EXL Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global analytics and digital solutions company dedicated to improving business outcomes and unlocking growth through innovative technology and robust data analytics.

The Software Engineer role at EXL is pivotal in developing scalable solutions for a diverse range of industries, including insurance, healthcare, and banking. Key responsibilities include building REST APIs, developing streaming applications, and creating user interfaces using JavaScript frameworks. Candidates are expected to have a strong foundation in programming languages such as Java, Node.js, and Python, as well as experience with SQL or MongoDB. Additionally, a background in Agile methodologies and cloud computing platforms is highly valued, as is the ability to mentor junior engineers and perform code reviews.

EXL emphasizes the importance of collaboration, innovation, and integrity, aligning with its mission to drive faster decision-making and transform operating models for its clients. A strong fit for this position will demonstrate not only technical skills but also an adherence to the company's values of excellence and respect in every aspect of their work.

This guide will equip you with insights into the role and expectations, helping you to prepare effectively for your interview at EXL.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at EXL is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically consists of multiple rounds, each focusing on different aspects of the candidate's qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Screening

The first step in the interview process is an initial screening, usually conducted by a recruiter. This round is typically a brief phone interview where the recruiter will discuss your resume, gauge your interest in the role, and assess your basic qualifications. Expect questions about your background, relevant experiences, and motivation for applying to EXL.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates will undergo a technical assessment. This may include a coding test or a live coding interview, where you will be asked to solve problems using programming languages relevant to the role, such as Python, Java, or SQL. The focus will be on your ability to write clean, efficient code and demonstrate your understanding of algorithms and data structures. You may also encounter questions related to REST APIs, microservices, and cloud technologies.

3. Technical Interviews

Candidates who pass the technical assessment will move on to one or more technical interviews. These interviews are typically conducted by senior engineers or technical leads and may involve in-depth discussions about your previous projects, technical challenges you've faced, and your approach to problem-solving. Expect to answer questions on software development methodologies, design patterns, and specific technologies mentioned in your resume, such as Java Spring Boot or front-end frameworks like React or Angular.

4. Managerial Round

In this round, candidates will meet with a hiring manager or team lead. This interview focuses on assessing your fit within the team and the organization. You may be asked about your experience working in Agile environments, your approach to collaboration, and how you handle feedback and mentorship. Behavioral questions will also be common, aimed at understanding your soft skills and how you align with EXL's core values.

5. HR Interview

The final round is typically an HR interview, where you will discuss your salary expectations, benefits, and any logistical details related to the position. This round may also include questions about your long-term career goals and how you see yourself contributing to EXL's mission.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within EXL.

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.

Understand the Interview Process

The interview process at EXL can be lengthy and may involve multiple rounds, including technical assessments, coding challenges, and HR interviews. Be prepared for a full day of interviews, and ensure you manage your time effectively. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the interviews, as candidates have reported a mix of technical questions, puzzles, and guesstimates. This will help you stay organized and focused throughout the day.

Master the Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on algorithms and programming languages like Python, Java, and SQL, it's crucial to brush up on these areas. Focus on understanding algorithms deeply, as they are a significant part of the interview. Practice coding problems that involve data structures, REST APIs, and microservices. Additionally, be prepared to discuss your previous projects in detail, especially those that showcase your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.

Prepare for Puzzles and Guesstimates

EXL interviews often include puzzles and guesstimates to assess your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Practice basic puzzles and learn how to articulate your thought process clearly. Interviewers are interested in how you approach problems, so think aloud and explain your reasoning as you work through these questions. This will demonstrate your critical thinking abilities and help the interviewer understand your approach.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is essential at EXL, as the role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including data scientists and product managers. Be prepared to discuss your experiences in team settings and how you have communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences. Highlight your ability to work in an Agile environment and your experience with CI/CD and TDD methodologies, as these are valued in the company culture.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

In addition to technical skills, EXL places importance on cultural fit and soft skills. Prepare for behavioral questions that explore your past experiences, teamwork, and how you handle challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples that demonstrate your capabilities and alignment with the company's values.

Stay Informed About the Company

Research EXL's recent projects, industry challenges, and innovations. Understanding the company's focus on analytics and digital solutions will allow you to tailor your responses and show your genuine interest in the role. Familiarize yourself with the company's core values of innovation, collaboration, and integrity, and think about how your personal values align with them.

Follow Up Professionally

After the interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. This not only demonstrates professionalism but also keeps you on the interviewer's radar as they make their final decisions.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can approach your interview at EXL with confidence and increase your chances of success. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at EXL. The interview process is known to be thorough, often involving multiple rounds that assess both technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Candidates should be prepared for a mix of coding challenges, system design questions, and behavioral inquiries.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the concept of RESTful APIs and how you would implement one?

Understanding RESTful APIs is crucial for this role, as you will be building them.

How to Answer

Discuss the principles of REST, including statelessness, resource representation, and the use of standard HTTP methods. Provide a brief overview of how you would structure an API.

Example

“RESTful APIs are designed around the concept of resources, which can be accessed using standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. To implement one, I would define the resources, set up the endpoints, and ensure that the API adheres to REST principles, such as statelessness and proper use of status codes.”

2. What is your experience with Java Spring Boot? Can you describe a project where you used it?

Spring Boot is a key technology for this role, and practical experience is essential.

How to Answer

Highlight your experience with Spring Boot, focusing on specific features you utilized and the impact on the project.

Example

“I have over two years of experience with Spring Boot, where I developed a microservice for an e-commerce application. I utilized Spring Boot’s dependency injection and REST capabilities to create a scalable service that handled user authentication and product management.”

3. How do you ensure code quality and maintainability in your projects?

Code quality is vital for long-term project success.

How to Answer

Discuss practices such as code reviews, unit testing, and adherence to coding standards.

Example

“I ensure code quality by conducting regular code reviews and using tools like SonarQube for static code analysis. I also write unit tests using JUnit and follow SOLID principles to maintain clean and maintainable code.”

4. Describe your experience with SQL and how you optimize queries.

SQL skills are essential for data management in this role.

How to Answer

Talk about your experience with SQL databases and specific techniques you use for optimization.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL, particularly in optimizing queries using indexing and analyzing execution plans. For instance, in a recent project, I improved query performance by 30% by adding appropriate indexes and rewriting complex joins.”

5. Can you explain the Agile methodology and your experience working in Agile teams?

Agile practices are important for the development process at EXL.

How to Answer

Discuss your understanding of Agile principles and your role in Agile teams.

Example

“I have worked in Agile teams for over three years, participating in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives. I believe Agile fosters collaboration and adaptability, which are crucial for delivering high-quality software.”

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

1. How would you approach a complex problem that requires a solution under tight deadlines?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to breaking down complex problems and prioritizing tasks.

Example

“I would first break down the problem into smaller, manageable parts and prioritize them based on impact and urgency. I would then focus on delivering a minimum viable solution quickly, iterating based on feedback.”

2. Can you provide an example of a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it?

This question allows you to showcase your technical expertise and critical thinking.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, detailing the problem, your approach, and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced performance issues with a data processing pipeline. I analyzed the bottlenecks and discovered that the data ingestion process was inefficient. I implemented batch processing and optimized the data flow, which reduced processing time by 50%.”

3. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly. How did you approach it?

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Discuss your learning strategies and how you applied the new technology.

Example

“When I needed to learn Docker for a project, I dedicated time to online courses and hands-on practice. I set up a local environment and created a sample application, which helped me understand containerization concepts quickly.”

4. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Team dynamics are important for collaboration.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to conflict resolution and maintaining a positive team environment.

Example

“I believe in addressing conflicts directly and respectfully. I would facilitate a discussion to understand different perspectives and work towards a compromise that aligns with our project goals.”

5. Can you explain a time when you had to make a trade-off between quality and speed?

This question assesses your decision-making skills.

How to Answer

Discuss the situation, your thought process, and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, we had a tight deadline for a product launch. I had to decide whether to implement a feature with less testing or delay the launch. I chose to prioritize quality and delayed the feature, which ultimately led to a smoother launch and positive user feedback.”