Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield is a leading health insurance company dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare solutions and services to its members.

As a Software Engineer at Excellus, you will play a critical role in developing and maintaining innovative software solutions that enhance the organization’s operational efficiency and improve member experiences. Your key responsibilities will include designing, coding, testing, and debugging software applications, with a strong emphasis on collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact projects. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, experience with web technologies, and a solid understanding of software development methodologies are essential for success in this role.

Ideal candidates will possess strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and a genuine passion for technology and healthcare. Given Excellus's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, it's important to demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment, showcasing your interpersonal skills and leadership experience.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by equipping you with insights into the expectations and values of Excellus, as well as the types of questions you may encounter that reflect the company’s culture and the technical skills required for the Software Engineer role.

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

Embrace the Company Culture

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Be prepared to share your experiences and perspectives on these topics. Think of specific examples that demonstrate how you have embraced these values in your previous roles. This will not only show that you align with the company’s culture but also that you are a thoughtful and engaged candidate.

Prepare for Conversational Interviews

The interview process at Excellus is often described as conversational and personality-focused. Approach your interviews as a dialogue rather than a Q&A session. Be ready to share stories that highlight your personality, leadership style, and how you work with diverse teams. This will help you connect with your interviewers on a personal level, making you a more memorable candidate.

Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals

While the interviews will include technical questions, they may not always be straightforward. Review the core technologies relevant to the role, such as Java, SQL, and any specific frameworks mentioned in the job description. Be prepared for both fundamental and obscure questions, and don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. Showing a willingness to learn can be just as valuable as having all the answers.

Showcase Your Project Experience

Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. Prepare to explain your role, the technologies you used, and the impact of your work. This not only demonstrates your technical skills but also your ability to contribute to the team’s success. If possible, relate your project experiences to the challenges Excellus is currently facing, such as improving customer engagement or reducing churn rates.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interviews, consider sending a follow-up email to express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your interest in the role and the company. If there were any questions you felt you could have answered better, this is a good time to address them. A thoughtful follow-up can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can approach your interview with confidence and a clear understanding of what Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield values in its candidates. Good luck!

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Recruiter Screen

The first step involves a phone interview with a recruiter. This conversation is designed to provide candidates with an overview of the company, the specific role, and the overall hiring process. The recruiter will also evaluate your background, skills, and motivations to ensure alignment with the company’s values and culture. Expect questions that explore your experience and how you embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in your work.

2. Technical Interviews

Following the initial screen, candidates will participate in one or more technical interviews, which may be conducted via video conferencing. These interviews focus on assessing your technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Interviewers will ask questions related to the technologies listed on your resume, covering both fundamental concepts and more advanced topics. Be prepared to discuss your past projects and how you have applied your technical skills in real-world scenarios.

3. Managerial Interview

Candidates will then have an interview with the hiring manager or a team lead. This stage often includes a mix of technical and behavioral questions, aimed at understanding your leadership style, teamwork, and how you handle various personalities in a collaborative environment. The interview is typically conversational, allowing you to share stories that highlight your personality and work ethic.

4. Final Interview

The final stage usually consists of interviews with senior management or department directors. These interviews may delve deeper into your technical expertise and assess your fit within the team and the organization as a whole. Expect a combination of technical questions and discussions about your approach to project management and problem-solving.

Throughout the process, candidates may also encounter personality assessments or behavioral questions designed to gauge their compatibility with the company culture.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that focus on your technical skills and personal experiences.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield. The interview process will likely focus on both technical skills and interpersonal abilities, as the company values collaboration and diversity in its teams. Be prepared to discuss your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and how you work with others.

Technical Skills

1. What Java features were introduced in Java 8, and how have you utilized them in your projects?

Understanding the latest features of Java is crucial for a Software Engineer role, as it demonstrates your commitment to staying updated with technology.

How to Answer

Discuss specific features you have used, such as lambda expressions or the Stream API, and provide examples of how they improved your code or project efficiency.

Example

“I have utilized lambda expressions to simplify my code and make it more readable. For instance, in a recent project, I used the Stream API to process collections more efficiently, which reduced the lines of code and improved performance.”

2. Can you explain the difference between an Inner Join and an Outer Join in SQL?

This question tests your understanding of SQL, which is essential for data manipulation and retrieval.

How to Answer

Clearly define both types of joins and provide a scenario where each would be applicable.

Example

“An Inner Join returns only the rows that have matching values in both tables, while an Outer Join returns all rows from one table and the matched rows from the other. For example, if I have a Customers table and an Orders table, an Outer Join would show all customers, even those who haven’t placed any orders.”

3. What is the garbage collector, and how does it work in Java?

This question assesses your understanding of memory management in Java.

How to Answer

Explain the role of the garbage collector and how it helps manage memory automatically.

Example

“The garbage collector in Java automatically frees up memory by removing objects that are no longer in use. It helps prevent memory leaks and optimizes performance by reclaiming memory space, allowing developers to focus on writing code without worrying about manual memory management.”

4. Describe your experience with RESTful services.

Understanding REST is vital for developing web applications and services.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience in designing or consuming RESTful APIs, including any tools or frameworks you have used.

Example

“I have designed RESTful services using Spring Boot, which allowed me to create scalable APIs. I focused on adhering to REST principles, ensuring statelessness and proper use of HTTP methods, which improved the overall architecture of the applications I worked on.”

5. What is the difference between a class and an object?

This fundamental question tests your basic understanding of object-oriented programming.

How to Answer

Define both terms and explain their relationship in programming.

Example

“A class is a blueprint for creating objects, defining properties and methods, while an object is an instance of a class. For example, if ‘Car’ is a class, then ‘myCar’ is an object created from that class, with specific attributes like color and model.”

Behavioral and Interpersonal Skills

1. Describe a time you embraced diversity, equity, and inclusion in your work.

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield values a diverse workplace, and they want to see how you contribute to that environment.

How to Answer

Share a specific example that highlights your commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere.

Example

“In my previous role, I led a project team that included members from various backgrounds. I encouraged open discussions and ensured everyone’s ideas were valued, which not only improved team morale but also led to innovative solutions that catered to a wider audience.”

2. How do you manage working with different types of personalities on a team?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and adaptability in a collaborative environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to communication and conflict resolution when working with diverse personalities.

Example

“I adapt my communication style based on the team member’s personality. For instance, I take a more structured approach with detail-oriented individuals while being more flexible with creative thinkers. This adaptability helps me build strong working relationships and fosters a collaborative team environment.”

3. Can you describe your leadership style?

Understanding your leadership approach is important, especially if you may lead projects or teams.

How to Answer

Reflect on your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you’ve applied it in past experiences.

Example

“My leadership style is collaborative; I believe in empowering team members by involving them in decision-making processes. For example, during a project, I encouraged team brainstorming sessions, which not only boosted engagement but also led to more innovative solutions.”

4. What do you do to ensure effective communication within your team?

Effective communication is key to successful project execution.

How to Answer

Share strategies you use to maintain clear communication and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Example

“I prioritize regular check-ins and use project management tools to keep everyone updated on progress. I also encourage open feedback, which helps address any issues early on and fosters a culture of transparency.”

5. How do you handle feedback and criticism?

This question evaluates your ability to accept and learn from feedback.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and how you use it for personal and professional growth.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. When I receive constructive criticism, I take time to reflect on it and implement changes where necessary. For instance, after receiving feedback on my coding practices, I took a course to improve my skills, which ultimately enhanced my contributions to the team.”