Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) is a strategic and trusted insurance partner providing a broad range of commercial property, casualty, and specialty insurance coverages with outstanding service globally.

As a Software Engineer at BHSI, you will engage in a variety of innovative projects within a fast-paced and ever-evolving environment. Your key responsibilities will include executing the full lifecycle of software development, writing well-designed and efficient code, and integrating software components into functional systems. You will also be tasked with producing specifications, developing unit tests, and documenting software functionality while ensuring compliance with industry standards and project plans.

To excel in this role, you should have proven experience in software engineering with strong skills in languages such as C#, JavaScript, or Node.js. Familiarity with web frameworks and relational databases is essential, as well as an understanding of Agile methodologies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills, technical leadership abilities, and a collaborative spirit, as you will work closely with cross-functional teams to achieve successful project outcomes.

This guide is designed to help you prepare with tailored insights into the role and the company’s expectations, enabling you to present yourself as a strong candidate who aligns with BHSI’s values of respect, integrity, and collaboration.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance is designed to thoroughly assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds in several distinct stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step involves a preliminary phone interview with a recruiter. This conversation is generally around 30 minutes long and focuses on your background, experience, and motivations for applying to BHSI. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the Software Engineer role, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

2. Technical Interviews

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in multiple technical interviews. These interviews may be conducted by different members of the IT teams and can vary in format, including coding challenges, system design discussions, and problem-solving scenarios. Expect to demonstrate your proficiency in relevant programming languages and frameworks, as well as your ability to integrate software components and develop efficient, testable code. Questions may also touch on your experience with databases and cloud computing.

3. Team Interviews

Candidates will often meet with various team members during this stage. This is an opportunity for both you and the team to assess mutual fit. You may discuss your previous projects, your approach to collaboration, and how you handle challenges in a team setting. This round is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the team and how you can contribute to ongoing projects.

4. Final Interview with Hiring Manager

The final stage typically involves a one-on-one interview with the hiring manager. This conversation will delve deeper into your qualifications, work style, and how you align with BHSI's values of respect, integrity, and collaboration. The hiring manager may also discuss the specific projects you would be involved in and gauge your interest in the role.

Throughout the process, communication is emphasized, and candidates are encouraged to ask questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the role and the company culture.

Now that you have an overview of the interview process, let's explore the specific questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews.

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

Understand the Interview Process

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance employs a multi-step interview process that involves various IT teams. Be prepared for multiple rounds of interviews where you may be asked to discuss your technical skills and product knowledge in depth. Familiarize yourself with the specific technologies and methodologies mentioned in the job description, such as C#, JavaScript, and Agile practices, as these will likely be focal points during your discussions.

Showcase Your Team Collaboration Skills

The company values collaboration and teamwork, so be ready to discuss your previous experiences working in teams. Highlight instances where you contributed to group projects, mentored junior team members, or collaborated with cross-functional teams. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in BHSI's cohesive and inclusive environment.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to be asked about your hands-on experience with software development, particularly in designing interactive applications and working with relational databases. Brush up on your coding skills and be prepared to solve problems on the spot. You may also be asked to explain your thought process and decision-making when developing software solutions, so practice articulating your approach clearly.

Emphasize Your Adaptability

BHSI operates in a fast-paced and ever-evolving environment. Be prepared to discuss how you have adapted to changes in previous roles, whether it be new technologies, shifting project requirements, or evolving team dynamics. Highlight your ability to learn quickly and embrace new challenges, as this aligns with the company's innovative culture.

Communicate Your Passion for the Role

During the interview, express your genuine interest in the role and the company. Discuss what excites you about the opportunity to work on projects within the Travel Insurance and Errors & Omissions business lines. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the company and the role. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of projects you would be working on, and how success is measured within the team. This will demonstrate your proactive nature and genuine interest in contributing to the organization.

Be Yourself

BHSI values diversity and individuality, so don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through during the interview. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates, so share your unique experiences and perspectives. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you would be a great cultural fit for the team.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to navigate the interview process at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and make a lasting impression. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the organization. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences, technical knowledge, and how you can contribute to the team.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with full lifecycle software development?

This question aims to understand your familiarity with the software development process from conception to deployment.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you were involved in all stages of development, emphasizing your role and contributions.

Example

“I worked on a project where I was responsible for the entire software development lifecycle. I gathered requirements from stakeholders, designed the architecture, implemented the code, and conducted testing before deployment. This experience taught me the importance of thorough documentation and communication throughout the process.”

2. What programming languages are you most proficient in, and how have you applied them in your projects?

This question assesses your technical expertise and practical application of programming languages.

How to Answer

Highlight your strongest languages and provide examples of projects where you utilized them effectively.

Example

“I am most proficient in C# and JavaScript. In my last role, I developed a web application using ASP.NET for the backend and AngularJS for the frontend, which improved user engagement by 30%.”

3. How do you ensure the code you write is efficient and maintainable?

This question evaluates your coding practices and commitment to quality.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to writing clean code, including best practices and tools you use for testing and documentation.

Example

“I follow SOLID principles and use design patterns to ensure my code is modular and easy to maintain. Additionally, I write unit tests to validate functionality and use code reviews to gather feedback from peers.”

4. Can you explain your experience with relational databases and SQL?

This question focuses on your database management skills and ability to work with data.

How to Answer

Provide details about the databases you’ve worked with and specific SQL queries or operations you’ve performed.

Example

“I have extensive experience with PostgreSQL, where I designed and optimized complex queries to improve application performance. For instance, I created indexes that reduced query execution time by 40%.”

5. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example, explain the challenge, and detail the steps you took to overcome it.

Example

“I encountered a performance issue in a web application where load times were exceeding acceptable limits. I conducted a thorough analysis, identified bottlenecks in the database queries, and optimized them, resulting in a 50% reduction in load times.”

Collaboration and Teamwork

1. How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams?

This question evaluates your teamwork and communication skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience working with different teams and how you ensure effective collaboration.

Example

“I believe in maintaining open lines of communication with all team members. In my previous role, I regularly held meetings with product managers and data scientists to align our goals and ensure everyone was on the same page, which led to successful project outcomes.”

2. Can you provide an example of how you mentored a junior developer?

This question assesses your leadership and mentoring abilities.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you guided a junior developer, focusing on the impact of your mentorship.

Example

“I mentored a junior developer by pairing with them on a project. I provided guidance on best practices and code reviews, which helped them improve their skills significantly. By the end of the project, they were able to take on more complex tasks independently.”

3. What do you think is essential for fostering a positive team culture?

This question gauges your understanding of team dynamics and culture.

How to Answer

Discuss the values and practices you believe contribute to a healthy team environment.

Example

“I think open communication and mutual respect are crucial for a positive team culture. Encouraging team members to share their ideas and feedback fosters collaboration and innovation, which ultimately leads to better project outcomes.”

4. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question assesses your conflict resolution skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to resolving conflicts and maintaining team harmony.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I prefer to address them directly and calmly. I facilitate a discussion where each party can express their views, and we work together to find a solution that satisfies everyone involved.”

5. What interests you about working in the insurance industry?

This question evaluates your motivation and alignment with the company’s mission.

How to Answer

Share your interest in the industry and how it aligns with your career goals.

Example

“I am drawn to the insurance industry because it plays a vital role in providing security and peace of mind to individuals and businesses. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions that enhance customer experiences.”