Elevance Health Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Elevance Health is a Fortune 25 health company dedicated to improving lives and communities by simplifying healthcare.

The Software Engineer role at Elevance Health is integral to the development and maintenance of innovative IT applications and systems that support the company’s mission. As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for the full software development lifecycle, including gathering customer requirements, designing, coding, testing, and deploying software solutions in a fast-paced Agile environment. Key responsibilities also include debugging and optimizing existing applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and adhering to best practices in software engineering.

To thrive in this role, you should possess strong programming skills in languages such as C#, Python, or Java, alongside a solid understanding of databases and system architecture. Experience with Agile methodologies, DevSecOps practices, and familiarity with cloud environments will set you apart. Traits such as a proactive approach to problem-solving, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential for success in Elevance Health’s dynamic workplace.

This guide aims to equip you with the insights and knowledge needed to excel in your interview, providing a comprehensive understanding of the expectations and technical competencies associated with the Software Engineer position at Elevance Health.

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at Elevance Health is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that includes various types of interviews, focusing on both technical and behavioral aspects.

1. Initial Phone Interview

The first step typically involves a phone interview with a recruiter. This conversation is designed to gauge your interest in the role and the company, as well as to discuss your background and experiences. The recruiter may ask behavioral questions to understand how you align with Elevance Health's values and culture. This initial screen is crucial for setting the stage for the subsequent technical assessments.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates will usually participate in a technical interview. This may be conducted via video conferencing tools, where you will be asked to solve coding problems in real-time. Expect to work in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and demonstrate your proficiency in programming languages relevant to the role, such as C#, Python, or Java. The technical interview will focus on your problem-solving abilities, coding skills, and understanding of fundamental software engineering concepts.

3. In-Person or Virtual Panel Interview

Candidates who successfully pass the technical interview will be invited to a panel interview, which may be conducted in person or virtually. This stage typically involves multiple interviewers, including team members and managers. The panel will ask a mix of technical questions, situational scenarios, and behavioral questions to assess your technical knowledge, teamwork, and leadership potential. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, how you handle challenges, and your approach to collaboration within a team.

4. Final Interview with Management

The final step in the interview process often includes a meeting with higher management or senior leaders. This interview may focus on your long-term career goals, your vision for the role, and how you can contribute to Elevance Health's mission. Expect to discuss your understanding of the healthcare industry and how your skills can help drive innovation and improvement within the organization.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and alignment with Elevance Health's values.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Prepare for Technical Questions

Given the emphasis on technical skills in the role of a Software Engineer at Elevance Health, it's crucial to brush up on your coding knowledge, particularly in languages like C# and Python. Familiarize yourself with basic coding concepts and algorithms, as interviewers may ask you to solve problems on the spot. Practice coding challenges that involve data structures, algorithms, and common software engineering principles. Be ready to explain your thought process clearly, as communication is key in technical interviews.

Understand the Company Culture

Elevance Health values a collaborative and innovative work environment. Research the company's mission and recent initiatives, especially those related to healthcare technology. This will not only help you align your answers with the company's values but also demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their goals. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values and work style fit within their culture of continuous improvement and customer focus.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect to encounter behavioral questions that assess how you handle pressure, work in teams, and approach problem-solving. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Reflect on past experiences where you demonstrated leadership, adaptability, and collaboration, especially in Agile environments. Highlight your ability to manage multiple projects and your experience with cross-functional teams, as these are essential for the role.

Clarify Expectations Early

During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions if the interviewers' queries are unclear. This shows your proactive approach and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. Given the feedback from previous candidates about the interview process, it’s important to ensure you understand what is being asked of you, especially in technical assessments.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Continuous Learning

Elevance Health is looking for forward-thinking leaders who are passionate about continuous improvement. Share examples of how you have pursued professional development, whether through formal education, certifications, or self-directed learning. Discuss any relevant projects or technologies you have explored that align with the company’s focus on innovation in healthcare technology.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly mention a key point from the interview that resonated with you. This not only shows your professionalism but also keeps you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-prepared and enthusiastic candidate who is ready to contribute to Elevance Health's mission of improving lives and communities through innovative healthcare solutions. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Elevance Health. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of software engineering principles, particularly in an Agile environment. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the concept of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and its key principles?

Understanding OOP is fundamental for a software engineer, as it is a common paradigm used in many programming languages.

How to Answer

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

Example

“OOP is centered around the concept of objects, which can contain data and methods. The four key principles are encapsulation, which restricts access to certain components; inheritance, which allows a new class to inherit properties from an existing class; polymorphism, which enables methods to do different things based on the object it is acting upon; and abstraction, which simplifies complex systems by modeling classes based on the essential properties.”

2. Describe a time when you had to debug a complex issue in your code. What was your approach?

Debugging is a critical skill for software engineers, and interviewers want to see your problem-solving process.

How to Answer

Outline the steps you took to identify the issue, the tools you used, and how you resolved it. Emphasize your analytical skills and persistence.

Example

“I encountered a memory leak in a web application I was developing. I used profiling tools to monitor memory usage and identified that certain objects were not being released. I traced the issue back to a circular reference in my code. By refactoring the code to eliminate the circular reference, I was able to resolve the memory leak and improve the application’s performance.”

3. What is your experience with Agile methodologies? Can you describe a project where you applied Agile practices?

Agile is a key methodology at Elevance Health, and understanding its principles is essential.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with Agile practices such as Scrum or Kanban, and provide a specific example of a project where you implemented these methodologies.

Example

“I have worked in Agile teams for over three years, primarily using Scrum. In my last project, we held daily stand-ups to discuss progress and blockers, which helped us stay aligned. We also conducted sprint retrospectives to continuously improve our processes. This approach allowed us to deliver features incrementally and respond quickly to changing requirements.”

4. Can you explain the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases? When would you use one over the other?

Understanding database technologies is crucial for software engineers, especially in a data-driven environment.

How to Answer

Discuss the characteristics of SQL and NoSQL databases, including their use cases, strengths, and weaknesses.

Example

“SQL databases are relational and use structured query language for defining and manipulating data. They are ideal for applications requiring complex queries and transactions. NoSQL databases, on the other hand, are non-relational and can handle unstructured data, making them suitable for big data applications and real-time web apps. I would choose SQL for applications needing strong consistency and NoSQL for those requiring scalability and flexibility.”

Behavioral Questions

5. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure in your work?

This question assesses your ability to work under stress, which is common in software development.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a time you faced a tight deadline, how you managed your time, and the outcome.

Example

“In my previous role, we had a critical feature that needed to be delivered in a week due to a client request. I prioritized tasks, communicated with my team to delegate responsibilities, and worked extra hours to ensure we met the deadline. We successfully delivered the feature on time, and the client was very pleased with our responsiveness.”

6. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle it?

Collaboration is key in software engineering, and interviewers want to know how you navigate interpersonal challenges.

How to Answer

Discuss the situation, your approach to resolving the conflict, and the outcome.

Example

“I once worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our project and expressed my appreciation for their contributions while also sharing my concerns. By focusing on our common goals and fostering open communication, we were able to collaborate more effectively and improve our project outcomes.”

7. What motivates you to work in software engineering?

Understanding your motivation can help interviewers gauge your fit within the company culture.

How to Answer

Share your passion for technology, problem-solving, and how you enjoy creating solutions that impact users positively.

Example

“I am motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create software that improves people's lives. I find it rewarding to see my work in action and know that it can make a difference in how users interact with technology.”

8. How do you stay current with new technologies and industry trends?

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning, which is vital in the fast-evolving tech landscape.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to stay informed, such as online courses, tech blogs, or community events.

Example

“I regularly follow industry blogs, participate in online courses, and attend local tech meetups. I also engage with communities on platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow to learn from others and share knowledge. This helps me stay updated on emerging technologies and best practices in software development.”