Chicago Public Schools Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, dedicated to providing a world-class education to over 340,000 students across more than 600 schools.

The Software Engineer role at CPS involves the design, development, and implementation of web-based applications that enhance educational experiences for students, parents, and staff. Key responsibilities include coordinating full software development life cycles, integrating internal and external systems, and creating mobile-friendly applications that ensure equitable access to information. Candidates are expected to demonstrate strong skills in software development, particularly in .NET and web technologies, along with experience in technical system analysis and project management. The ideal candidate will possess a collaborative spirit, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to continuous learning, aligning with CPS's core values of equity and community partnership.

This guide will help you prepare for the interview by providing insights into the role's expectations and the skills necessary to succeed at CPS.

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at Chicago Public Schools is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds in several stages:

1. Initial Contact

Candidates selected for an interview will receive an email invitation to schedule a time for their interview. This initial contact is crucial as it sets the tone for the subsequent interactions.

2. Phone Screening

The first formal step is a phone screening, which usually lasts around 30 minutes. During this call, a recruiter will discuss the role, the expectations, and the candidate's background. This is also an opportunity for candidates to express their interest in the position and ask preliminary questions about the organization.

3. Technical Assessment

Following the phone screening, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a coding challenge or a take-home project that demonstrates their proficiency in relevant programming languages and technologies, particularly .NET, C#, and web development frameworks. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their problem-solving skills and coding abilities.

4. Panel Interviews

Candidates who successfully pass the technical assessment will move on to a series of panel interviews. Typically, there are two to three rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, including team members, project managers, and possibly a member of the executive team. These interviews will cover both technical and behavioral questions, focusing on the candidate's experience, approach to software development, and ability to work collaboratively within a team.

5. Presentation

In some cases, candidates may be asked to present their technical assessment results to a panel. This presentation allows candidates to demonstrate their communication skills and ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

6. Reference and Background Checks

After the interviews, candidates who are being considered for the role will undergo reference checks and background verification. This step is essential to ensure that the candidate meets the employment conditions set by CPS, including residency and vaccination requirements.

7. Final Interview

In some instances, a final interview may be conducted with the hiring manager or department director. This is often a more informal discussion to gauge the candidate's fit within the team and the organization’s culture.

As you prepare for your interview, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked during this process.

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

Understand the Educational Mission

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is deeply committed to providing a world-class education to its students. Familiarize yourself with CPS's mission, values, and the specific goals of the Department of Information and Technology Services (ITS). This understanding will allow you to align your responses with the organization's objectives and demonstrate your commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through technology.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a mix of behavioral and situational questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills. Be ready to discuss how you would handle real-world scenarios, such as collaborating with diverse teams or addressing technical challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answers, ensuring you highlight your contributions and the positive outcomes of your actions.

Showcase Technical Proficiency

Given the emphasis on software development, be prepared to discuss your experience with various programming languages and frameworks, particularly .NET, C#, and web development technologies. Highlight specific projects where you successfully implemented solutions, focusing on your role in the project lifecycle, from design to deployment. Be ready to explain your approach to troubleshooting and debugging, as well as your experience with automated testing and API development.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

CPS values teamwork and effective communication. Be prepared to discuss how you have collaborated with cross-functional teams, including educators and administrators, to deliver technology solutions. Highlight your ability to translate technical concepts into layman's terms, ensuring that all stakeholders understand the benefits of your work. This skill is particularly important in an educational environment where you may need to train staff or present to non-technical audiences.

Be Ready for a Panel Interview

The interview process may include a panel of interviewers. Approach this with confidence by engaging each panel member, making eye contact, and addressing their questions thoughtfully. Prepare to discuss your previous work experience and how it relates to the role at CPS. Remember to express your enthusiasm for the position and the opportunity to contribute to the educational community.

Prepare for a Technical Assessment

You may be asked to complete a technical assessment or present a data activity. Review relevant technical concepts and be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-time. Practice coding challenges and familiarize yourself with common algorithms, as these are crucial for the role. Ensure you can articulate your thought process clearly while working through the assessment.

Stay Informed About the Hiring Process

The hiring process at CPS can take several weeks, so be patient and proactive. Prepare your references in advance and ensure they can respond quickly. Keep an eye on your email for communication from the hiring team, and be ready to follow up if necessary. Understanding the timeline will help you manage your expectations and stay organized throughout the process.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Chicago Public Schools. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Chicago Public Schools. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your capacity to work collaboratively within a team. Be prepared to discuss your experience with software development, project management, and how you can contribute to the mission of CPS.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with .NET and how you have used it in previous projects?

Understanding your familiarity with .NET is crucial, as it is a required skill for this role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized .NET, highlighting your role and the outcomes of those projects.

Example

“In my previous role, I developed a web application using .NET Core that streamlined the registration process for students. This project improved efficiency by 30% and received positive feedback from both staff and parents.”

2. How do you ensure the quality and integrity of the software you develop?

Quality assurance is vital in software development, especially in an educational environment.

How to Answer

Explain your testing methodologies, including unit testing, integration testing, and any tools you use to maintain code quality.

Example

“I implement a rigorous testing process that includes unit tests and integration tests using tools like NUnit and Selenium. This ensures that any new features do not break existing functionality and that the software meets user requirements.”

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

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and technical acumen.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that demonstrates your analytical thinking and technical skills.

Example

“While working on a project, I encountered a performance issue with a database query that slowed down the application. I analyzed the query execution plan, identified missing indexes, and optimized the query, which improved performance by over 50%.”

4. Can you explain the concept of RESTful APIs and how you have implemented them?

APIs are essential for integrating various systems, and understanding RESTful principles is important.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with designing and implementing RESTful APIs, including any frameworks you used.

Example

“I designed a RESTful API for a school management system using ASP.NET Web API. This API allowed different applications to communicate seamlessly, enabling features like real-time updates for student information.”

5. What is your approach to debugging and troubleshooting software issues?

Debugging is a critical skill for any software engineer.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to identifying and resolving bugs in software.

Example

“I start by reproducing the issue to understand its context. Then, I use debugging tools to trace the code execution and identify the root cause. Once identified, I implement a fix and conduct thorough testing to ensure the issue is resolved.”

Project Management

1. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

Effective project management is key in a role that involves multiple stakeholders.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for prioritizing tasks and managing deadlines.

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and project management tools like Trello to prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. Regular check-ins with stakeholders help me adjust priorities as needed.”

2. Can you describe your experience leading a project from inception to completion?

This question assesses your leadership and project management skills.

How to Answer

Provide a detailed account of a project you led, including your responsibilities and the outcome.

Example

“I led a project to develop a new parent portal for our school district. I coordinated with stakeholders to gather requirements, managed a team of developers, and ensured timely delivery. The portal increased parent engagement by 40%.”

3. How do you handle conflicts within a project team?

Conflict resolution is essential for maintaining team dynamics.

How to Answer

Share your approach to resolving conflicts and fostering collaboration.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I facilitate open discussions to understand each party's perspective. I encourage collaboration to find a solution that aligns with our project goals, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.”

4. What tools do you use for version control and collaboration?

Familiarity with version control systems is crucial for team-based development.

How to Answer

Mention specific tools you have used and how they have benefited your workflow.

Example

“I primarily use Git for version control, along with GitHub for collaboration. This allows for efficient code reviews and helps maintain a clear history of changes.”

5. How do you ensure that your projects align with the goals of the organization?

Understanding the organization's mission is important for project relevance.

How to Answer

Discuss how you align project objectives with organizational goals.

Example

“I regularly review the organization’s strategic goals and ensure that my projects contribute to those objectives. I also engage with stakeholders to gather feedback and adjust project scopes as necessary.”