Ad Hoc Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Ad Hoc is a digital services company focused on helping the federal government better serve its constituents through modern technology solutions.

As a Software Engineer at Ad Hoc, you will contribute to the development of applications that enhance government services, primarily in the health and veteran sectors. Key responsibilities include writing code, conducting requirements gathering, and analyzing data to improve existing systems. You will work collaboratively in agile teams, ensuring that your contributions meet scope, schedule, and delivery requirements with minimal oversight. A strong understanding of both front-end and back-end technologies is essential, as you will be involved in full-stack development, utilizing tools such as Java, Python, and SQL.

Candidates should possess excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to mentor junior developers, and a proactive approach to identifying areas for process improvement. A background in government contracting or experience with health-related projects will be advantageous. Ad Hoc values humility, accountability, and collaboration, aligning with its mission to create user-centered solutions that truly make a difference.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the expectations for the role, the company culture, and the key skills you need to highlight during your discussions.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Ad Hoc is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several key stages, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and alignment with the company's values.

1. Application and Homework Assignment

After submitting your application online, candidates are often required to complete a "homework" assignment. This take-home coding challenge is designed to reflect real-world problems and typically allows candidates to choose the programming language they are most comfortable with. The assignment is expected to take around 2-3 hours, and candidates are advised to focus on meeting the requirements without over-engineering their solutions. This initial step is crucial as it serves as a filter for the next stages of the interview process.

2. Recruiter Screening

Once the homework assignment is submitted, candidates may be contacted by a recruiter for a preliminary screening call. This 30-minute conversation is an opportunity for the recruiter to discuss the candidate's background, motivations, and fit for the company culture. It is also a chance for candidates to ask questions about the role and the company. However, candidates should be prepared for the possibility that the recruiter may not have in-depth technical knowledge about the position.

3. Technical Interview

Candidates who pass the initial screening may be invited to participate in a technical interview. This interview typically involves discussions around the candidate's homework assignment, where they may be asked to explain their thought process, design decisions, and any challenges they faced. Additionally, candidates can expect to answer technical questions related to their expertise, including algorithms, data structures, and relevant programming languages. This stage is critical for assessing the candidate's problem-solving abilities and technical knowledge.

4. Onsite or Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process may involve an onsite interview or a series of virtual interviews with team members and stakeholders. This stage often includes multiple rounds, focusing on both technical and behavioral questions. Candidates may be asked to demonstrate their coding skills in real-time, discuss their past projects, and engage in problem-solving exercises. Additionally, this is an opportunity for candidates to showcase their communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experiences, technical skills, and how they align with Ad Hoc's mission of improving government services through technology.

Next, let's explore some of the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Ad Hoc. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of software engineering principles, particularly in a remote work environment. Be prepared to discuss your experience with coding, system design, and collaboration within a team.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between a stack and a queue?

Understanding data structures is fundamental for any software engineer.

How to Answer

Discuss the definitions of both data structures, their characteristics, and typical use cases. Highlight how they differ in terms of data retrieval order.

Example

“A stack is a Last In First Out (LIFO) structure, meaning the last element added is the first to be removed. It’s commonly used in function call management. A queue, on the other hand, is a First In First Out (FIFO) structure, where the first element added is the first to be removed, often used in task scheduling.”

2. Describe a time you optimized a piece of code. What was the outcome?

This question assesses your ability to improve performance and efficiency.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, detailing the original code, the changes you made, and the impact of those changes on performance.

Example

“I worked on a data processing script that took several minutes to run. I identified that a nested loop was causing inefficiencies. By refactoring it to use a hash map for lookups, I reduced the runtime from 5 minutes to under 30 seconds, significantly improving our data processing pipeline.”

3. How do you approach debugging a complex issue in your code?

Debugging is a critical skill for software engineers.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to debugging, including tools you use and how you isolate the problem.

Example

“I start by reproducing the issue consistently, then I use logging to gather more information about the state of the application. I isolate components to narrow down the source of the problem, and I often use debugging tools to step through the code. Once I identify the issue, I implement a fix and write tests to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

4. What is your experience with APIs, and how do you ensure they are secure?

APIs are crucial in modern software development, and security is paramount.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with designing or consuming APIs and the security measures you implement.

Example

“I have designed RESTful APIs using OAuth for authentication and implemented rate limiting to prevent abuse. I also ensure that sensitive data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and I regularly review API access logs for any suspicious activity.”

5. Can you explain the concept of microservices and their advantages?

Microservices architecture is increasingly popular in software development.

How to Answer

Define microservices and discuss their benefits, such as scalability and maintainability.

Example

“Microservices are an architectural style that structures an application as a collection of loosely coupled services. This allows for independent deployment, scaling, and development. The main advantages include improved fault isolation, easier scaling, and the ability to use different technologies for different services.”

Collaboration and Communication

1. How do you handle disagreements with team members during a project?

Collaboration is key in a remote work environment.

How to Answer

Describe your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing communication and compromise.

Example

“When disagreements arise, I first listen to my colleague’s perspective to understand their reasoning. I then share my viewpoint and we discuss the pros and cons of each approach. If we can’t reach a consensus, I suggest we involve a third party or refer to project goals to guide our decision.”

2. Describe a project where you had to work with cross-functional teams. How did you ensure effective communication?

This question assesses your ability to collaborate across different areas of expertise.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a project, highlighting how you facilitated communication and collaboration.

Example

“In a recent project, I worked with designers and product managers. I set up regular check-ins to ensure everyone was aligned on goals and timelines. I also created a shared document for updates and feedback, which helped keep communication transparent and organized.”

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

Time management is crucial in a remote setting.

How to Answer

Discuss your prioritization strategy, including any tools or methodologies you use.

Example

“I use a combination of the Eisenhower Matrix and project management tools like Trello to prioritize tasks. I assess urgency and importance, focusing on high-impact tasks first. Regularly reviewing my priorities helps me stay on track and adjust as needed.”

4. What strategies do you use to stay motivated while working remotely?

Remote work can be challenging, and motivation is key.

How to Answer

Share your personal strategies for maintaining productivity and motivation.

Example

“I set clear daily goals and take regular breaks to avoid burnout. I also maintain a dedicated workspace and use tools like Pomodoro timers to stay focused. Engaging with my team through daily stand-ups helps keep me connected and motivated.”

5. Why do you want to work for Ad Hoc?

This question assesses your interest in the company and its mission.

How to Answer

Discuss your alignment with the company’s values and mission, particularly in serving the federal government.

Example

“I admire Ad Hoc’s commitment to improving government services through technology. I’m passionate about using my skills to make a positive impact, especially in areas like healthcare and veteran services. The remote-first culture also aligns with my work style, allowing me to contribute effectively while maintaining work-life balance.”