Abarca Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Abarca is a company dedicated to transforming healthcare through innovative technology solutions that aim to improve the quality and efficiency of pharmaceutical care.

As a Software Engineer at Abarca, you will play a vital role in designing, developing, and maintaining software applications that support the company's mission. Key responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, writing clean and efficient code, and ensuring the scalability and security of applications. Proficiency in algorithms is crucial, as you will need to implement efficient solutions and optimizations for software challenges. A strong understanding of Python will also be essential for developing and integrating various components of the application. Additionally, familiarity with SQL for database management will be beneficial, helping you to streamline data access and storage processes.

The ideal candidate for this role will demonstrate not only technical expertise but also a passion for problem-solving and a commitment to Abarca's core values of innovation and customer-centricity. Strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure will set you apart, as you'll often need to adapt to changing requirements and collaborate effectively with team members.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the expectations and skills that Abarca values in a Software Engineer, allowing you to showcase your strengths and align your experiences with the company's objectives.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Abarca is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening, which usually takes place over the phone. This conversation is led by a recruiter who will discuss your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to Abarca. The recruiter will also gauge your understanding of the role and the company culture, ensuring that you align with Abarca's values.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates will undergo a technical assessment. This may be conducted via a coding platform or through a live coding session. During this assessment, you can expect to solve problems that test your programming skills, algorithms, and understanding of software engineering principles. Be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in relevant programming languages and frameworks.

3. Behavioral Interview

After the technical assessment, candidates typically participate in a behavioral interview. This round focuses on your past experiences, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Interviewers will ask about specific situations where you demonstrated key competencies, such as collaboration, adaptability, and conflict resolution. This is an opportunity to showcase how your values align with Abarca's culture.

4. Final Interview

The final interview often involves multiple interviewers and may include both technical and behavioral questions. This round is designed to assess your fit within the team and the organization as a whole. Interviewers may ask about your approach to software development, your understanding of APIs, and how you handle challenges in a team setting. It's important to remain calm and composed, even if faced with challenging questions.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages.

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

Understand the Company Culture

Abarca values a collaborative and innovative environment. Familiarize yourself with their mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team dynamic and support Abarca's goals. Given the feedback from previous candidates, it’s important to approach the interview with a mindset of openness and adaptability, as the interviewers may have varying styles.

Prepare for Technical Questions

As a Software Engineer, you will likely face questions that assess your understanding of algorithms and programming concepts. Brush up on your algorithmic knowledge, focusing on data structures, sorting algorithms, and complexity analysis. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills through coding challenges or whiteboard exercises. Practice coding in a language you are comfortable with, and ensure you can articulate your thought process clearly.

Anticipate Behavioral Questions

Given the mixed feedback from candidates regarding the interview experience, be prepared for behavioral questions that may explore your past experiences and how you handle challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Highlight instances where you demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and adaptability, especially in situations where you faced difficulties or misunderstandings.

Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is key during the interview process. Be clear and concise in your responses, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question. Given the feedback about passive-aggressive behavior from some interviewers, maintaining a calm and professional demeanor will help you navigate any challenging interactions. Show that you can handle pressure and remain composed, even if the conversation becomes tense.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, consider sending a thoughtful follow-up email to express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your interest in the role and the company, and to briefly mention any points you feel you could have elaborated on during the interview. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also reinforces your communication skills.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence and a positive attitude, you can make a strong impression and increase your chances of success at Abarca. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Abarca. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of software development principles. Be prepared to discuss your experience with APIs, algorithms, and coding practices.

Technical Knowledge

1. What is the difference between SOAP and REST APIs?

Understanding the distinctions between these two types of APIs is crucial for a software engineer, especially in a company that values efficient communication between services.

How to Answer

Explain the fundamental differences in architecture, data format, and use cases for both SOAP and REST. Highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Example

“SOAP is a protocol that uses XML for message formatting and relies on other application layer protocols like HTTP and SMTP for message negotiation and transmission. REST, on the other hand, is an architectural style that uses standard HTTP methods and can return data in various formats, such as JSON or XML. REST is generally more flexible and easier to work with, while SOAP is more suited for enterprise-level services requiring high security and ACID compliance.”

Algorithms and Problem Solving

2. Can you describe a time when you optimized an algorithm? What was the outcome?

This question assesses your ability to improve existing solutions and your understanding of algorithm efficiency.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific instance where you identified a performance issue, the steps you took to optimize the algorithm, and the measurable results of your changes.

Example

“In a previous project, I noticed that our sorting algorithm was taking too long with large datasets. I researched and implemented a quicksort algorithm instead of the bubble sort we were using. This reduced the sorting time from several seconds to milliseconds, significantly improving the overall performance of our application.”

Coding and Development Practices

3. How do you ensure code quality and maintainability in your projects?

This question evaluates your approach to writing clean, maintainable code, which is essential for long-term project success.

How to Answer

Discuss your practices for code reviews, testing, and documentation. Mention any tools or methodologies you use to maintain code quality.

Example

“I prioritize writing clean, modular code and adhere to coding standards. I regularly conduct code reviews with my peers to catch potential issues early. Additionally, I implement unit tests to ensure that my code behaves as expected and document my code thoroughly to make it easier for others to understand and maintain.”

Team Collaboration

4. Describe a challenging project you worked on as part of a team. How did you handle conflicts?

This question assesses your teamwork and conflict resolution skills, which are vital in collaborative environments.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a project where you faced challenges, how you communicated with your team, and the strategies you used to resolve conflicts.

Example

“During a project to develop a new feature, there were differing opinions on the implementation approach. I facilitated a meeting where each team member could present their ideas. By encouraging open communication and focusing on our common goal, we were able to reach a consensus on the best approach, which ultimately led to a successful feature launch.”

Availability and Adaptability

5. What is your availability to start, and how do you handle changing priorities?

This question gauges your readiness to join the team and your adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

How to Answer

Be honest about your availability and provide examples of how you have successfully managed shifting priorities in the past.

Example

“I am available to start in two weeks, as I want to ensure a smooth transition from my current role. In my previous job, I often had to juggle multiple projects with changing deadlines. I prioritized tasks based on urgency and impact, and I communicated regularly with my team to adjust our plans as needed.”