Hover Inc. Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Hover Inc. is revolutionizing the homeowner experience by providing innovative solutions in the home improvement industry through cutting-edge technology, including AI-powered interactive 3D property models.

As a Software Engineer at Hover, you will play a crucial role in developing scalable, robust systems that enhance user experiences for homeowners, contractors, and insurance professionals alike. Your responsibilities will encompass working across the technology stack, primarily using Ruby on Rails, React, and GraphQL to build high-quality software solutions. You will also lead product development initiatives, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—including Product, Design, and Analytics—to bring new features to life and refine existing offerings. The ideal candidate for this role possesses a strong engineering background with a deep understanding of data structures, algorithms, and software design principles, coupled with an ownership mentality that reflects Hover's commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

You will be expected to drive technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to a culture that thrives on collaboration and innovation. A great fit for this position is someone who not only excels in engineering tasks but also demonstrates the ability to think like a product owner, proactively identify challenges, and devise solutions that align with business objectives.

This guide aims to equip you with the insights and knowledge necessary to excel during your interview process at Hover, enabling you to showcase your relevant skills and experiences effectively.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Hover Inc. is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. It typically consists of several stages, each focusing on different aspects of the candidate's qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Recruiter Call

The process begins with a 30-minute phone call with a recruiter. This conversation serves as an introduction to the company and the role, allowing the recruiter to gauge your interest and fit for the position. Expect to discuss your background, motivations, and any preliminary questions you may have about Hover and its culture.

2. Technical Screening

Following the initial call, candidates usually participate in a technical screening, which may be conducted via video call. This session typically lasts about an hour and involves live coding exercises. You will be expected to demonstrate your proficiency in relevant programming languages and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with the technologies used at Hover, such as Ruby on Rails, React, and GraphQL, will be beneficial.

3. Hiring Manager Interview

If you pass the technical screening, the next step is a one-on-one interview with the hiring manager. This discussion focuses on your technical expertise, project experiences, and how you approach problem-solving. The hiring manager will also assess your alignment with Hover's values and your potential contributions to the team.

4. Virtual Onsite Interviews

Candidates who progress further are invited to a virtual onsite interview, which can last several hours and includes multiple rounds. This stage typically consists of: - Coding Challenges: You may face additional coding tests that require you to solve problems in real-time, showcasing your technical skills and thought process. - Behavioral Interviews: These sessions assess your soft skills, teamwork, and how you handle challenges. Expect questions about past experiences and how they relate to the role. - Cross-Functional Collaboration: You may meet with team members from Product, Design, and Analytics to discuss how you would work collaboratively across departments. - Technical Presentation: Candidates might be asked to prepare a presentation on a technical topic of their choice, demonstrating their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

5. Final Interview Round

The final round often includes a panel interview with various stakeholders, including senior engineers and possibly executives. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your technical knowledge, leadership abilities, and cultural fit within the organization. You may also be asked to discuss your vision for the role and how you can contribute to Hover's mission.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, focusing on both technical and behavioral aspects.

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

Understand the Interview Process

The interview process at Hover can be lengthy and multifaceted, often involving multiple rounds that include technical assessments, behavioral interviews, and presentations. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the interviews, as candidates have reported a mix of coding tests, discussions about company values, and technical walkthroughs. Prepare to articulate your experiences clearly and concisely, as well as to demonstrate your technical skills in a live coding environment.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Given the emphasis on full-stack development, ensure you are well-versed in Ruby on Rails, React, and GraphQL. Brush up on building RESTful APIs and understand cloud-based environments like AWS and Google Cloud. Practice coding problems that involve data structures and algorithms, as well as system design questions. Candidates have noted that the technical assessments can include both live coding and take-home assignments, so be ready for both formats.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Hover values candidates who can analyze challenges and develop innovative solutions. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you identified a problem, proposed a solution, and implemented it successfully. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your thought process and the impact of your actions.

Emphasize Cross-Functional Collaboration

As a full-stack engineer, you will be expected to work closely with product, design, and analytics teams. Highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration and how you have successfully partnered with different stakeholders to deliver projects. Be ready to discuss how you navigate differing priorities and ensure alignment across teams.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Hover's culture emphasizes accountability, ownership, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Expect behavioral questions that assess your alignment with these values. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to share stories that demonstrate your ability to take ownership of projects, mentor others, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Be Ready for a Presentation

Candidates have reported a "Technical Walkthrough" presentation as part of the interview process. Choose a technical topic you are passionate about and prepare a clear, engaging presentation. Practice delivering it to ensure you can explain complex concepts in an accessible way. Be prepared for questions from the panel, and remember that they may not be familiar with your specific area of expertise.

Show Enthusiasm for the Company’s Mission

Hover is dedicated to transforming the homeowner journey through innovative technology. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for their mission and how your skills and experiences align with their goals. Research recent developments in the company and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their vision of making home improvement easier and more transparent.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, send a thoughtful follow-up email thanking your interviewers for their time. Use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and the company, and to mention any points from the interview that particularly resonated with you. This not only shows your professionalism but also reinforces your enthusiasm for the position.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Hover. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at Hover Inc. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative mindset, as these are key attributes that Hover values in their engineering team.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between REST and GraphQL?

Understanding the distinctions between these two API architectures is crucial for a full-stack engineer at Hover, especially since they work with both.

How to Answer

Discuss the fundamental differences in how data is requested and returned, emphasizing the flexibility of GraphQL compared to REST.

Example

"REST APIs typically require multiple endpoints for different resources, while GraphQL allows clients to request exactly the data they need in a single query. This can lead to more efficient data retrieval and less over-fetching or under-fetching of data."

2. Describe your experience with Ruby on Rails. What are some best practices you follow?

As Ruby on Rails is a primary technology at Hover, showcasing your experience and adherence to best practices is essential.

How to Answer

Mention specific features of Ruby on Rails you have utilized and best practices such as convention over configuration, DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself), and testing.

Example

"I have worked extensively with Ruby on Rails for over five years, focusing on building scalable applications. I always ensure to follow the DRY principle by using shared modules and services, and I prioritize writing comprehensive tests to maintain code quality."

3. How do you approach debugging a complex issue in your code?

Debugging is a critical skill for any software engineer, and Hover will want to know your systematic approach.

How to Answer

Outline your process for identifying, isolating, and resolving issues, including tools and techniques you use.

Example

"When debugging, I first reproduce the issue and gather as much information as possible. I then use logging and debugging tools to trace the problem, isolating the code section responsible. Once identified, I implement a fix and ensure to write tests to prevent future occurrences."

4. Can you walk us through a project where you implemented a significant feature?

This question assesses your experience with product development and your ability to communicate technical concepts.

How to Answer

Describe the project, your role, the technologies used, and the impact of the feature on the product.

Example

"I led a project to implement a new user authentication system using OAuth2. I designed the architecture, integrated it with our existing Ruby on Rails application, and ensured it was secure and user-friendly. This feature improved user engagement by 30%."

5. What strategies do you use for optimizing application performance?

Performance optimization is vital for user experience, especially in applications that handle complex data.

How to Answer

Discuss specific techniques you have used, such as caching, database indexing, or code refactoring.

Example

"I focus on optimizing database queries by using indexing and eager loading to reduce N+1 query issues. Additionally, I implement caching strategies using Redis to store frequently accessed data, which significantly improves response times."

Collaboration and Leadership

1. Describe a time when you had to work closely with product and design teams. How did you ensure alignment?

Collaboration is key at Hover, and they will want to see how you work with cross-functional teams.

How to Answer

Share an example that highlights your communication skills and ability to align technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Example

"In a recent project, I collaborated with the product and design teams to develop a new feature. I organized regular check-ins to discuss progress and gather feedback, ensuring that the technical implementation aligned with the product vision and user experience goals."

2. How do you handle conflicts within your team?

Conflict resolution is an important aspect of teamwork, and Hover will want to know your approach.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for addressing conflicts constructively and fostering a positive team environment.

Example

"When conflicts arise, I encourage open communication and facilitate discussions to understand different perspectives. I focus on finding common ground and working towards a solution that aligns with our team goals."

3. Can you give an example of a time you mentored a junior engineer?

Mentorship is valued at Hover, and they will want to see your commitment to team development.

How to Answer

Describe your mentoring approach and the impact it had on the junior engineer's growth.

Example

"I mentored a junior engineer by pairing with them on code reviews and providing constructive feedback. I also encouraged them to take ownership of small features, which helped build their confidence and skills. Over time, they became a valuable contributor to our team."

4. What do you think is the most important quality for a software engineer at Hover?

This question assesses your understanding of the company culture and values.

How to Answer

Reflect on the qualities that align with Hover's mission and values, such as accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

Example

"I believe accountability is crucial for a software engineer at Hover. Taking ownership of our work ensures that we deliver high-quality products that meet user needs and contribute to the company's mission of improving the homeowner journey."

5. How do you stay updated with the latest technologies and industry trends?

Continuous learning is essential in tech, and Hover will want to know how you keep your skills sharp.

How to Answer

Mention specific resources, communities, or practices you engage with to stay informed.

Example

"I regularly attend tech meetups and conferences, and I follow industry leaders on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. I also participate in online courses and contribute to open-source projects to keep my skills current."