Proquest Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Proquest is a leading information and technology company that delivers innovative solutions for research and learning.

The Software Engineer role at Proquest involves designing, developing, and customizing software applications, ensuring that they meet customer requirements and preferences. Key responsibilities include writing clean, efficient code, conducting code reviews, and defining software architecture. A successful candidate will possess strong programming skills, particularly in object-oriented programming, and have experience with various development technologies and frameworks. Understanding of algorithms is crucial, as well as proficiency in languages such as Python, SQL, and JavaScript. A collaborative spirit and problem-solving mindset are essential traits that align with Proquest's commitment to innovation and excellence in technology solutions.

This guide will equip you with the necessary insights to prepare for your interview, enhancing your understanding of the role and the expectations at Proquest.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Proquest is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the team. It typically consists of several stages designed to evaluate your coding abilities, problem-solving skills, and understanding of software development principles.

1. Initial HR Interview

The process begins with an initial phone interview conducted by a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivations for applying to Proquest. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the HR interview, candidates are typically required to complete a technical assessment. This assessment is often conducted remotely and includes a series of programming questions that test your knowledge of relevant programming languages and concepts. Expect to encounter questions related to algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented programming principles, such as polymorphism. The assessment usually has a time limit, often around 90 minutes, to evaluate your ability to work under pressure.

3. Technical Interview

Candidates who perform well in the technical assessment will be invited to a technical interview, which may be conducted via video conferencing. During this interview, you will engage with one or more technical team members who will delve deeper into your coding skills and problem-solving abilities. You may be asked to solve coding problems in real-time, discuss your previous projects, and explain your thought process while tackling technical challenges. This stage is crucial for demonstrating your proficiency in languages such as Java, Python, or JavaScript, as well as your understanding of software development methodologies.

4. Behavioral Interview

The final stage of the interview process is typically a behavioral interview. This interview focuses on assessing your soft skills, teamwork, and how you handle various workplace scenarios. Interviewers will ask about your past experiences, how you approach challenges, and your ability to collaborate with others. This stage is essential for determining if you align with Proquest's values and culture.

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

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

Understand the Technical Landscape

As a Software Engineer at Proquest, you will be expected to have a strong grasp of algorithms, programming languages, and software development principles. Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms, as they are a significant focus in the interview process. Be prepared to discuss your approach to problem-solving and demonstrate your coding skills through practical exercises. Familiarize yourself with common data structures and algorithms, as well as their applications in real-world scenarios.

Master the Programming Languages

Proficiency in programming languages is crucial for this role. While Java is often a primary focus, having a solid understanding of Python and SQL will also be beneficial. Prepare to answer questions related to language-specific features, such as polymorphism in Java or data manipulation in Python. Practice coding challenges that require you to write clean, efficient code and optimize for performance.

Prepare for Practical Assessments

Expect to encounter practical assessments during the interview process. These may include coding tests that assess your ability to solve problems under time constraints. Practice coding problems that involve data structures, algorithms, and system design. Familiarize yourself with common coding platforms and tools that may be used during the assessment.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Proquest values teamwork and collaboration. Be prepared to discuss your experiences working in teams, how you handle conflicts, and your approach to mentoring junior developers. Highlight your ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, as this will be essential in your role.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

During the interview, you may be asked to solve problems on the spot. Approach these questions methodically: clarify the problem, outline your thought process, and explain your reasoning as you work through the solution. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to think critically under pressure.

Align with Company Culture

Proquest has a collaborative and innovative culture. Research the company’s values and recent projects to understand their focus areas. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with the company’s mission and how you can contribute to their goals. Show enthusiasm for the work they do, particularly in areas related to AI and patent solutions, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Follow Up with Questions

At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, project methodologies, and future challenges the company anticipates. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if Proquest is the right fit for you.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Proquest. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of software development principles. Be prepared to discuss your experience with programming languages, algorithms, and system design, as well as your approach to coding challenges.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the concept of polymorphism in object-oriented programming?

Understanding polymorphism is crucial for software development, as it allows for flexibility and reusability in code.

How to Answer

Discuss the two types of polymorphism: compile-time (method overloading) and runtime (method overriding). Provide examples of how you have used polymorphism in your projects.

Example

“Polymorphism allows methods to do different things based on the object it is acting upon. For instance, I implemented polymorphism in a project where I had a base class Shape with a method draw(). Each subclass, like Circle and Square, had its own implementation of draw(), allowing for dynamic method resolution at runtime.”

2. How would you delete a node from a linked list if you only have access to that node?

This question tests your understanding of data structures and algorithms.

How to Answer

Explain the approach of copying the data from the next node to the current node and then deleting the next node.

Example

“To delete a node when only that node is accessible, I would copy the data from the next node into the current node and then adjust the pointers to skip the next node. This effectively removes the node from the list without needing access to the head.”

Algorithms and Data Structures

3. Describe an algorithm to find the middle element of a linked list.

This question assesses your algorithmic thinking and understanding of linked lists.

How to Answer

Discuss the two-pointer technique, where one pointer moves twice as fast as the other.

Example

“I would use two pointers: a slow pointer and a fast pointer. The slow pointer moves one step at a time, while the fast pointer moves two steps. When the fast pointer reaches the end of the list, the slow pointer will be at the middle element.”

4. Can you explain the difference between a stack and a queue?

This question evaluates your knowledge of fundamental data structures.

How to Answer

Define both data structures and their use cases, emphasizing their operational differences.

Example

“A stack is a Last In First Out (LIFO) structure, where the last element added is the first to be removed, like a stack of plates. A queue, on the other hand, is a First In First Out (FIFO) structure, where the first element added is the first to be removed, similar to a line at a ticket counter.”

System Design

5. How would you design a system that accepts user sign-ups?

This question tests your ability to think through system architecture and user experience.

How to Answer

Outline the components involved, such as the front-end interface, back-end API, and database storage.

Example

“I would start by designing a user-friendly front-end form for sign-ups. The back-end would handle the API requests, validating the input and checking for existing users. I would store user data securely in a database, ensuring to hash passwords before saving them.”

6. What considerations would you take into account when designing a RESTful API?

This question assesses your understanding of API design principles.

How to Answer

Discuss REST principles such as statelessness, resource-based URLs, and proper use of HTTP methods.

Example

“When designing a RESTful API, I would ensure that it is stateless, meaning each request from the client must contain all the information needed to process it. I would use meaningful resource-based URLs and appropriate HTTP methods like GET for retrieval, POST for creation, PUT for updates, and DELETE for removals.”

Programming Languages

7. What are the key features of Java that make it a popular programming language?

This question evaluates your knowledge of Java and its ecosystem.

How to Answer

Highlight features such as platform independence, object-oriented principles, and a rich API.

Example

“Java’s platform independence, achieved through the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), allows developers to write code once and run it anywhere. Its strong object-oriented principles promote code reusability and maintainability, while the extensive standard library provides a wealth of pre-built functionality.”

8. How do you handle exceptions in your code?

This question tests your understanding of error handling in programming.

How to Answer

Explain the use of try-catch blocks and the importance of logging exceptions.

Example

“I handle exceptions using try-catch blocks to gracefully manage errors without crashing the application. I also log exceptions to monitor issues and improve the system's reliability, ensuring that I can trace back to the source of the problem.”