AXA Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

AXA is a world-leading insurance company committed to protecting what matters most to its clients through innovative solutions and a diverse workforce.

As a Software Engineer at AXA, you will play a critical role in the full development life cycle, including technical design and development across various technology stacks such as .NET Core, Java, and Angular. Key responsibilities include implementing security measures, testing, and maintaining robust application stacks, while collaborating closely with Solution Architects, project managers, and Agile teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in software development, particularly in Python and Java, and possess a passion for coding, with experience in Agile methodologies. Strong communication skills, the ability to work in a team environment, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential to thrive in AXA's dynamic and inclusive culture.

This guide aims to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the role and its expectations, enabling you to prepare effectively for your interview and stand out as a candidate who aligns with AXA's values and goals.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at AXA is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds in several stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening, which usually takes place via a phone call with a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation lasts about 15-30 minutes and focuses on your background, motivations for applying, and a general overview of the role. The recruiter will also provide insights into AXA's culture and values, ensuring that you understand the company's expectations.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates typically undergo a technical assessment. This may involve a coding test or a take-home assignment where you will be asked to solve problems using relevant programming languages such as Java, Python, or Scala. The assessment is designed to evaluate your coding skills, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with software development principles. In some cases, candidates may also be asked to participate in a live coding session or a code review exercise.

3. Technical Interviews

Candidates who pass the technical assessment will move on to one or more technical interviews. These interviews are conducted by senior engineers or team leads and focus on your technical expertise, including your experience with software development methodologies, data integration, and cloud technologies. Expect questions that assess your understanding of algorithms, data structures, and system design. You may also be asked to discuss past projects and the technologies you used.

4. Behavioral Interviews

In addition to technical interviews, candidates will participate in behavioral interviews. These sessions aim to gauge your soft skills, teamwork, and cultural fit within AXA. Interviewers will ask about your previous experiences, how you handle challenges, and your approach to collaboration and conflict resolution. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your alignment with AXA's values, such as customer focus, integrity, and teamwork.

5. Final Interview

The final stage typically involves an interview with a hiring manager or senior leadership. This conversation may cover strategic aspects of the role, your long-term career goals, and how you can contribute to AXA's mission. You may also discuss salary expectations and any logistical details related to the position.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to ask questions about the team, projects, and company culture to ensure a mutual fit.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at AXA.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at AXA typically consists of multiple rounds, including an initial HR screening, followed by technical interviews with team leads or managers. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, as interviewers often ask about your specific contributions and the challenges you faced.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on technical expertise, particularly in Python and data engineering, ensure you are well-versed in relevant technologies. Brush up on your knowledge of software development practices, CI/CD, and cloud platforms. Be prepared to answer questions related to your experience with data integration, ETL processes, and any specific tools mentioned in the job description, such as Azure or Databricks.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

AXA values candidates who can demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team. Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, how you handle conflicts, and your approach to collaboration. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, providing clear examples from your past experiences.

Emphasize Your Adaptability

The company culture at AXA encourages innovation and flexibility. Be prepared to discuss how you have adapted to changing environments or project requirements in the past. Highlight your ability to learn new technologies quickly and your willingness to take on new challenges.

Communicate Your Passion for the Role

Express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Research AXA’s recent initiatives and projects, and be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals. This not only shows your interest but also demonstrates that you are proactive and engaged.

Be Ready for Case Studies

Some interviews may include case studies or technical assessments where you will need to demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving skills. Practice explaining your thought process clearly and concisely, as interviewers will be interested in how you approach complex problems.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the company’s future direction. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if AXA is the right fit for you.

Follow Up Professionally

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is a chance to reiterate your interest in the position and to mention any key points you may have forgotten to discuss during the interview.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-prepared and enthusiastic candidate, ready to contribute to AXA's mission and values. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for a Software Engineer position at AXA. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your experience with software development methodologies. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, technical knowledge, and how you handle challenges in a collaborative environment.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between a risk and an issue in project management?

Understanding the distinction between risks and issues is crucial in software development, especially in a company that values risk management.

How to Answer

Define both terms clearly and provide examples from your experience to illustrate your understanding.

Example

“A risk is a potential problem that could impact the project if it occurs, while an issue is a current problem that needs to be resolved. For instance, if a team member is likely to leave the project, that’s a risk. If they have already left, that’s an issue that needs immediate attention.”

2. Describe a project you worked on and the technologies you used.

This question assesses your hands-on experience and familiarity with relevant technologies.

How to Answer

Choose a project that highlights your skills and the technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Python, Java, or cloud platforms.

Example

“I worked on a data integration project where we used Python for ETL processes and deployed the application on AWS. The project involved synchronizing data between multiple databases, and I was responsible for designing the data flow and ensuring data integrity.”

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

Quality assurance is vital in software engineering, and interviewers want to know your approach.

How to Answer

Discuss your practices for code reviews, testing, and continuous integration.

Example

“I ensure code quality by following best practices such as writing unit tests, conducting peer code reviews, and using CI/CD pipelines to automate testing. This helps catch issues early and maintain high standards throughout the development process.”

4. What is your experience with CI/CD processes?

Understanding CI/CD is essential for modern software development, especially in a cloud environment.

How to Answer

Explain your familiarity with CI/CD tools and how you have implemented these processes in past projects.

Example

“I have implemented CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins and GitHub Actions. This allowed us to automate our deployment process, reducing the time to release new features and ensuring that our code was always in a deployable state.”

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

Microservices architecture is increasingly popular, and understanding it is crucial for this role.

How to Answer

Define microservices and discuss their advantages in terms of scalability and maintainability.

Example

“Microservices are an architectural style that structures an application as a collection of loosely coupled services. This approach allows for independent deployment, scaling, and development, which enhances flexibility and reduces the risk of system-wide failures.”

Problem-Solving and Collaboration

1. Describe a challenging situation you faced in a project and how you handled it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that demonstrates your ability to navigate challenges effectively.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced a significant delay due to a third-party API that was not performing as expected. I organized a meeting with the team to brainstorm solutions, and we decided to implement a caching mechanism to reduce our dependency on the API. This allowed us to meet our deadlines while we worked on a long-term fix.”

2. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Collaboration is key in software development, and interviewers want to know how you manage interpersonal dynamics.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution and maintaining a positive team environment.

Example

“I believe in addressing conflicts directly and openly. I encourage team members to express their concerns and facilitate discussions to find common ground. For instance, when two team members disagreed on a technical approach, I organized a meeting where we could evaluate both perspectives and reach a consensus.”

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

Explain your method for assessing priorities and managing your workload effectively.

Example

“I use a combination of project management tools and agile methodologies to prioritize tasks. I assess the urgency and impact of each task and communicate with stakeholders to ensure alignment on priorities. This helps me focus on high-impact activities while keeping the team informed.”

4. What motivates you to work in the insurance technology sector?

Understanding your motivation can help interviewers gauge your fit within the company culture.

How to Answer

Share your passion for technology and how it aligns with the mission of AXA.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to leverage technology to solve complex problems in the insurance sector. I believe that by improving data integration and analytics, we can enhance customer experiences and drive innovation in risk management.”

5. How do you stay updated with the latest technologies and industry trends?

Continuous learning is vital in the tech industry, and interviewers want to know your approach.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for professional development and staying informed.

Example

“I regularly attend industry conferences, participate in online courses, and follow tech blogs and forums. I also engage with my professional network to share insights and learn from others in the field.”