Cityblock Health Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Cityblock Health is a mission-driven organization focused on improving the health of underserved communities through innovative, tech-driven solutions.

As a Software Engineer at Cityblock Health, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the core architecture of user-facing systems that are crucial for care providers. Your key responsibilities will include designing, building, and deploying tools for care management while writing and reviewing code across the full stack. You will collaborate closely with various teams—including design, product management, and clinical operations—to create a seamless digital experience that empowers clinical teams to deliver high-quality care to members in their communities.

To excel in this role, you should possess strong technical skills, including proficiency in technologies such as React, GraphQL, Node.js, and PostgreSQL, as well as a solid understanding of cloud services like GCP. A passion for mission-driven work, process-oriented mindset, and a knack for problem-solving are essential traits that align with Cityblock's values. Being an excellent communicator and a strong team player will also help you thrive in a diverse and inclusive environment.

This guide will equip you with insights on what to expect during the interview process and how to effectively showcase your skills and alignment with Cityblock Health's mission and values.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Cityblock Health is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several structured rounds, each focusing on different aspects of the candidate's qualifications and alignment with Cityblock's mission.

1. Initial Phone Screening

The process begins with an initial phone screening, usually lasting around 30-45 minutes. This call is typically conducted by a recruiter or a hiring manager and serves as an opportunity to discuss your background, experience, and interest in the role. Expect questions that gauge your understanding of Cityblock's mission and how your skills align with their needs. This is also a chance for you to ask questions about the company culture and the specifics of the role.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in a technical interview. This round may involve a coding challenge or a discussion of your previous projects and experiences. You might be asked to demonstrate your proficiency in relevant technologies such as React, Node.js, or SQL, and to solve problems that reflect real-world scenarios you would encounter in the role. The focus will be on your ability to write clean, efficient code and your approach to debugging and problem-solving.

3. Team Interviews

Candidates typically go through multiple interviews with different team members, including engineers and possibly product managers. These interviews are often conversational in nature, allowing you to showcase your technical skills while also assessing your fit within the team. Expect to discuss your past experiences, how you handle collaboration, and your approach to mentoring others. Behavioral questions may be included to evaluate your alignment with Cityblock's values, such as empathy and commitment to community health.

4. Case Study Presentation

In some instances, candidates may be required to complete a case study or a take-home project. This task will involve developing a solution to a problem relevant to Cityblock's work, which you will then present to the interview panel. This presentation is an opportunity to demonstrate your technical skills, thought process, and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Be prepared for follow-up questions that probe deeper into your reasoning and decision-making.

5. Final Interview

The final round often includes a wrap-up interview with senior leadership or key stakeholders. This session may focus on your long-term vision, how you see yourself contributing to Cityblock's mission, and your thoughts on the challenges facing the healthcare industry. It’s also a chance for you to ask any remaining questions about the company and the role.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these rounds, particularly those that reflect the skills and experiences relevant to the role.

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

Emphasize Empathy and Mission-Driven Work

Cityblock Health is deeply committed to improving the health of underserved communities. During your interview, be prepared to discuss your professional experiences that demonstrate empathy and a passion for mission-driven work. Share specific examples of how you have contributed to projects that prioritize community health or have positively impacted individuals in need. This alignment with the company's mission will resonate well with your interviewers.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect to encounter behavioral questions that assess your fit with Cityblock's values, such as "Aim for Understanding" and "Put Members First." Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Reflect on past experiences where you had to navigate challenges, collaborate with diverse teams, or advocate for user needs. This preparation will help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your alignment with the company culture.

Showcase Technical Proficiency

As a Software Engineer, you will be expected to have a strong grasp of various technologies, including React, GraphQL, and Node.js. Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to discuss your experience with these tools. You may also be asked to solve coding problems or discuss your approach to debugging and optimizing code. Familiarize yourself with the projects mentioned in the job description, as they may serve as a basis for technical discussions.

Be Ready for Case Studies

Some interviews may include case studies or practical assessments where you will need to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. Prepare to present your thought process clearly and concisely. Practice explaining your approach to building scalable and maintainable systems, as well as how you would tackle specific challenges related to health tech. This will showcase your analytical skills and ability to think critically under pressure.

Communicate Effectively and Follow Up

Given the mixed reviews regarding communication during the interview process, it’s essential to be proactive. After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role. If you don’t hear back within the expected timeframe, don’t hesitate to follow up politely. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and professionalism, which can leave a positive impression.

Be Authentic and Bring Your Whole Self

Cityblock values diversity and encourages candidates to bring their whole selves to work. During your interview, be authentic and share your unique perspectives and experiences. This not only helps you stand out but also aligns with the company’s commitment to inclusivity. Show that you are not just a fit for the role but also a fit for the culture they are cultivating.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to navigate the interview process at Cityblock Health and demonstrate your potential as a valuable addition to their team. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Cityblock Health. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with the company's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss your experience with software development, collaboration with diverse teams, and how you approach challenges in a healthcare context.

Technical Skills

1. Describe your experience with building scalable applications. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Cityblock is focused on creating durable health tech solutions, so they want to know how you handle scalability issues.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you had to consider scalability, the challenges you faced, and the strategies you implemented to address those challenges.

Example

“In my previous role, I worked on a healthcare application that needed to handle a growing user base. We faced performance issues during peak usage times, so I implemented load balancing and optimized our database queries, which improved response times by 40%.”

2. Can you explain the importance of writing clean, well-documented code?

This question assesses your understanding of best practices in software development.

How to Answer

Emphasize the benefits of maintainability, collaboration, and reducing technical debt that comes with clean code.

Example

“Writing clean, well-documented code is crucial because it makes it easier for other developers to understand and build upon my work. It also reduces the likelihood of bugs and technical debt, which can slow down future development.”

3. How do you approach debugging a complex issue in a production environment?

Cityblock values engineers who can troubleshoot effectively under pressure.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to debugging, including tools and techniques you use.

Example

“When debugging a complex issue, I first replicate the problem in a controlled environment. I then use logging and monitoring tools to gather data, analyze the root cause, and implement a fix. I also ensure to document the process for future reference.”

4. Describe a time when you had to work with unfamiliar code. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your adaptability and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully navigated unfamiliar code, highlighting your research and collaboration efforts.

Example

“I once joined a project mid-way through its development and had to work with a codebase I was unfamiliar with. I spent time reading the documentation, reaching out to the original developers for insights, and gradually made small changes to understand the architecture better.”

5. What tools and technologies are you most comfortable with, and how have you used them in your projects?

Cityblock uses a variety of technologies, so they want to know your proficiency.

How to Answer

List the tools you are familiar with and provide examples of how you have applied them in your work.

Example

“I am proficient in React and Node.js, having used them to build a patient management system. I also have experience with PostgreSQL for database management, which I utilized to optimize data retrieval processes.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Why do you want to work at Cityblock Health?

This question assesses your alignment with the company’s mission and values.

How to Answer

Express your passion for healthcare and how Cityblock’s mission resonates with you.

Example

“I am drawn to Cityblock Health because of its commitment to improving healthcare access for underserved communities. I believe that technology can play a pivotal role in transforming healthcare delivery, and I want to be part of that change.”

2. Describe a time when you had to manage difficult stakeholders. How did you handle the situation?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate complex relationships.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example that demonstrates your communication and negotiation skills.

Example

“In a previous project, I had to manage conflicting priorities between the product team and the engineering team. I organized a meeting to facilitate open communication, allowing both sides to express their concerns. We ultimately reached a compromise that satisfied both teams.”

3. How do you ensure that your work aligns with the values of diversity and inclusion?

Cityblock values diversity, so they want to know how you contribute to an inclusive environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your commitment to diversity and how you promote inclusivity in your work.

Example

“I actively seek diverse perspectives when working on projects. I encourage team members to share their ideas and ensure that everyone feels heard. I also participate in initiatives that promote diversity within the tech community.”

4. Can you give an example of a time when you had to lean into discomfort to achieve a goal?

This question assesses your resilience and willingness to face challenges.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you stepped out of your comfort zone to achieve a positive outcome.

Example

“When I was tasked with leading a project for the first time, I felt overwhelmed. However, I leaned into the discomfort by seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues and dedicating extra time to learn the necessary skills. The project was a success, and I gained valuable leadership experience.”

5. How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization and how you ensure deadlines are met.

Example

“I use a combination of project management tools and regular check-ins with my team to prioritize tasks. I assess the urgency and impact of each task, allowing me to focus on high-priority items while keeping track of longer-term goals.”