Institutional Shareholder Services Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Institutional Shareholder Services is the world's leading provider of corporate governance and responsible investment solutions, focusing on creating innovative technologies that enable shareholders to make informed corporate decisions.

As a Software Engineer at ISS, you will play a crucial role in the architecture, design, and development of sophisticated software components that support large financial institutions. Key responsibilities include developing scalable distributed applications, crafting rich user interfaces, and ensuring the reliability of services within an agile team environment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in Java development, REST API creation, and user interface design using frameworks such as ReactJS or AngularJS. A solid understanding of SQL databases and experience with Linux are also essential. Additionally, great analytical and problem-solving skills, along with a commitment to quality, are vital traits that align with ISS's values of mastery and autonomy.

This guide will equip you with the insights needed to excel during your interview process, ensuring you are well-prepared to showcase your technical skills and fit within the collaborative culture at ISS.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) is structured yet accommodating, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds as follows:

1. Online Assessment

The initial step involves an online comprehensive test that evaluates your technical skills, particularly in programming languages such as Java and Python, as well as logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. This assessment is designed to gauge your foundational knowledge and aptitude for software development. Candidates who perform well in this test will be invited to proceed to the next stage.

2. HR Interview

Following the successful completion of the online assessment, candidates will have a one-on-one interview with an HR representative. This conversation is generally straightforward and focuses on confirming the details provided in your resume, discussing your career aspirations, and assessing your communication skills. Expect to answer questions about your background, motivations for applying to ISS, and your understanding of the company and its operations.

3. Technical Interviews

The technical interview phase usually consists of two rounds. The first round is often conducted by team members or technical leads, where you will be asked to solve coding problems and discuss your previous projects. This round may include questions on object-oriented programming concepts, database management, and specific technologies relevant to the role, such as REST APIs and UI frameworks. The second technical interview is typically with a senior engineer or the hiring manager, focusing on more complex technical challenges and your approach to software design and architecture.

4. Panel Interview

In some cases, candidates may be invited to a panel interview, which includes multiple interviewers from different departments. This round assesses not only your technical skills but also your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Expect situational and behavioral questions that explore how you handle challenges, work under pressure, and contribute to team dynamics.

5. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process is usually a discussion with the hiring manager. This conversation will delve deeper into your qualifications, expectations, and how you envision contributing to ISS. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team, projects, and company culture.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to be themselves and engage in open dialogue with interviewers, as the company values a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

Now that you have an understanding of the interview process, let’s explore the types of questions you might encounter during your interviews.

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

Embrace the Conversational Atmosphere

The interview process at Institutional Shareholder Services tends to be relaxed and conversational. Approach the interview as a dialogue rather than a formal interrogation. Be yourself, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences openly. This will help you connect with the interviewers, who are described as friendly and accommodating.

Prepare for Technical Depth

Given the emphasis on Java, SQL, and various frameworks like Spring and ReactJS, ensure you have a solid grasp of these technologies. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, especially those that showcase your technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Expect questions on Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts, REST APIs, and database management. Brush up on your knowledge of design patterns and be prepared to explain your reasoning behind choosing specific technologies for your projects.

Highlight Your Soft Skills

While technical skills are crucial, soft skills are equally important at ISS. Be prepared to answer situational questions that assess your teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution abilities. Reflect on past experiences where you demonstrated leadership, adaptability, and collaboration. The interviewers will likely appreciate your ability to articulate how you handle challenges and work with others.

Know Your Resume Inside and Out

The interviewers will likely base many of their questions on your resume. Be prepared to discuss your educational background, work experiences, and any personal projects in detail. Highlight specific achievements and the impact of your contributions in previous roles. This will not only demonstrate your qualifications but also your passion for the field.

Research the Company and Its Culture

Understanding ISS's mission and values will give you an edge. Familiarize yourself with their role in corporate governance and responsible investment solutions. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your responses to align with the company’s goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in being part of their team.

Prepare for Multiple Rounds

Expect a structured interview process that may include multiple rounds, such as technical assessments followed by interviews with HR and team leads. Each round may focus on different aspects, so be ready to adapt your responses accordingly. The final interview with the hiring manager may delve deeper into your long-term goals and fit within the team.

Be Ready for Language Proficiency Assessment

Since interviews are conducted strictly in English, ensure you are comfortable communicating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Practice articulating your ideas and experiences in English to demonstrate your proficiency, especially if you are applying for a bilingual position.

Stay Positive and Professional

Regardless of the interview experience you may have heard about, maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. If you encounter any challenging interviewers, focus on showcasing your skills and professionalism. Remember, the goal is to find a mutual fit, so approach each interaction with an open mind.

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 Institutional Shareholder Services. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Institutional Shareholder Services. The interview process will likely cover a range of technical skills, including programming languages, software development methodologies, and problem-solving abilities, as well as behavioral questions to assess your fit within the company culture.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the key principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and how they apply to Java?

Understanding OOP is crucial for a software engineering role, especially in Java. Be prepared to discuss concepts like inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism, and provide examples of how you've applied these principles in your projects.

How to Answer

Discuss each principle briefly and provide a real-world example from your experience that illustrates your understanding.

Example

“OOP principles are foundational in Java. For instance, I used inheritance to create a base class for user authentication, which was extended by various user types, allowing for code reuse and easier maintenance. Encapsulation was applied to protect sensitive user data, ensuring that only authorized methods could access it.”

2. What is your experience with REST APIs, and can you describe a project where you implemented one?

REST APIs are essential for modern web applications. Highlight your experience in designing and implementing RESTful services.

How to Answer

Detail the project, your role, the technologies used, and the challenges faced during implementation.

Example

“In my last project, I developed a REST API using Spring Boot for a financial application. This API allowed clients to retrieve and update their account information securely. I faced challenges with authentication, which I resolved by implementing OAuth2, ensuring secure access to the API.”

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

Debugging is a critical skill for any software engineer. Your answer should reflect a systematic approach to problem-solving.

How to Answer

Describe your process for identifying, isolating, and fixing bugs, including any tools you use.

Example

“When debugging, I first reproduce the issue to understand its context. I then use logging to trace the execution flow and identify where things go wrong. For instance, in a recent project, I used Splunk to analyze logs, which helped me pinpoint a race condition that was causing intermittent failures.”

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

As the role requires experience with both SQL Server and Oracle, be prepared to discuss their differences and your experience with each.

How to Answer

Highlight key differences in features, performance, and use cases based on your experience.

Example

“SQL Server is often preferred for its integration with Microsoft products, while Oracle is known for its robust performance in handling large datasets. In my previous role, I used SQL Server for a web application due to its ease of use and integration with .NET, while I utilized Oracle for a data warehousing project that required advanced analytics capabilities.”

5. Describe your experience with front-end technologies like ReactJS or AngularJS.

Given the emphasis on building rich user interfaces, your familiarity with these frameworks is essential.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you used these technologies, focusing on your contributions and the outcomes.

Example

“I developed a dynamic dashboard using ReactJS for a financial reporting tool. I implemented state management with Redux, which improved the application’s performance and user experience. The project received positive feedback for its responsiveness and ease of use.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a tight deadline.

This question assesses your ability to handle stress and prioritize tasks effectively.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, focusing on your actions and the results.

Example

“During a critical project, we faced a tight deadline due to a client request. I organized daily stand-up meetings to track progress and reallocated tasks among team members based on their strengths. We successfully delivered the project on time, which led to a 20% increase in client satisfaction.”

2. How do you handle disagreements with team members?

Collaboration is key in software development, and your ability to navigate conflicts is important.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to resolving conflicts and maintaining a positive team dynamic.

Example

“When disagreements arise, I believe in open communication. I once had a conflict with a teammate over the choice of technology for a project. I suggested we each present our case to the team, allowing for a constructive discussion. Ultimately, we chose a hybrid approach that combined the best of both technologies.”

3. What motivates you to work in software engineering?

This question helps interviewers understand your passion for the field and your long-term commitment.

How to Answer

Share your motivations and how they align with the company’s mission.

Example

“I am motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create impactful software. Working at ISS excites me because I believe in the importance of corporate governance and responsible investment solutions, and I want to contribute to building innovative platforms that support these goals.”

4. Describe a project where you had to learn a new technology quickly.

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, detailing the technology, your learning process, and the project outcome.

Example

“On a recent project, I needed to learn Docker for containerization. I dedicated time to online courses and hands-on practice. Within a week, I was able to implement Docker in our deployment process, which streamlined our workflow and reduced deployment times by 30%.”

5. How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?

Effective time management is crucial in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your prioritization strategy and any tools you use to manage your workload.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and project impact. I use tools like Trello to visualize my workload and ensure I’m focusing on high-impact tasks first. For instance, during a busy period, I allocated time blocks for each project, which helped me stay organized and meet all deadlines without compromising quality.”