The Hershey Company Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

The Hershey Company is a globally recognized leader in confectionery, dedicated to creating delicious snacks and treats that bring joy to consumers around the world.

As a Software Engineer at Hershey, you will play a crucial role in developing and optimizing software solutions that enhance the efficiency of our manufacturing and operational processes. You will be responsible for designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software applications that support various business functions, including production, supply chain, and quality assurance. Key responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify software needs, implementing algorithms to improve operational performance, and ensuring robust data management practices. A strong foundation in algorithms is essential, as you will need to analyze complex data sets and develop efficient solutions.

To excel in this role, you should possess a solid understanding of programming languages, particularly Python, and have experience with database management using SQL. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders are vital traits. Familiarity with industry-standard software development methodologies and a commitment to continuous improvement will align well with Hershey's values of innovation and excellence.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the specific skills and experiences that will set you apart as a candidate for the Software Engineer position at The Hershey Company.

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

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which is usually a phone interview with a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to The Hershey Company. The recruiter will also gauge your understanding of the company’s culture and values, as well as your interest in the role.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates typically undergo a technical assessment. This may be conducted via a coding challenge or a technical interview, where you will be asked to solve problems related to algorithms and programming. Expect to demonstrate your proficiency in Python, as well as your ability to analyze and optimize algorithms. This stage is crucial for evaluating your technical capabilities and problem-solving skills.

3. Behavioral Interview

After successfully completing the technical assessment, candidates are invited to a behavioral interview. This interview is often conducted by a hiring manager or a team lead and focuses on your past experiences, teamwork, and how you handle challenges. Be prepared to discuss specific examples that showcase your leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and how you align with the company’s values.

4. Final Interview

The final interview stage may involve a panel of interviewers, including senior engineers and management. This round is designed to assess your fit within the team and the organization as a whole. You may be asked to discuss your approach to project management, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and how you would contribute to ongoing projects at The Hershey Company.

5. Offer and Onboarding

If you successfully navigate the interview process, you will receive an offer. The onboarding process will then begin, where you will be introduced to the company’s systems, culture, and your specific role within the team.

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

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

Understand the Company’s Current Landscape

Given the recent changes in the IT department and the company's financial challenges, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with Hershey's current business environment. Research the company's recent initiatives, leadership changes, and any strategic shifts. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its future.

Highlight Relevant Technical Skills

As a Software Engineer, your technical expertise is paramount. Focus on showcasing your proficiency in programming languages and tools that are relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss your experience with algorithms, as this is a critical skill for the position. Brush up on your knowledge of Python and any relevant frameworks or libraries, as well as your understanding of software development methodologies.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Hershey values strong communication and leadership skills. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead projects, collaborate with teams, and make data-driven decisions. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey the impact of your contributions clearly.

Emphasize Problem-Solving Abilities

The role requires troubleshooting and root cause analysis of mechanical and electrical problems. Prepare to discuss your approach to problem-solving, including any frameworks or methodologies you use. Consider sharing examples of past challenges you've faced, how you approached them, and the outcomes of your efforts. This will illustrate your analytical thinking and ability to drive improvements.

Be Ready for Technical Assessments

Expect to encounter technical assessments or coding challenges during the interview process. Practice coding problems that focus on algorithms and data structures, as these are likely to be a significant part of the evaluation. Utilize platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills and familiarize yourself with the types of problems you may face.

Show Cultural Fit

Hershey has a unique company culture that values collaboration and innovation. During your interview, express your enthusiasm for working in a team-oriented environment and your commitment to contributing positively to the company culture. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past and how you align with Hershey's values.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, consider sending a thoughtful 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, and to briefly mention any key points from the interview that you found particularly engaging. This can help keep you top of mind and demonstrate your professionalism.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Hershey. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at The Hershey Company. The interview will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with project management and team collaboration. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, technical challenges you've faced, and how you approach software development in a manufacturing environment.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the software development lifecycle and your experience with it?

Understanding the software development lifecycle is crucial for a Software Engineer, especially in a manufacturing context where efficiency and reliability are key.

How to Answer

Discuss the phases of the software development lifecycle, emphasizing your experience in each phase, particularly in planning, development, testing, and deployment.

Example

“I have extensive experience with the software development lifecycle, having managed projects from initial requirements gathering through to deployment. In my last role, I led a team through an agile process, which allowed us to iterate quickly and respond to feedback effectively, ensuring that the final product met all user requirements.”

2. Describe a challenging technical problem you encountered and how you resolved it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that highlights your analytical skills and ability to troubleshoot effectively. Explain the problem, your approach to finding a solution, and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced a significant performance issue with our application. I conducted a thorough analysis of the code and identified a bottleneck in the database queries. By optimizing the queries and implementing caching strategies, we improved the application’s response time by over 50%.”

3. What programming languages are you proficient in, and how have you applied them in your projects?

This question gauges your technical skills and familiarity with relevant programming languages.

How to Answer

List the programming languages you are proficient in, and provide examples of how you have used them in past projects, particularly in relation to manufacturing or process improvement.

Example

“I am proficient in Python and Java, which I have used extensively in developing automation scripts and applications for data analysis. For instance, I developed a Python script that automated data collection from our manufacturing systems, significantly reducing manual entry errors and saving time.”

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

This question evaluates your approach to software quality and best practices.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for maintaining code quality, such as code reviews, unit testing, and adherence to coding standards.

Example

“I prioritize code quality by implementing a robust code review process and utilizing automated testing frameworks. I also encourage my team to follow coding standards and best practices, which helps ensure that our code is maintainable and scalable for future enhancements.”

5. Can you describe 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 have used, your experience with branching and merging, and how you have utilized these tools in team projects.

Example

“I have extensive experience with Git, which I have used for version control in all my projects. I am comfortable with branching strategies and have implemented pull requests to facilitate code reviews, ensuring that our codebase remains stable and well-organized.”

Project Management and Collaboration

1. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

This question assesses your organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization, including any frameworks or tools you use to manage tasks and deadlines.

Example

“I use a combination of the Eisenhower Matrix and project management tools like Trello to prioritize tasks. I assess the urgency and importance of each task, which helps me focus on high-impact activities while ensuring that deadlines are met across all projects.”

2. Describe a time when you had to work closely with a cross-functional team. How did you ensure effective communication?

Collaboration is key in a manufacturing environment, and this question evaluates your teamwork skills.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a project where you collaborated with different teams, highlighting your communication strategies and how you ensured alignment.

Example

“In a recent project, I worked with the production and quality assurance teams to develop a new software tool. I scheduled regular check-ins and used collaborative tools like Slack to facilitate communication, which helped us stay aligned on project goals and timelines.”

3. How do you handle feedback and criticism of your work?

This question assesses your ability to accept feedback and improve your work.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and how you use it to enhance your skills and project outcomes.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. When I receive criticism, I take the time to reflect on it and identify actionable steps for improvement. For instance, after receiving feedback on a project presentation, I sought additional training in public speaking, which has since improved my communication skills significantly.”

4. Can you give an example of how you have contributed to process improvements in your previous roles?

This question evaluates your initiative and ability to drive improvements.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a process improvement you implemented, detailing the impact it had on efficiency or productivity.

Example

“I identified a bottleneck in our software deployment process that was causing delays. I proposed and implemented a continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline, which reduced deployment times by 30% and allowed for more frequent updates to our applications.”

5. What attracts you to working with The Hershey Company?

This question assesses your motivation and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Discuss your interest in the company’s mission, culture, or products, and how your skills align with their needs.

Example

“I am drawn to The Hershey Company because of its commitment to quality and innovation in the food industry. I believe my background in software engineering and my passion for improving operational efficiencies can contribute to the company’s goals, especially in enhancing manufacturing processes.”