Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company (F&G) has been a trusted provider of annuity and life insurance products since 1959, focusing on delivering security to its customers during retirement and unexpected life events.

The Software Engineer role at F&G is crucial for the design, development, and maintenance of high-performing software solutions that adhere to the company's rigorous methodologies and security standards. This position entails significant responsibilities, including coding, testing, and documenting software; performing application security remediation; and impact analysis on system changes. An ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC), experience in developing complex code, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to address business needs through technical solutions. Essential skills include proficiency in programming languages, particularly Python and PL/SQL, along with experience in relational database design, cloud technologies, and knowledge of current technology trends. A successful Software Engineer at F&G should also embody the company's values of empowerment, collaboration, and authenticity, while being a proactive self-starter capable of mentoring others.

This guide aims to provide you with specific insights and preparation strategies to excel in your interview for the Software Engineer position at F&G, ensuring you demonstrate both your technical skills and alignment with the company's values.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically consists of several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening interview, usually conducted by a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Fidelity & Guaranty. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the Software Engineer role. This is an opportunity for you to express your enthusiasm and ask any preliminary questions about the position.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically undergo a technical interview. This may be conducted via video call and involves discussions with a technical team member or a hiring manager. During this interview, you can expect to tackle coding challenges, algorithmic problems, and questions related to software design and architecture. You may also be asked to demonstrate your proficiency in relevant programming languages, particularly focusing on your ability to write complex code and solve technical issues.

3. Behavioral Interview

After the technical assessment, candidates often participate in a behavioral interview. This round is designed to evaluate how well you align with the company's values and culture. Interviewers will ask about your past experiences, teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership capabilities. They may also explore your approach to mentoring and coaching other developers, as this role involves guiding less experienced team members.

4. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process may involve a panel interview or a meeting with senior management. This round is typically more in-depth and focuses on your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and how you would contribute to the company's goals. You may be asked to present a case study or discuss a project you have worked on, highlighting your technical expertise and leadership skills.

5. Offer and Negotiation

If you successfully navigate the previous stages, you will receive a job offer. This stage may involve discussions about salary, benefits, and work arrangements, including options for remote or hybrid work.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the specific skills and experiences that will be relevant to the questions you may encounter. Next, let's delve into the types of questions that candidates have faced during the interview process.

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

Understand the Company Culture

Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company values collaboration, empowerment, and authenticity. Familiarize yourself with their employee-centric approach, which includes flexible work arrangements and a commitment to employee well-being. During the interview, demonstrate how your values align with theirs and share examples of how you have thrived in collaborative environments.

Prepare for Technical Discussions

Given the emphasis on complex coding and technical solutions, be ready to discuss your experience with various programming languages, particularly those relevant to the role, such as PL/SQL and Python. Brush up on your knowledge of database management, especially with Oracle and SQL Server, as well as your understanding of software development methodologies like Agile and Waterfall. Be prepared to explain your thought process when solving technical problems and how you approach coding challenges.

Showcase Leadership and Mentorship Skills

As a Software Engineer at F&G, you may be expected to lead and mentor other developers. Prepare to discuss your previous leadership experiences, how you have guided teams through projects, and your approach to mentoring junior developers. Highlight specific instances where you have successfully led a project or initiative, focusing on the outcomes and lessons learned.

Communicate Clearly and Effectively

Strong communication skills are essential for this role, especially when collaborating with cross-functional teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is understandable to non-technical stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical and business teams.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and teamwork. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to handle challenges, work under pressure, and contribute to team success.

Follow Up with Enthusiasm

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the role and the company, and mention any specific points from the conversation that resonated with you. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also reinforces your fit for the company culture.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a great cultural fit for Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with software development methodologies. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, coding practices, and how you approach complex technical challenges.

Technical Skills

1. Describe how you would use LINQ in C#. What are its advantages?

This question assesses your understanding of LINQ and its application in C# programming.

How to Answer

Explain the purpose of LINQ, its syntax, and how it simplifies data manipulation. Discuss its advantages, such as improved readability and reduced code complexity.

Example

“LINQ, or Language Integrated Query, allows for querying collections in a more readable and concise manner. For example, I can use LINQ to filter a list of customers based on their purchase history with just a few lines of code, making it easier to maintain and understand compared to traditional loops.”

2. Can you explain the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and its phases?

This question evaluates your knowledge of the software development process.

How to Answer

Outline the key phases of the SDLC, such as planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Emphasize the importance of each phase in delivering quality software.

Example

“The SDLC consists of several phases: planning, where requirements are gathered; analysis, where we define the system; design, where we create architecture; implementation, where coding occurs; testing, to ensure quality; deployment, to release the software; and maintenance, for ongoing support. Each phase is crucial for delivering a successful product.”

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

This question assesses your approach to writing clean and maintainable code.

How to Answer

Discuss practices such as code reviews, unit testing, adhering to coding standards, and using version control systems. Highlight the importance of documentation.

Example

“I ensure code quality by conducting regular code reviews with my team, writing unit tests for critical components, and following established coding standards. Additionally, I document my code thoroughly to make it easier for others to understand and maintain.”

4. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a technical challenge, the steps you took to analyze and resolve it, and the outcome.

Example

“Once, I encountered a performance issue in a database query that was slowing down our application. I analyzed the query execution plan, identified missing indexes, and optimized the query structure. After implementing these changes, the performance improved significantly, reducing load times by over 50%.”

5. What is your experience with application security, and how do you address security vulnerabilities?

This question assesses your understanding of application security practices.

How to Answer

Discuss your knowledge of security best practices, such as input validation, secure coding techniques, and familiarity with security frameworks.

Example

“I prioritize application security by implementing input validation and using secure coding practices to prevent vulnerabilities like SQL injection. I also stay updated on the OWASP Top Ten and conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate potential risks.”

Database and SQL

1. Can you explain the differences between SQL Server and Oracle databases?

This question evaluates your knowledge of different database management systems.

How to Answer

Discuss the key differences in architecture, features, and use cases for SQL Server and Oracle.

Example

“SQL Server and Oracle are both powerful RDBMS, but they differ in architecture and features. SQL Server is often preferred for its integration with Microsoft products and ease of use, while Oracle is known for its scalability and advanced features like partitioning and clustering, making it suitable for large enterprise applications.”

2. How do you optimize SQL queries for performance?

This question assesses your ability to write efficient SQL queries.

How to Answer

Discuss techniques such as indexing, query restructuring, and analyzing execution plans.

Example

“To optimize SQL queries, I focus on indexing key columns, rewriting queries to reduce complexity, and analyzing execution plans to identify bottlenecks. For instance, I once improved a slow-running report by adding indexes and rewriting the query to eliminate unnecessary joins.”

3. Describe your experience with PL/SQL development.

This question evaluates your hands-on experience with PL/SQL.

How to Answer

Share specific projects or tasks where you utilized PL/SQL, highlighting your proficiency.

Example

“I have extensive experience with PL/SQL, particularly in developing stored procedures and triggers for data processing. In a recent project, I created a PL/SQL package that automated data validation, significantly reducing manual effort and improving data accuracy.”

4. What strategies do you use for database backup and recovery?

This question assesses your understanding of database management practices.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to backup strategies, recovery plans, and disaster recovery.

Example

“I implement a comprehensive backup strategy that includes full, differential, and transaction log backups. I also regularly test recovery procedures to ensure data integrity and minimize downtime in case of a failure.”

5. How do you handle data migrations between different database systems?

This question evaluates your experience with data migration processes.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to planning, executing, and validating data migrations.

Example

“When handling data migrations, I start with a thorough analysis of the source and target systems, followed by creating a detailed migration plan. I use ETL tools to extract, transform, and load data, and I validate the migration by comparing data integrity and performance metrics post-migration.”