Smartsheet Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Smartsheet is a pioneering tech company dedicated to empowering teams with innovative solutions for project management, workflow automation, and secure application development through user-friendly no-code tools.

As a Software Engineer at Smartsheet, you will be integral to building and maintaining reliable, scalable, and high-performance applications that cater to a global customer base. Your role will encompass developing both back-end services and front-end components, involving technologies such as Java, React, TypeScript, and AWS. You will collaborate closely with a diverse team of engineers, UX designers, and product managers, participating in code reviews and architectural discussions to ensure quality and efficiency in all projects. Furthermore, you will be responsible for implementing and supporting REST APIs, engaging in quality assurance processes, and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement through mentorship and knowledge sharing.

Success in this role requires not only a strong technical foundation with at least 3-5 years of software development experience but also the ability to think critically and solve complex problems. A proactive mindset aligned with Smartsheet’s value of revolutionizing work processes and a passion for delivering high-quality software will set you apart as an ideal candidate. Your preparation will enhance your confidence and performance in interviews by helping you articulate your technical expertise and fit within Smartsheet’s collaborative culture.

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

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which usually involves a phone call with a recruiter. This conversation is an opportunity for the recruiter to understand your background, skills, and motivations for applying to Smartsheet. You may also be asked to complete a detailed questionnaire that helps the recruiter gauge your fit for the role and the company culture.

2. Technical Interviews

Following the initial screening, candidates typically participate in a series of technical interviews conducted via video calls. These interviews may span several hours and are often spaced over multiple days. During these sessions, you will be assessed on your programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of software development principles. Expect to discuss your experience with full-stack technologies, cloud services, and REST APIs, as well as to solve coding challenges in real-time.

3. Behavioral Interviews

In addition to technical assessments, candidates will undergo behavioral interviews. These interviews focus on your past experiences, teamwork, and how you handle various work situations. Interviewers will be looking for evidence of your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to a positive team environment.

4. Final Interview

The final stage often includes a conversation with the hiring manager or a senior leader within the engineering team. This interview may cover both technical and behavioral aspects, with a focus on your long-term career goals and how they align with Smartsheet's mission and values. You may also have the chance to ask questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the company's future direction.

As you prepare for your interviews, it's essential to be ready for a variety of questions that will help the interviewers understand your technical expertise and how you would fit into the Smartsheet culture.

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

Understand the Interview Process

The interview process at Smartsheet can be lengthy and may involve multiple rounds of one-on-one Zoom calls. Be prepared for a series of discussions that may feel somewhat disconnected. It's essential to stay engaged and treat each conversation as an opportunity to showcase your skills and personality. Given the feedback from previous candidates, it’s advisable to ask clarifying questions if you feel the conversation is repetitive or lacks depth. This will not only help you gather more information about the role but also demonstrate your proactive approach.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a Software Engineer, you will be expected to have a strong grasp of full-stack technologies, particularly Java, Kotlin, and cloud services like AWS. Brush up on your coding skills and be ready to discuss your experience with building scalable applications and REST APIs. Prepare to share specific examples of projects where you implemented these technologies, focusing on the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will help you stand out as a candidate who not only understands the technical requirements but also has practical experience.

Emphasize Collaboration and Mentorship

Smartsheet values teamwork and collaboration. Be prepared to discuss your experiences working in teams, particularly how you have contributed to code reviews, architectural discussions, and mentoring junior engineers. Highlight instances where you fostered a collaborative environment or helped improve team processes. This aligns with the company’s culture of empowering others and building strong partnerships across departments.

Align with Company Values

Smartsheet prides itself on its inclusive culture and commitment to empowering teams. Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working in a diverse environment and your commitment to contributing positively to the company culture. This will demonstrate that you are not only a technical fit but also a cultural fit.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess how you handle challenges, work under pressure, and collaborate with others. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. For example, if asked about a time you faced a technical challenge, describe the situation, the specific task you needed to accomplish, the actions you took, and the results of your efforts. This structured approach will help you convey your experiences clearly and effectively.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of your interviews, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Use this time wisely to inquire about the team dynamics, the technologies they are currently exploring, and how success is measured in the role. Asking thoughtful questions not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you gauge if Smartsheet is the right fit for you.

Follow Up

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the role and mention something specific from your conversation that resonated with you. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you can approach your interview with confidence and a clear strategy, increasing your chances of success at Smartsheet. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Smartsheet. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how well you can collaborate with a team. Be prepared to discuss your experience with full-stack development, cloud technologies, and your approach to building scalable applications.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between REST and SOAP APIs?

Understanding the distinctions between these two types of APIs is crucial for a software engineer, especially when developing and documenting REST APIs.

How to Answer

Discuss the architectural styles, the protocols used, and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Highlight your experience with REST APIs, as this is particularly relevant to Smartsheet's needs.

Example

“REST APIs are stateless and use standard HTTP methods, making them lightweight and easy to use. In contrast, SOAP APIs are protocol-based and require more overhead, which can make them less efficient for web services. I have primarily worked with REST APIs, focusing on their scalability and ease of integration with front-end applications.”

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

Given Smartsheet's emphasis on cloud infrastructure, your familiarity with AWS will be a key point of discussion.

How to Answer

Mention specific AWS services you have used, how you implemented them in your projects, and any challenges you faced.

Example

“I have over three years of experience using AWS, particularly with services like EC2 for hosting applications and S3 for storage. In my last project, I utilized AWS Lambda to create serverless functions that processed data in real-time, which significantly improved our application's performance.”

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

Quality assurance is vital in software development, and Smartsheet values engineers who prioritize code quality.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to testing, code reviews, and any tools you use to maintain code quality.

Example

“I follow a test-driven development approach, writing unit tests before implementing features. I also participate in regular code reviews with my team to ensure adherence to best practices and to catch potential issues early. Tools like SonarQube help me maintain code quality by identifying vulnerabilities and code smells.”

4. Can you walk us through a challenging technical problem you solved?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to think critically under pressure.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that demonstrates your technical skills and your thought process in tackling the problem.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced performance issues due to inefficient database queries. I analyzed the queries and identified several that could be optimized. By implementing indexing and restructuring some of the queries, we reduced the response time by over 50%, significantly improving user experience.”

5. What is your experience with front-end technologies like React?

As a full-stack developer, your front-end skills are just as important as your back-end capabilities.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with React, including any projects where you implemented it and the challenges you faced.

Example

“I have been working with React for over two years, developing single-page applications that require dynamic user interfaces. I enjoy using React’s component-based architecture to create reusable components, which has helped streamline our development process and improve maintainability.”

Collaboration and Teamwork

1. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Collaboration is key at Smartsheet, and they want to know how you manage interpersonal dynamics.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a conflict you faced and how you resolved it, emphasizing communication and compromise.

Example

“In a previous project, there was a disagreement about the implementation approach. I facilitated a meeting where each team member could present their perspective. By encouraging open dialogue, we reached a consensus on a hybrid approach that combined the best elements of both ideas, ultimately leading to a successful project outcome.”

2. Describe a time when you had to mentor a junior engineer.

Mentoring is an important aspect of growth within a team, and Smartsheet values engineers who can guide others.

How to Answer

Share your experience mentoring someone, focusing on how you supported their development and the impact it had on the team.

Example

“I mentored a junior developer who was struggling with understanding our codebase. I organized regular one-on-one sessions to walk them through the architecture and best practices. Over time, they became more confident and even contributed to a major feature, which was rewarding for both of us.”

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

Time management and prioritization are essential skills for a software engineer.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritizing tasks, including any tools or methodologies you use.

Example

“I use Agile methodologies to manage my tasks, breaking down projects into smaller, manageable sprints. I prioritize tasks based on their impact and deadlines, using tools like Jira to keep track of progress and ensure that I’m aligned with team goals.”

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

Continuous learning is vital in the tech industry, and Smartsheet values engineers who are proactive about their professional development.

How to Answer

Mention specific resources you use to stay informed, such as blogs, podcasts, or online courses.

Example

“I regularly follow tech blogs like Medium and subscribe to podcasts focused on software development. I also take online courses on platforms like Udemy to deepen my knowledge of emerging technologies, ensuring that I can bring the latest insights to my team.”

5. How would you approach a situation where an engineer is not performing?

This question assesses your leadership and management skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to addressing performance issues, emphasizing communication and support.

Example

“I would first have a private conversation with the engineer to understand any challenges they might be facing. I believe in providing constructive feedback and support, so I would work with them to set clear goals and offer resources or mentorship to help them improve their performance.”