Harvey Nash Group Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Harvey Nash Group is a national, full-service talent management firm specializing in technology positions, committed to high standards of honesty, integrity, and a passionate commitment to clients and employees.

The Software Engineer role at Harvey Nash Group involves designing, developing, and maintaining software applications, particularly in the embedded systems domain. Key responsibilities include coding in languages like C and C++, debugging software, and applying problem-solving skills to enhance system performance and reliability. Candidates should be familiar with software development lifecycle processes, and demonstrate strong capabilities in algorithms and data structures. Proficiency in debugging tools and experience with model-based development tools such as Matlab/Simulink can set a candidate apart. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, and are capable of working independently while maintaining professionalism under pressure. This guide will equip you with the necessary insights to prepare effectively for your interview, positioning you for success in showcasing your qualifications and fit for the role.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Harvey Nash Group is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. It typically consists of several rounds, each designed to evaluate different aspects of the candidate's qualifications and experience.

1. Initial Screening

The first step in the interview process is an initial screening, which usually takes place over the phone. This 30-minute conversation is conducted by a recruiter who will discuss the role, the company culture, and your background. The recruiter will ask about your experience, skills, and motivations to ensure that you align with the company's values and the specific requirements of the Software Engineer position.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically participate in a technical interview. This round may be conducted via phone or video call and focuses on assessing your programming skills, particularly in languages such as C++ and embedded C. Expect questions related to object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts, debugging techniques, and your experience with embedded systems. You may also be asked to solve coding problems or discuss your previous projects in detail.

3. Practical Coding Task

Candidates who successfully pass the technical interview are usually given a practical coding task. This task involves writing a program in C++ or another relevant language, demonstrating your ability to apply your knowledge in a real-world scenario. You will be expected to showcase your problem-solving skills and coding proficiency while adhering to best practices in software development.

4. Code Review and Technical Discussion

After completing the coding task, candidates will engage in a code review session. During this round, you will discuss your code with a panel of engineers, who will ask questions about your design choices, algorithms used, and any challenges you faced during implementation. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of software design patterns, multithreading, and other advanced concepts relevant to embedded software development.

5. Behavioral Interview

The final round typically includes a behavioral interview, where interviewers assess your soft skills, teamwork, and cultural fit within the organization. Expect questions that explore how you handle challenges, work under pressure, and collaborate with others. This round is crucial for determining how well you align with the company's values and work environment.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the specific skills and experiences that will be relevant to the questions you may encounter.

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

Understand the Technical Landscape

As a Software Engineer at Harvey Nash Group, you will likely face a variety of technical questions, particularly around embedded C programming and object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts. Brush up on your knowledge of C++ and OOP principles, as these are frequently discussed in interviews. Familiarize yourself with debugging tools and techniques, as well as model-based development tools like Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow, which are relevant to the role.

Prepare for Practical Coding Tasks

Expect to demonstrate your coding skills through practical tasks, such as writing a program in C++. Practice coding challenges that require you to think critically and solve problems efficiently. Be prepared to explain your thought process and the decisions you make while coding, as interviewers often look for insight into your problem-solving approach.

Emphasize Communication Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for success in this role. Be ready to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely, especially when discussing technical concepts. During the interview, practice active listening and ensure you understand the questions being asked before responding. This will not only help you provide better answers but also demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with team members.

Showcase Your Experience

When discussing your past experiences, focus on specific projects where you applied your technical skills to solve real-world problems. Highlight your contributions to team projects, particularly in areas like embedded software development, debugging, and system integration. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, making it easier for interviewers to follow your narrative.

Align with Company Culture

Harvey Nash Group values integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. Research the company’s mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to a team that prioritizes high standards and client satisfaction. This alignment can set you apart as a candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a good cultural fit.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your interest in the role and briefly mention a key point from the interview that resonated with you. This not only shows your professionalism but also keeps you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically skilled but also a great fit for the Harvey Nash Group's culture. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for a Software Engineer position at Harvey Nash Group. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, particularly in embedded systems, programming languages, and software development methodologies. Be prepared to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and your understanding of software engineering principles.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and how you have applied them in your projects?

Understanding OOP is crucial for software development, especially in languages like C++. Discuss the four main principles: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction, and provide examples from your experience.

Example

“In my last project, I utilized encapsulation to create classes that managed their own data and methods, which improved code maintainability. For instance, I developed a class for handling user authentication that encapsulated all related methods and properties, making it easier to manage and test.”

2. Describe a challenging bug you encountered in your code. How did you identify and resolve it?

This question assesses your debugging skills and problem-solving approach. Discuss the tools and techniques you used to diagnose the issue and the steps you took to fix it.

Example

“I once faced a memory leak issue in a C++ application. I used Valgrind to identify the source of the leak, which was a missing delete statement in a class destructor. After adding the necessary cleanup code, I tested the application thoroughly to ensure the issue was resolved.”

3. What experience do you have with embedded systems and how do you approach their development?

This question aims to gauge your familiarity with embedded systems. Discuss your experience with hardware-software integration, real-time constraints, and any specific projects you’ve worked on.

Example

“I have worked on several embedded systems projects, including developing firmware for a microcontroller-based device. I focused on optimizing the code for real-time performance and ensuring that the system met strict timing requirements.”

4. How do you ensure the quality and reliability of your code?

Quality assurance is vital in software engineering. Discuss your approach to testing, code reviews, and any methodologies you follow to maintain high standards.

Example

“I implement unit tests for all new features and conduct code reviews with my peers to catch potential issues early. Additionally, I follow coding standards and best practices to ensure that my code is clean and maintainable.”

5. Can you explain the software development lifecycle and your experience with Agile methodologies?

Understanding the software development lifecycle is essential for any software engineer. Discuss your experience with Agile practices, such as sprints, stand-ups, and retrospectives.

Example

“I have worked in Agile environments where we used sprints to deliver incremental updates. I participated in daily stand-ups to discuss progress and blockers, and I found that this approach significantly improved team communication and project visibility.”

Programming Languages

1. What are the key differences between C and C++?

This question tests your knowledge of programming languages. Discuss the main differences, such as memory management, object-oriented features, and standard libraries.

Example

“C is a procedural programming language, while C++ supports both procedural and object-oriented programming. C++ allows for the use of classes and objects, which facilitates code reuse and abstraction, making it more suitable for complex applications.”

2. How do you manage memory in C/C++?

Memory management is critical in C/C++. Discuss techniques such as dynamic memory allocation, pointers, and memory leaks.

Example

“I use dynamic memory allocation with malloc and free in C, and new and delete in C++. I always ensure to free allocated memory to prevent leaks and use tools like Valgrind to check for memory issues during development.”

3. Can you describe your experience with debugging tools? Which ones do you prefer and why?

This question assesses your familiarity with debugging tools. Discuss the tools you’ve used and your preferred methods for debugging.

Example

“I frequently use GDB for debugging C/C++ applications, as it allows me to step through code and inspect variables in real-time. I also find tools like Valgrind useful for detecting memory leaks and profiling performance.”

4. What is your experience with version control systems, particularly Git?

Version control is essential for collaborative software development. Discuss your experience with Git and how you use it in your projects.

Example

“I use Git for version control in all my projects. I follow a branching strategy where I create feature branches for new developments and regularly merge them back into the main branch after thorough testing. This helps maintain a clean project history and facilitates collaboration.”

5. How do you approach writing APIs? What considerations do you keep in mind?

APIs are crucial for software integration. Discuss your approach to designing and implementing APIs, including documentation and versioning.

Example

“When writing APIs, I focus on clear and consistent naming conventions and thorough documentation to ensure usability. I also consider versioning from the start to manage changes without breaking existing clients.”

Embedded Systems

1. What are the key considerations when developing software for embedded systems?

This question assesses your understanding of embedded systems. Discuss factors like resource constraints, real-time performance, and hardware interaction.

Example

“When developing for embedded systems, I prioritize resource management due to limited memory and processing power. I also ensure that the software meets real-time performance requirements, which often involves optimizing algorithms and minimizing latency.”

2. Can you explain the role of device drivers in embedded systems?

Device drivers are essential for hardware communication. Discuss their purpose and how you have worked with them in your projects.

Example

“Device drivers act as intermediaries between the hardware and the software, allowing the operating system to communicate with peripherals. I have developed drivers for sensors in embedded systems, ensuring they operate correctly and efficiently.”

3. Describe your experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS).

This question gauges your familiarity with RTOS. Discuss any projects where you used an RTOS and the benefits it provided.

Example

“I have used FreeRTOS in a project to manage multiple tasks in a microcontroller. The RTOS allowed for efficient scheduling and resource management, which was crucial for meeting the timing requirements of the application.”

4. How do you handle communication between embedded devices?

Discuss the protocols and methods you use for communication in embedded systems.

Example

“I typically use protocols like I2C and SPI for communication between embedded devices. I ensure that the communication is reliable and efficient by implementing error-checking mechanisms and optimizing data transfer rates.”

5. What tools do you use for testing embedded software?

Testing is critical in embedded systems. Discuss the tools and methodologies you use for testing.

Example

“I use a combination of unit testing frameworks and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to validate embedded software. This approach allows me to test the software in a controlled environment while interacting with actual hardware components.”