Unum Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Unum is a Fortune 500 company at the forefront of the employee benefits industry, dedicated to digital transformation and innovation to enhance the accessibility of benefits for millions of individuals and families.

In the Software Engineer role at Unum, you will be a vital member of a collaborative team responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software solutions that align with the company's mission to provide exceptional customer experiences. Key responsibilities include leading the conceptualization and implementation of software features, ensuring the quality of deliverables through rigorous testing and documentation, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including Business Analysts, UX designers, and other engineers. A strong foundation in Agile methodologies is essential, as the role involves active participation in Agile ceremonies and a focus on continuous improvement. Candidates should possess expertise in programming languages such as .NET and C#, experience with cloud platforms like Azure or AWS, and the ability to create and maintain APIs. A successful Software Engineer at Unum is not only technically adept but also possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a commitment to quality, and a customer-first mindset.

This guide will help you prepare for a job interview by providing insights into the role, the skills required, and the company culture, allowing you to demonstrate your alignment with Unum's values and expectations.

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at Unum is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several structured rounds that evaluate candidates on their problem-solving abilities, technical expertise, and alignment with Unum's values.

1. Application and Initial Screening

Candidates begin by submitting their applications online. Following this, a recruiter will reach out for an initial screening call, which usually lasts about 30 minutes. During this conversation, the recruiter will discuss the role, the company culture, and the candidate's background, including their technical skills and experiences. This is also an opportunity for candidates to express their interest in Unum and ask any preliminary questions they may have.

2. Technical Interview

The next step is a technical interview, which may be conducted via video conferencing. This interview typically involves a panel of two or more interviewers, including a technical lead or senior engineer. Candidates can expect to solve coding problems in real-time, discuss their previous projects, and demonstrate their understanding of software development principles, particularly in Agile environments. Questions may cover topics such as API development, cloud services, and programming languages relevant to the role, such as C# and .NET.

3. Behavioral Interview

Following the technical assessment, candidates will participate in a behavioral interview. This round focuses on assessing how candidates align with Unum's core values and culture. Interviewers will ask about past experiences, teamwork, and how candidates handle challenges and conflicts. Questions may include scenarios that require problem-solving and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of customer focus and innovation in their responses.

4. Final Interview

The final interview is often a more in-depth discussion with senior management or team leads. This round may include a mix of technical and behavioral questions, as well as discussions about the candidate's long-term career goals and how they envision contributing to Unum's mission. Candidates may also be asked to present a project or a proof of concept they have worked on, showcasing their technical skills and thought process.

5. Offer and Onboarding

If successful, candidates will receive a job offer, which will include details about salary, benefits, and other employment terms. Once the offer is accepted, the onboarding process begins, where new hires will be introduced to Unum's systems, teams, and culture, ensuring a smooth transition into their new role.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked during each stage of the process.

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

Understand Unum's Mission and Values

Before your interview, take the time to familiarize yourself with Unum's mission to provide a differentiated customer experience and exceed expectations in technology. Reflect on how your personal values align with this mission. Be prepared to articulate why you chose Unum and how you see yourself contributing to their goals. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its culture.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Given the emphasis on collaboration and problem-solving at Unum, expect behavioral questions that assess your ability to work in a team and handle challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your analytical skills, creativity in problem-solving, and ability to thrive in an Agile environment.

Highlight Your Technical Expertise

As a Software Engineer, you will need to demonstrate your technical skills, particularly in .NET, C#, and cloud environments like Azure or AWS. Be ready to discuss your experience with API development, CI/CD practices, and Agile methodologies. Prepare to explain your approach to software design, testing, and documentation, as these are critical aspects of the role.

Emphasize Your Customer-Centric Mindset

Unum places a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritize user experience in your software development process. Share examples of how you have gathered user feedback, iterated on designs, or improved existing features based on customer needs. This will show that you understand the importance of delivering high-quality solutions that delight users.

Engage with Your Interviewers

During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the technologies they are using. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the team and company culture align with your expectations. Remember, interviews are a two-way street.

Be Authentic and Personable

Unum values an entrepreneurial spirit and those who challenge the status quo. Don’t hesitate to share your unique perspectives and ideas during the interview. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates. Show your enthusiasm for innovation and your willingness to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

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 mention any specific points from the conversation that resonated with you. This will leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to showcase your skills and fit for the Software Engineer role at Unum. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Unum. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your experience working in Agile environments. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to coding, and how you collaborate with team members.

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 the various stages of the SDLC, including planning, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Highlight your experience in each phase, particularly in Agile environments.

Example

“I have worked extensively in Agile environments, where we follow iterative cycles of development. I actively participate in sprint planning, where we define our goals, and I contribute to the design and coding phases, ensuring that we meet our deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.”

2. Describe your experience with .NET and C#.

As a Software Engineer at Unum, proficiency in .NET and C# is essential.

How to Answer

Share specific projects where you utilized .NET and C#. Discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Example

“I have over five years of experience using .NET and C#. In my last project, I developed a web application that streamlined the claims process for our users. I faced challenges with performance optimization, which I addressed by implementing asynchronous programming techniques.”

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

Quality assurance is vital in software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to testing, including unit testing, code reviews, and any automated testing frameworks you use.

Example

“I prioritize code quality by writing unit tests for all new features and conducting peer code reviews. I also use tools like NUnit for automated testing, which helps catch issues early in the development process.”

4. Can you explain your experience with APIs?

APIs are a critical component of modern software applications.

How to Answer

Detail your experience in designing, building, and maintaining APIs, including any specific technologies or frameworks you’ve used.

Example

“I have built and maintained RESTful APIs using ASP.NET Core. In my previous role, I developed an API that integrated with third-party services, which improved our application’s functionality and user experience.”

5. What is your experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure?

Cloud computing is increasingly important in software development.

How to Answer

Share your experience with cloud services, including any specific projects where you utilized these platforms.

Example

“I have hands-on experience with Azure, where I deployed applications using Azure App Services. I also utilized Azure DevOps for CI/CD pipelines, which streamlined our deployment process and improved our release cycles.”

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

1. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you solved it.

Problem-solving is a key skill for a Software Engineer.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that demonstrates your analytical skills and your approach to troubleshooting.

Example

“In a previous project, we encountered a significant performance issue with our application. I conducted a thorough analysis using profiling tools, identified bottlenecks in our database queries, and optimized them, resulting in a 40% improvement in response time.”

2. How do you approach debugging a complex issue?

Debugging is an essential part of software development.

How to Answer

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

Example

“I start by reproducing the issue and gathering as much information as possible. I then use debugging tools like Visual Studio’s debugger to step through the code, checking variable states and flow. Once I identify the root cause, I implement a fix and test thoroughly to ensure the issue is resolved.”

3. Can you give an example of how you have improved a process in your previous work?

Continuous improvement is valued at Unum.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific instance where you identified a process that could be improved and the steps you took to enhance it.

Example

“I noticed that our deployment process was taking too long due to manual steps. I proposed and implemented a CI/CD pipeline using Jenkins, which automated our deployments and reduced the time from hours to minutes, allowing us to release features more frequently.”

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

Time management is crucial in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Explain your method for prioritizing tasks, especially in an Agile setting.

Example

“I use Agile methodologies to prioritize tasks based on business value and urgency. During sprint planning, I collaborate with my team to assess the impact of each task and ensure we focus on delivering the most valuable features first.”

5. How do you handle feedback and criticism of your work?

Being open to feedback is important for personal and professional growth.

How to Answer

Share your perspective on receiving feedback and how you use it to improve.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. I actively seek input from my peers during code reviews and take constructive criticism seriously. For instance, after receiving feedback on my coding style, I took the initiative to learn best practices and improve my code quality.”

Collaboration and Teamwork

1. Describe your experience working in Agile teams.

Agile methodologies are central to Unum’s development process.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with Agile practices, including specific ceremonies you’ve participated in.

Example

“I have been part of Agile teams for over six years, participating in daily standups, sprint planning, and retrospectives. I find that these ceremonies foster collaboration and help us stay aligned on our goals.”

2. How do you ensure effective communication within your team?

Communication is key in collaborative environments.

How to Answer

Explain your strategies for maintaining clear communication with team members.

Example

“I prioritize open communication by using tools like Slack for quick updates and Jira for task tracking. I also encourage regular check-ins to discuss progress and any blockers, ensuring everyone is on the same page.”

3. Can you give an example of a successful collaboration with a non-technical team member?

Collaboration across teams is essential for project success.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you worked with a non-technical team member, such as a business analyst or UX designer.

Example

“I collaborated closely with a UX designer to enhance our application’s user interface. By understanding their design goals and providing technical insights, we created a more user-friendly experience that increased customer satisfaction.”

4. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Conflict resolution is an important skill in any team setting.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to resolving conflicts and maintaining a positive team dynamic.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I believe in addressing them directly and respectfully. I facilitate open discussions to understand different perspectives and work towards a compromise that aligns with our project goals.”

5. What role do you typically take in team projects?

Understanding your role in a team context is important.

How to Answer

Describe your preferred role in team projects and how you contribute to the team’s success.

Example

“I often take on the role of a facilitator, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard during discussions. I also enjoy mentoring junior developers, sharing my knowledge, and helping them grow in their roles.”