.

How to Answer

Mention the programming languages and frameworks you have used, emphasizing your proficiency and any relevant projects.

Example

“I am proficient in C# and have extensive experience with .NET frameworks. I have also worked with Python for data processing tasks and have developed several applications using Azure services.”

3. Describe your experience with Azure Data Factory and ETL processes.

Given the job requirements, familiarity with Azure Data Factory and ETL processes is essential.

How to Answer

Explain your experience with ETL processes, particularly using Azure Data Factory, and provide specific examples of projects where you implemented these technologies.

Example

“I have designed and developed ETL solutions using Azure Data Factory, where I created data pipelines to extract, transform, and load data into Azure Synapse Analytics. This involved writing custom scripts to handle data transformations and ensuring data integrity throughout the process.”

4. How do you ensure the quality and accuracy of your code?

Quality assurance is vital in software development, especially in healthcare applications.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to code quality, including testing practices, code reviews, and adherence to coding standards.

Example

“I prioritize code quality by implementing unit tests and conducting peer code reviews. I also use automated testing frameworks to ensure that my code meets the required standards before it is merged into the main branch.”

5. Can you explain a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it?

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

How to Answer

Describe a specific technical challenge, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, I encountered performance issues with a data processing pipeline. I analyzed the bottlenecks and optimized the code by implementing parallel processing, which improved the processing time by 50%.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to work closely with a team to achieve a goal.

Collaboration is key in software development, and this question assesses your teamwork skills.

How to Answer

Share an example of a project where teamwork was essential, highlighting your role and contributions.

Example

“I worked on a project where we had to develop a new healthcare application. I collaborated with designers, developers, and stakeholders, facilitating regular meetings to ensure everyone was aligned. Our teamwork resulted in a successful launch that met all deadlines.”

2. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?

This question gauges your ability to work under pressure, which is common in software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for managing stress and meeting deadlines without compromising quality.

Example

“When faced with tight deadlines, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I also communicate openly with my team to ensure we are all on the same page and can support each other in meeting our goals.”

3. What motivates you to work in the healthcare industry?

Understanding your motivation can help the interviewer assess your fit within the company culture.

How to Answer

Share your passion for healthcare and how it aligns with your career goals.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives through technology. Working in healthcare allows me to contribute to solutions that improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall quality of care.”

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

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

How to Answer

Mention the resources you use to stay informed about industry trends and technologies.

Example

“I regularly attend webinars, participate in online courses, and follow industry blogs and forums. I also engage with professional networks to exchange knowledge and learn from peers.”

5. Can you describe a situation where you had to adapt to a significant change in a project?

Adaptability is crucial in software development, especially in a dynamic environment like healthcare.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a project where you had to pivot due to changes in requirements or technology.

Example

“During a project, we received new regulatory requirements that necessitated significant changes to our application. I quickly adapted by re-evaluating our design and collaborating with the team to implement the necessary changes while keeping the project on track.”