FiscalNote Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

FiscalNote is the premier information services company focused on global policy and market intelligence, empowering clients to navigate complex issues through advanced technology and data-driven insights.

As a Software Engineer at FiscalNote, you will play a vital role in the Product Development team, focusing on building and enhancing software applications that process vast amounts of economic data. Key responsibilities include developing web applications, creating APIs, collaborating with engineering teammates to solve intricate problems, and working closely with non-technical roles to ensure the products meet user needs. The ideal candidate is a full-stack developer with a strong grasp of modern programming languages and frameworks, particularly in web and mobile development. Skills in database design and experience with both relational and NoSQL databases are essential. Furthermore, a self-starter attitude, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning will set you apart in this dynamic and rapidly-paced environment.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into the skills and experiences that align with FiscalNote's values and the expectations of the Software Engineer role.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at FiscalNote is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several key stages:

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a 30-minute phone interview with a recruiter. This initial conversation focuses on your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to FiscalNote. 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 initial screen, candidates are usually required to complete a technical assessment. This may involve coding challenges that test your proficiency in relevant programming languages and frameworks, particularly focusing on object-oriented programming and system design. Expect to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and coding skills, as well as your understanding of algorithms and data structures.

3. Panel Interview

The next step typically involves a panel interview, which consists of multiple interviewers from the engineering team. This round usually lasts about an hour and covers a range of topics, including your technical expertise, experience with full-stack development, and ability to work collaboratively with non-technical roles. You may be asked to solve real-world problems and discuss your approach to software development.

4. Final Interview with Executives

The final stage of the interview process often includes a brief conversation with an executive or senior leader. This discussion is less technical and more focused on your alignment with FiscalNote's values and mission. It’s an opportunity for you to showcase your passion for technology and your desire to contribute to the company's goals.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experiences with web development, database design, and their ability to learn and adapt to new technologies.

Now that you have an understanding of the interview process, let’s delve into the specific questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at FiscalNote typically includes an initial call followed by a multi-panel interview. Be prepared for a series of technical assessments, including coding challenges and system design interviews. Familiarize yourself with the format and expectations of each round, as this will help you manage your time and responses effectively.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a Software Engineer, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in various programming languages and frameworks. Focus on your experience with full-stack development, particularly with technologies like Node.js, React, and Python. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you utilized these technologies to solve complex problems. Additionally, brush up on your understanding of database design and concepts, especially with SQL and NoSQL databases.

Prepare for Coding Challenges

Expect to face multiple coding challenges during the interview process. Practice common algorithms and data structures, as well as object-oriented programming principles. You may be asked to create an object-oriented class structure or solve algorithmic problems on the spot. Use platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to refine your skills and simulate the interview environment.

Communicate Effectively

Good communication skills are essential, especially when collaborating with non-technical roles. Be prepared to explain your thought process clearly and concisely during technical discussions. Practice articulating your ideas and solutions, as this will demonstrate your ability to work well within a team and convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Embrace the Company Culture

FiscalNote values a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Familiarize yourself with the company's core values, such as "Know your Audience" and "Bias for Action." Reflect on how your personal values align with these principles and be ready to discuss examples from your past experiences that illustrate your commitment to teamwork and innovation.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role. This not only shows professionalism but also keeps you on the interviewers' radar. If you don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe, don’t hesitate to follow up politely to inquire about your application status.

By preparing thoroughly and aligning your skills and experiences with FiscalNote's expectations, you can confidently approach your interview and make a lasting impression. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at FiscalNote. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your experience with full-stack development. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of algorithms, programming languages, and system design, as well as your ability to collaborate with both technical and non-technical team members.

Algorithms and Data Structures

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

Understanding fundamental data structures is crucial for any software engineering role.

How to Answer

Discuss the definitions of both data structures, their use cases, and how they operate (LIFO for stacks and FIFO for queues).

Example

“A stack is a data structure that follows the Last In First Out principle, meaning the last element added is the first to be removed. It’s commonly used in scenarios like function call management in programming. A queue, on the other hand, follows the First In First Out principle, where the first element added is the first to be removed, making it ideal for scenarios like task scheduling.”

2. Describe a time you optimized an algorithm. What was the problem, and what was the outcome?

This question assesses your practical experience with algorithms and your ability to improve performance.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, detailing the initial algorithm, the changes you made, and the impact of those changes.

Example

“I was tasked with optimizing a sorting algorithm that was taking too long to process large datasets. I replaced the existing bubble sort with a quicksort algorithm, which reduced the time complexity from O(n^2) to O(n log n). This change improved the processing time significantly, allowing us to handle larger datasets efficiently.”

3. How would you approach designing a system for a large-scale application?

This question evaluates your system design skills and your ability to think critically about architecture.

How to Answer

Discuss the key components of system design, such as scalability, reliability, and maintainability, and outline your thought process.

Example

“I would start by identifying the core requirements of the application, including user load and data storage needs. Then, I would design a microservices architecture to ensure scalability and maintainability. I would also consider using a load balancer to distribute traffic and a database that supports horizontal scaling, like DynamoDB, to handle large volumes of data.”

4. What is your experience with version control systems?

Version control is essential for collaborative software development, and this question assesses your familiarity with these tools.

How to Answer

Mention the version control systems you’ve used, your experience with branching and merging, and how you’ve utilized them in team projects.

Example

“I have extensive experience using Git for version control. I regularly use branching to manage features and bug fixes, and I’m comfortable with merging changes and resolving conflicts. In my last project, I set up a Git workflow that improved collaboration among team members and streamlined our development process.”

Programming Languages

1. What are the key differences between Python and JavaScript?

This question tests your knowledge of programming languages relevant to the role.

How to Answer

Discuss the syntax, use cases, and strengths of each language, highlighting your experience with both.

Example

“Python is known for its readability and simplicity, making it great for data analysis and backend development. JavaScript, on the other hand, is primarily used for front-end development and is essential for creating interactive web applications. I have used both languages extensively, leveraging Python for backend services and JavaScript for client-side scripting.”

2. Can you explain how you would handle asynchronous programming in JavaScript?

Asynchronous programming is a key concept in web development, and this question assesses your understanding of it.

How to Answer

Explain the concepts of callbacks, promises, and async/await, and provide an example of how you’ve implemented them.

Example

“I handle asynchronous programming in JavaScript using promises and async/await syntax. For instance, when fetching data from an API, I use the fetch API to return a promise. By using async/await, I can write cleaner code that looks synchronous while still handling asynchronous operations effectively.”

3. Describe your experience with RESTful APIs.

This question evaluates your understanding of API design and implementation.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience in designing, developing, and consuming RESTful APIs, including any tools or frameworks you’ve used.

Example

“I have designed and developed several RESTful APIs using Node.js and Express. I focus on creating clear and consistent endpoints, ensuring proper HTTP methods are used, and implementing authentication and error handling. In my last project, I built an API that allowed our front-end application to interact seamlessly with our backend services.”

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

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

How to Answer

Discuss your practices for code reviews, testing, and documentation.

Example

“I ensure code quality by conducting regular code reviews with my team, which helps catch potential issues early. I also write unit tests for critical components and use tools like ESLint to enforce coding standards. Additionally, I document my code thoroughly to make it easier for others to understand and maintain.”

Database Concepts

1. What are the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases?

This question tests your understanding of database types and their appropriate use cases.

How to Answer

Discuss the characteristics of both types of databases, including their strengths and weaknesses.

Example

“SQL databases are relational and use structured query language for defining and manipulating data, making them ideal for complex queries and transactions. NoSQL databases, on the other hand, are non-relational and can handle unstructured data, which is great for scalability and flexibility. I’ve used both types in different projects, choosing SQL for applications requiring complex relationships and NoSQL for those needing high scalability.”

2. Can you explain normalization and denormalization in database design?

This question assesses your knowledge of database design principles.

How to Answer

Define both concepts and discuss when you would use each approach.

Example

“Normalization is the process of organizing data to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity, typically involving dividing a database into smaller tables. Denormalization, however, is the process of combining tables to improve read performance, often used in NoSQL databases. I use normalization during the initial design phase and consider denormalization when optimizing for read-heavy applications.”

3. How do you handle database migrations?

This question evaluates your experience with managing changes to database schemas.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to planning, executing, and testing database migrations.

Example

“I handle database migrations using tools like Flyway or Liquibase, which allow me to version control schema changes. I plan migrations carefully, ensuring that they are backward compatible, and I always test them in a staging environment before applying them to production to avoid downtime.”

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

This question assesses your problem-solving skills in a database context.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, detailing the problem, your approach to solving it, and the outcome.

Example

“I once faced a performance issue with a large SQL database that was slowing down our application. After analyzing the queries, I discovered that several were not optimized. I implemented indexing on frequently queried columns and refactored some of the complex joins. This resulted in a significant performance improvement, reducing query times by over 50%.”