CVS Pharmacy Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

CVS Pharmacy aims to transform healthcare management by creating innovative and user-centric software solutions that enhance customer experiences.

As a Software Engineer at CVS Pharmacy, you will be responsible for developing high-performing data processing frameworks and applications that leverage modern cloud technologies, primarily Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Key responsibilities will include building and maintaining data quality frameworks, ensuring data accuracy, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable software solutions. You will be expected to have strong technical skills in programming languages such as Python and SQL, with a focus on algorithms and data manipulation. Understanding cloud services, problem-solving capabilities, and a commitment to CVS Health's mission of providing accessible and affordable healthcare are essential for success in this role. The ideal candidate will thrive in an agile environment, showing both flexibility and creativity in proposing innovative solutions to complex challenges.

This guide will help you prepare for interviews by providing insights into the role, its expectations, and the skills you need to showcase to stand out as a candidate.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at CVS Pharmacy is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically unfolds in several stages, each designed to evaluate different competencies relevant to the role.

1. Initial HR Screening

The process begins with a phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This initial conversation lasts about 20-30 minutes and focuses on your background, relevant experiences, and basic technical knowledge. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that you understand what CVS Pharmacy is looking for in a candidate.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the HR screening, candidates are required to complete a technical assessment. This may include an online coding test that evaluates proficiency in SQL and Python, as well as basic statistics and machine learning concepts. The assessment is designed to gauge your problem-solving abilities and coding skills, which are critical for the role.

3. Live Coding Interview

Successful candidates from the technical assessment will move on to a live coding interview, often conducted via a platform like CoderPad. During this session, you will be asked to solve coding problems in real-time, focusing on SQL queries and Python programming. Expect to encounter questions that require you to manipulate data and demonstrate your understanding of algorithms and data structures.

4. Panel Interviews

If you perform well in the live coding interview, you will be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. These interviews typically involve multiple team members and cover a range of topics, including technical knowledge, behavioral questions, and case studies. You will be assessed on your ability to work collaboratively, your approach to problem-solving, and how your past experiences align with the needs of the team.

5. Final Interview with Hiring Manager

The final stage of the interview process is a conversation with the hiring manager. This interview focuses on your previous projects, your role in those projects, and how you handle challenges in a team setting. Behavioral questions will be prominent, as the hiring manager seeks to understand your thought process and how you align with CVS Pharmacy's values and mission.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked during each stage of the process.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at CVS typically involves multiple stages, including an initial HR screening, technical assessments, and panel interviews. Familiarize yourself with this structure so you can prepare accordingly. Expect to face a combination of SQL and Python assessments, live coding sessions, and behavioral questions. Knowing the flow will help you manage your time and energy throughout the process.

Master Your Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on algorithms, SQL, and Python in the role, ensure you are well-versed in these areas. Brush up on SQL concepts such as joins, aggregations, and window functions, as these are frequently tested. For Python, focus on data manipulation and common libraries like Pandas. Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode to sharpen your problem-solving skills, especially for live coding interviews.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

CVS places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and behavioral competencies. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, particularly how you've handled challenges, worked in teams, and contributed to projects. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and adaptability.

Familiarize Yourself with Company Values

CVS Health is committed to delivering human-centric healthcare solutions. Research the company’s mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to articulate how your work can contribute to their goal of making healthcare more personal, convenient, and affordable.

Practice Case Studies

During the interview process, you may encounter case studies that require you to apply your technical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Practice analyzing data sets and presenting your findings clearly and concisely. This will not only demonstrate your analytical skills but also your ability to communicate complex information effectively.

Stay Calm and Professional

Interviews can be stressful, but maintaining a calm and professional demeanor is crucial. If you encounter difficult questions or technical challenges, take a moment to think before responding. If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to admit it and discuss how you would approach finding a solution. This shows your willingness to learn and adapt.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interviews, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This is also a chance to reiterate your interest in the role and briefly mention any key points you may not have had the chance to discuss during the interview. A thoughtful follow-up can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at CVS Health. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at CVS Pharmacy. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills in programming, data manipulation, and problem-solving, as well as your ability to work collaboratively and fit within the company culture. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between supervised and unsupervised learning?

Understanding machine learning concepts is crucial for a software engineer role, especially if the position involves data processing.

How to Answer

Provide a clear definition of both terms and give examples of algorithms used in each category.

Example

“Supervised learning involves training a model on a labeled dataset, where the outcome is known, such as using regression or classification algorithms. In contrast, unsupervised learning deals with unlabeled data, where the model tries to identify patterns or groupings, like clustering algorithms.”

2. How would you optimize a SQL query?

SQL proficiency is essential for data manipulation tasks.

How to Answer

Discuss techniques such as indexing, avoiding SELECT *, and using JOINs efficiently.

Example

“To optimize a SQL query, I would first analyze the execution plan to identify bottlenecks. Then, I would consider adding indexes on columns used in WHERE clauses and JOIN conditions, and ensure that I’m only selecting the necessary columns instead of using SELECT *.”

3. Describe a project where you used Python for data processing.

This question assesses your practical experience with Python in a relevant context.

How to Answer

Outline the project, your role, and the specific Python libraries or frameworks you utilized.

Example

“I worked on a project that involved processing large datasets for customer analytics. I used Pandas for data manipulation and NumPy for numerical operations, which allowed me to efficiently clean and analyze the data, ultimately leading to actionable insights for the marketing team.”

4. What are CTEs and how do you use them in SQL?

Common Table Expressions (CTEs) are important for writing complex queries.

How to Answer

Explain what CTEs are and provide a scenario where they can simplify a query.

Example

“CTEs, or Common Table Expressions, are temporary result sets that can be referenced within a SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statement. I often use them to break down complex queries into simpler parts, making the SQL easier to read and maintain.”

5. How do you handle exceptions in Python?

Error handling is a critical aspect of writing robust software.

How to Answer

Discuss the use of try-except blocks and how you ensure that your code can handle unexpected situations gracefully.

Example

“I handle exceptions in Python using try-except blocks. For instance, when reading a file, I would wrap the file operation in a try block and catch specific exceptions like FileNotFoundError to provide a user-friendly error message while ensuring the program continues to run.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time you faced a significant challenge in a project.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Describe the challenge, your approach to overcoming it, and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced a tight deadline due to unexpected changes in requirements. I organized daily stand-up meetings to ensure clear communication and reallocated tasks based on team strengths, which helped us deliver the project on time without compromising quality.”

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

Time management is key in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, such as using tools or methodologies.

Example

“I prioritize tasks by assessing their urgency and impact. I often use a Kanban board to visualize my workload and apply the Eisenhower Matrix to distinguish between what’s urgent and important, allowing me to focus on high-impact tasks first.”

3. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult team member.

Collaboration is essential, and this question assesses your interpersonal skills.

How to Answer

Share how you approached the situation and what you learned from it.

Example

“I once worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to understand their perspective and shared my concerns constructively. This open dialogue improved our collaboration and ultimately led to a more cohesive team dynamic.”

4. How do you ensure quality in your code?

Quality assurance is vital in software development.

How to Answer

Discuss practices such as code reviews, testing, and documentation.

Example

“I ensure quality in my code by adhering to best practices, conducting thorough code reviews, and writing unit tests to validate functionality. Additionally, I document my code to make it easier for others to understand and maintain.”

5. What motivates you to work in software engineering?

Understanding your motivation helps assess cultural fit.

How to Answer

Share your passion for technology and how it aligns with the company’s mission.

Example

“I’m motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create software that positively impacts users’ lives. CVS Health’s commitment to improving healthcare aligns with my desire to contribute to meaningful projects that make a difference.”