ViacomCBS Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

ViacomCBS is a global media and entertainment company known for its diverse portfolio of content, brands, and platforms that reach audiences worldwide.

As a Software Engineer at ViacomCBS, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality software solutions that support the company's various entertainment offerings. Your key responsibilities will include collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, implementing scalable code, and ensuring the performance and reliability of applications. A strong understanding of both front-end and back-end technologies is essential, as you will work on full-stack development projects that may involve web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like Vue.js and Laravel.

The ideal candidate will have experience with database design, proficient programming skills in languages such as Java, C++, or Python, and familiarity with various software development methodologies. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a strong commitment to delivering quality work are traits that align with ViacomCBS's values of innovation and excellence.

This guide will provide you with insights into the expectations and requirements of the role, helping you prepare effectively for your interview and stand out as a strong candidate.

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

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with an initial phone screen, usually conducted by a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, skills, and motivations for applying to ViacomCBS. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.

2. Technical Phone Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates typically participate in a technical phone interview. This round is often led by a technical manager or team lead and may include coding questions, discussions about programming languages, and inquiries about your experience with relevant technologies. Expect to solve problems in real-time, demonstrating your thought process and technical abilities.

3. Onsite Interview

The onsite interview is a more comprehensive evaluation, usually consisting of multiple rounds. Candidates can expect to engage in technical assessments, which may include coding challenges, system design questions, and discussions about algorithms and data structures. Additionally, behavioral interviews are conducted to assess how well you fit within the team and the company culture. This stage may also include a lunch interview, providing a more informal setting to interact with potential colleagues.

4. Final Interview

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted with higher-level management or directors. This round often focuses on your long-term career aspirations, how you envision contributing to the team, and your understanding of the company's goals. It’s a chance to discuss your vision and how it aligns with the direction of ViacomCBS.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared for a mix of technical and behavioral questions, as well as to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively.

As you prepare for your interview, 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 Interview Process

The interview process at ViacomCBS can vary significantly, but it typically includes multiple stages such as a phone screen, technical interviews, and possibly an onsite interview. Be prepared for a mix of behavioral and technical questions, and expect to demonstrate your coding skills through practical exercises. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the interview process, as this will help you manage your time and expectations effectively.

Be Ready for Technical Questions

As a Software Engineer, you will likely face questions on programming fundamentals, data structures, algorithms, and web technologies. Brush up on your knowledge of languages relevant to the role, such as Java, C++, and SQL. Additionally, be prepared to discuss concepts like MVC architecture, HTTP codes, and Linux commands. Practicing coding problems and understanding the underlying principles will give you a solid foundation to tackle these questions confidently.

Showcase Your Projects

During the interview, you may be asked to discuss your previous projects or demonstrate your technical skills. Be ready to explain your thought process, the technologies you used, and the challenges you faced. Highlighting your hands-on experience with frameworks like Laravel or Vue.js can set you apart, especially if you can relate them to the role you are applying for.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

ViacomCBS values a collaborative and respectful work environment. Expect behavioral questions that assess your teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, providing clear examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your fit for the company culture.

Communicate Effectively

Communication is key during the interview process. Be clear and concise in your answers, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question. Engaging with your interviewers and showing enthusiasm for the role can leave a positive impression. Remember, interviews are a two-way street; be prepared to ask insightful questions about the team and company culture.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This not only shows your professionalism but also reinforces your interest in the position. If you experience delays in communication, remain patient and professional in your follow-ups, as this reflects your character and can leave a lasting impression.

Stay Positive and Resilient

The interview process can be unpredictable, and experiences may vary. Some candidates have reported feeling rushed or experiencing unprofessional behavior. Regardless of the situation, maintain a positive attitude and focus on showcasing your skills and fit for the role. Resilience in the face of challenges can demonstrate your commitment and adaptability, qualities that are highly valued in a Software Engineer.

By following these tailored tips, you can approach your interview at ViacomCBS with confidence and clarity, increasing your chances of success. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at ViacomCBS. The interview process will likely cover a range of topics including programming fundamentals, web development technologies, system design, and behavioral questions. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical skills as well as their ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Programming Fundamentals

1. What is the difference between Java and C++?

Understanding the key differences between these two programming languages is essential, as they are commonly used in various applications.

How to Answer

Discuss the differences in memory management, object-oriented features, and syntax. Highlight how these differences impact performance and usability in different scenarios.

Example

“Java uses automatic garbage collection, while C++ requires manual memory management. This can lead to memory leaks in C++ if not handled properly. Additionally, Java is platform-independent due to the JVM, whereas C++ is compiled directly to machine code, making it faster but less portable.”

2. Can you explain the concept of object-oriented programming?

This question assesses your understanding of OOP principles, which are fundamental in software development.

How to Answer

Define the four main principles: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction. Provide examples of how you have applied these principles in your projects.

Example

“Object-oriented programming is based on the concept of objects that can contain data and methods. For instance, in a project I worked on, I used inheritance to create a base class for vehicles and derived classes for cars and trucks, allowing for code reuse and better organization.”

3. How do you handle errors in your code?

Error handling is crucial for building robust applications, and interviewers want to know your approach.

How to Answer

Discuss the strategies you use for error handling, such as try-catch blocks, logging, and user feedback. Mention any specific frameworks or libraries you prefer.

Example

“I typically use try-catch blocks to handle exceptions in my code. I also implement logging to capture error details, which helps in debugging. For user-facing applications, I ensure that users receive clear messages about what went wrong and how they can proceed.”

4. What are some common data structures, and when would you use them?

This question tests your knowledge of data structures and their applications in solving problems.

How to Answer

List common data structures like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and hash tables. Explain scenarios where each would be most effective.

Example

“I often use hash tables for quick lookups due to their average O(1) time complexity. For ordered data, I prefer using binary search trees, as they allow for efficient insertions and deletions while maintaining order.”

5. Can you explain the concept of recursion and provide an example?

Recursion is a fundamental programming concept, and interviewers may want to see if you can apply it effectively.

How to Answer

Define recursion and explain how it works, including base cases and recursive cases. Provide a simple example, such as calculating factorial or Fibonacci numbers.

Example

“Recursion is a method where a function calls itself to solve smaller instances of the same problem. For example, to calculate the factorial of a number, I define a base case for 0! = 1 and call the function recursively for n! = n * (n-1)!.”

Web Development Technologies

1. What is the difference between MySQL and MongoDB?

This question assesses your understanding of relational versus non-relational databases.

How to Answer

Discuss the differences in data storage, querying, and use cases for each database type.

Example

“MySQL is a relational database that uses structured query language (SQL) for defining and manipulating data, making it suitable for applications requiring complex queries and transactions. MongoDB, on the other hand, is a NoSQL database that stores data in flexible, JSON-like documents, which is ideal for applications with unstructured data or when rapid scaling is needed.”

2. How do you build responsive web applications?

This question evaluates your knowledge of front-end development and design principles.

How to Answer

Explain the techniques you use to ensure responsiveness, such as media queries, flexible grid layouts, and responsive images.

Example

“I build responsive web applications using CSS media queries to adjust styles based on screen size. I also utilize a mobile-first approach, ensuring that the design is optimized for smaller screens before scaling up to larger devices.”

3. What are HTTP status codes, and can you give examples?

Understanding HTTP status codes is essential for web development, as they indicate the result of HTTP requests.

How to Answer

Define what HTTP status codes are and categorize them into classes (e.g., informational, success, redirection, client error, server error). Provide examples for each category.

Example

“HTTP status codes are issued by a server in response to a client's request. For example, a 200 status code indicates success, while a 404 status code means the requested resource was not found. A 500 status code indicates a server error.”

4. How do you manage state in a web application?

This question tests your understanding of state management in web development.

How to Answer

Discuss the various methods of managing state, such as using local storage, session storage, or state management libraries like Redux.

Example

“I manage state in web applications using a combination of local storage for persistent data and state management libraries like Redux for complex applications. This allows for a centralized store that makes it easier to manage and debug state changes.”

5. Can you explain the MVC architecture?

Understanding MVC (Model-View-Controller) is crucial for web application development.

How to Answer

Define the MVC architecture and explain the roles of each component. Provide an example of how you have implemented it in a project.

Example

“MVC is a design pattern that separates an application into three interconnected components: the Model, which handles data and business logic; the View, which displays the user interface; and the Controller, which manages user input and updates the Model. I implemented MVC in a web application I developed, where the Controller processed user requests and updated the Model, which in turn updated the View.”

System Design

1. How would you design an API for a pizza ordering system?

This question assesses your ability to design scalable and efficient systems.

How to Answer

Outline the key components of the API, including endpoints, data models, and authentication methods. Discuss how you would ensure scalability and security.

Example

“I would design the API with RESTful principles, creating endpoints for placing orders, retrieving menu items, and checking order status. I would use JSON for data interchange and implement token-based authentication for security. To ensure scalability, I would consider using microservices architecture to handle different functionalities independently.”

2. What are some best practices for writing clean and maintainable code?

This question evaluates your coding standards and practices.

How to Answer

Discuss principles such as code readability, modularity, and documentation. Mention any specific methodologies you follow.

Example

“I follow best practices like writing clear and descriptive variable names, keeping functions small and focused, and using comments to explain complex logic. I also adhere to coding standards and conduct code reviews to ensure maintainability and consistency across the codebase.”

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

This question tests your problem-solving skills and debugging techniques.

How to Answer

Describe your systematic approach to debugging, including tools and techniques you use to identify and resolve issues.

Example

“When debugging complex issues, I start by reproducing the problem and isolating the code that causes it. I use debugging tools and logs to trace the execution flow and identify where things go wrong. Once I pinpoint the issue, I implement a fix and run tests to ensure the problem is resolved without introducing new bugs.”

4. Can you explain the concept of microservices?

Understanding microservices is important for modern software architecture.

How to Answer

Define microservices and discuss their advantages and challenges compared to monolithic architectures.

Example

“Microservices are an architectural style that structures an application as a collection of loosely coupled services, each responsible for a specific functionality. This approach allows for independent deployment and scaling of services, but it also introduces challenges in terms of service communication and data consistency.”

5. How do you ensure the security of your applications?

This question assesses your knowledge of security best practices in software development.

How to Answer

Discuss various security measures you implement, such as input validation, authentication, and encryption.

Example

“I ensure application security by implementing input validation to prevent injection attacks, using HTTPS for secure data transmission, and employing authentication mechanisms like OAuth. Additionally, I regularly update dependencies to patch known vulnerabilities.”