ChenMed Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

ChenMed is a family-owned and physician-led primary care provider focused on transforming healthcare for seniors and improving their overall well-being.

As a Software Engineer at ChenMed, you will play a crucial role in developing, testing, and implementing software solutions that enhance operational efficiency and patient care. Your responsibilities will encompass application development, coding, unit testing, and maintaining documentation of software processes. In this position, you will work in an Agile/Scrum environment, collaborating closely with other software developers and technical teams to deliver high-quality software solutions.

To thrive in this role, you should possess a strong command of programming languages and an in-depth understanding of software development methodologies. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders are essential, as you will engage with various teams to clarify requirements and expectations. Additionally, demonstrating leadership qualities, such as the ability to mentor junior team members and influence best practices, will set you apart as a valuable asset to the ChenMed community.

This guide will equip you with tailored insights and strategies to prepare effectively for your interview, helping you showcase your skills and alignment with ChenMed's mission and values.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at ChenMed is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of two main rounds, focusing on behavioral aspects and some technical knowledge relevant to the role.

1. Initial Interview

The first round is usually a conversation with a director or hiring manager. This interview is primarily behavioral, allowing candidates to showcase their interpersonal skills, work ethic, and alignment with ChenMed's values. Expect to discuss your past experiences, how you handle challenges, and your approach to teamwork. While technical questions may be minimal, candidates should be prepared to discuss relevant technologies, such as SQL queries, and articulate when and why they would use specific programming techniques.

2. Technical Interview

The second round involves interviews with current leads from various analytics departments. This round may include more technical discussions, although it remains less formal than traditional technical interviews. Candidates might be asked to explain their understanding of software development processes, project management, and specific programming languages or tools they have used. The focus here is on practical knowledge and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared for a dynamic environment, as the hiring process may reflect the ongoing changes within the organization.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in these discussions.

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

Understand the Company’s Unique Culture

ChenMed prides itself on being different from traditional primary care providers. Familiarize yourself with their mission to transform healthcare for seniors and their family-owned, physician-led approach. During the interview, express your alignment with their values of innovation, kindness, and ambition. Show that you are not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute to meaningful change.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

The interview process at ChenMed tends to focus heavily on behavioral questions. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and ability to manage projects. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your contributions and the positive outcomes of your actions.

Brush Up on Technical Knowledge

While the interviews may lean towards behavioral aspects, having a solid grasp of technical concepts is still crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience with SQL queries, software development methodologies, and the technologies relevant to the role. Familiarize yourself with the Atlassian suite (Bitbucket, JIRA, Confluence) as it is mentioned as a key tool in the job description. You may be asked to explain when and why you would use certain technical approaches, so be ready to articulate your thought process.

Be Ready for Project Management Discussions

Given the emphasis on project management in the role, be prepared to discuss how you manage timelines, set expectations with stakeholders, and ensure project deliverables are met. Share examples of how you have successfully navigated project challenges and how you communicate with team members and management to keep everyone aligned.

Show Your Collaborative Spirit

ChenMed values teamwork and collaboration. Highlight your ability to work well with others, mentor junior team members, and share knowledge within your team. Discuss any experiences where you influenced best practices or contributed to a positive team environment. This will demonstrate that you are not only a skilled engineer but also a team player who can help elevate the entire team’s performance.

Stay Adaptable and Open-Minded

The hiring process at ChenMed has been described as somewhat disorganized, with roles and expectations evolving. Show your adaptability and willingness to embrace change. Discuss how you have successfully navigated ambiguity in previous roles and how you can contribute to a dynamic environment. This will reassure the interviewers that you can thrive in a rapidly changing organization.

Follow Up with Insightful Questions

At the end of your interview, ask thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how ChenMed measures success in their software engineering department. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

By preparing thoroughly and aligning your experiences with ChenMed's values and expectations, you will position yourself as a strong candidate ready to contribute to their mission of transforming healthcare for seniors. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at ChenMed. The interview process will likely focus on both technical skills and behavioral aspects, given the company's emphasis on teamwork and communication. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with software development, project management, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between inner and outer joins in SQL?

Understanding SQL joins is crucial for data manipulation and retrieval.

How to Answer

Discuss the definitions of inner and outer joins, and provide examples of when each would be used in a real-world scenario.

Example

“An inner join returns only the rows where there is a match in both tables, while an outer join returns all rows from one table and the matched rows from the other. For instance, if I have a table of customers and a table of orders, an inner join would show only customers who have placed orders, whereas a left outer join would show all customers, including those who haven’t placed any orders.”

2. Describe your experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies.

Agile methodologies are essential for software development at ChenMed.

How to Answer

Share specific experiences where you applied Agile principles, focusing on your role in the team and the outcomes.

Example

“I have been part of several Agile teams where we held daily stand-ups and sprint planning sessions. In my last project, we successfully delivered features every two weeks, which allowed us to adapt quickly to changing requirements and improve our product based on user feedback.”

3. How do you approach unit testing in your development process?

Unit testing is vital for ensuring code quality and reliability.

How to Answer

Explain your testing strategy, including tools and frameworks you use, and the importance of unit testing in your workflow.

Example

“I prioritize unit testing by writing tests alongside my code using frameworks like JUnit for Java. This practice helps catch bugs early and ensures that new features don’t break existing functionality. I aim for at least 80% code coverage to maintain high quality.”

4. What strategies do you use to troubleshoot software malfunctions?

Problem-solving skills are essential for a software engineer.

How to Answer

Discuss your systematic approach to identifying and resolving issues, including any tools or methodologies you employ.

Example

“When troubleshooting, I first replicate the issue to understand its context. I then check logs and use debugging tools to trace the problem. For instance, in a recent project, I identified a memory leak by analyzing performance metrics and adjusting the code accordingly.”

5. Can you describe a project where you had to manage multiple stakeholders?

Collaboration with stakeholders is key in software development.

How to Answer

Share a specific example that highlights your communication skills and ability to manage expectations.

Example

“In a recent project, I coordinated with product managers, designers, and QA teams. I set up regular check-ins to ensure everyone was aligned on goals and timelines, which helped us deliver the project on time and meet all stakeholder expectations.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to mentor a junior team member.

Mentoring is an important aspect of team dynamics.

How to Answer

Provide an example that illustrates your mentoring style and the impact it had on the team member’s development.

Example

“I mentored a junior developer who was struggling with understanding our codebase. I scheduled weekly one-on-one sessions to review concepts and provided resources for further learning. Over time, they became more confident and even took the lead on a small project.”

2. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?

Working under pressure is common in software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for managing stress and ensuring productivity during high-pressure situations.

Example

“When faced with tight deadlines, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I also communicate openly with my team to redistribute workloads if necessary. For example, during a recent project, I organized a sprint to focus on critical features, which allowed us to meet our deadline without compromising quality.”

3. Can you give an example of how you contributed to a team’s success?

Teamwork is essential at ChenMed.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where your contributions made a significant difference to the team’s performance.

Example

“In a previous role, I proposed a new code review process that improved our code quality and reduced bugs. By implementing this process, we saw a 30% decrease in post-release issues, which significantly boosted our team’s reputation with stakeholders.”

4. How do you stay updated with the latest technology trends?

Continuous learning is vital in the tech industry.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for keeping your skills current, such as attending workshops, online courses, or reading industry publications.

Example

“I regularly attend tech meetups and webinars, and I’m an active member of several online coding communities. I also dedicate time each week to explore new technologies and frameworks, which helps me bring fresh ideas to my projects.”

5. What motivates you to work in the healthcare sector?

Understanding your motivation can help assess cultural fit.

How to Answer

Share your passion for healthcare and how it aligns with your professional goals.

Example

“I’m motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Working in healthcare allows me to use my technical skills to develop solutions that improve patient care and streamline processes, which is incredibly fulfilling for me.”