M1 Finance Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

M1 Finance is a modern personal wealth-building platform that empowers individuals to manage their finances through an intuitive, automated Finance Super App.

As a Software Engineer at M1 Finance, you will be an integral part of a dynamic engineering team responsible for building, deploying, and maintaining critical systems that support the overall operation of the platform. Your key responsibilities will include collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and enhance software solutions, leading modernization efforts for existing systems, and implementing best practices in coding and development processes. The ideal candidate will possess at least four years of professional experience in C# and .NET, as well as proficiency in MS SQL Server. You should be self-motivated, possess a growth mindset, and demonstrate excellent communication and collaboration skills. A strong understanding of investing and personal finance is a bonus, as M1 Finance values individuals who are passionate about the impact of their work on users' financial well-being.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into the skills and experiences that are highly valued at M1 Finance, allowing you to present yourself as a strong candidate aligned with the company's mission and culture.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at M1 Finance 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 alignment with M1's values.

1. Initial Phone Screening

The process begins with an initial phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts around 30 minutes and serves as an opportunity for the recruiter to gauge your interest in the role, discuss your background, and evaluate your fit for M1's culture. Expect to talk about your previous experiences, motivations for applying, and your understanding of M1's mission and values.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates typically undergo a technical assessment. This may involve a coding interview, which can be conducted in a pair programming format with a current software engineer. During this session, you will be expected to solve coding problems, demonstrating your proficiency in relevant programming languages, particularly C# and .NET, as well as your understanding of algorithms and data structures. The assessment may also include open-note coding tasks, allowing you to reference materials as you work through problems.

3. Take-Home Project

In some cases, candidates may be asked to complete a take-home project. This project is designed to evaluate your coding skills and ability to work independently. You will typically have a set amount of time to complete the project, and it should reflect your understanding of best practices in software development. However, feedback on this project may not always be provided in subsequent interviews, so it's essential to be prepared to discuss your approach and decisions during the technical interview.

4. Virtual Onsite Interviews

The final stage of the interview process usually consists of a virtual onsite loop, which includes multiple interviews with team members from various functional areas. This stage typically lasts around two hours and includes both technical and behavioral interviews. You may be asked to write pseudo code, discuss system design, and answer questions related to your past experiences and problem-solving approaches. Behavioral questions will likely focus on teamwork, communication, and how you align with M1's core values.

Throughout the interview process, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their passion for software engineering, commitment to continuous improvement, and ability to collaborate effectively with others.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages.

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

Understand the Company Culture

M1 Finance values a collaborative and team-oriented environment. Familiarize yourself with their core principles, such as "Extreme Ownership" and "Bias for Action." Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work. Show that you are not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute meaningfully to a mission-driven team.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

While some candidates reported a lack of technical depth in interviews, it’s crucial to be ready for coding challenges. Brush up on your C# and .NET skills, as these are central to the role. Practice coding problems that require you to write clean, maintainable code and be prepared to discuss your thought process during the coding interview. Familiarize yourself with concepts related to microservices architecture, as M1 employs this in their systems.

Emphasize Problem-Solving Skills

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you approached them. M1 appreciates candidates who can think critically and creatively about complex problems, so use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Engage in Behavioral Questions

M1's interview process includes behavioral questions that gauge your fit within their culture. Prepare to share experiences that demonstrate your teamwork, communication skills, and ability to handle challenges. Questions like "Tell me about a time you couldn't meet a deadline" are common, so have relevant examples ready that showcase your resilience and adaptability.

Showcase Your Passion for Continuous Improvement

M1 seeks individuals who are committed to self-improvement and mentorship. Be prepared to discuss how you have pursued personal growth in your career and how you can contribute to the development of your peers. Highlight any experiences where you have engaged in code reviews or pair programming, as these are valued practices at M1.

Be Ready for a Take-Home Project

Some candidates mentioned completing a take-home project as part of the interview process. Treat this seriously and ensure you allocate sufficient time to produce quality work. If you have the opportunity, follow up on your project during the technical interview to demonstrate your commitment and interest in the role.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Effective communication is key at M1. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing technical concepts. Be open to feedback and show that you can engage in constructive discussions. This will reflect your ability to collaborate effectively with team members.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the company’s vision. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if M1 is the right fit for you. Inquire about their approach to continuous improvement and how they support employee growth.

By following these tips, you can position yourself as a strong candidate who aligns with M1 Finance's values and is ready to contribute to their mission. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at M1 Finance. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. Be prepared to discuss your experience with C#, .NET, and SQL, as well as your approach to software development and collaboration.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between C# and other programming languages you have used?

Understanding the nuances of C# compared to other languages is crucial for this role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific features of C# that you find beneficial, such as its strong typing, garbage collection, and support for asynchronous programming. Highlight how these features have influenced your coding practices.

Example

“I appreciate C# for its strong typing and rich library support, which helps in building robust applications. Compared to Java, I find C#’s LINQ feature particularly powerful for querying collections, making data manipulation more intuitive and concise.”

2. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you solved it.

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

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that showcases your analytical skills and ability to work through complex issues. Explain the context, your approach, and the outcome.

Example

“While working on a trading application, I encountered performance issues during peak trading hours. I analyzed the bottlenecks and discovered that our database queries were inefficient. I optimized the queries and implemented caching strategies, which improved response times by over 50%.”

3. How do you ensure the quality of your code?

Quality assurance is vital in software development, especially in finance.

How to Answer

Discuss your practices around code reviews, unit testing, and continuous integration. Emphasize the importance of maintaining high standards.

Example

“I prioritize code quality by conducting thorough code reviews and writing unit tests for all new features. I also advocate for continuous integration practices, which help catch issues early in the development cycle.”

4. What is your experience with SQL and database management?

Given the role's focus on MS SQL Server, this question is essential.

How to Answer

Share your experience with SQL, including specific tasks you’ve performed, such as writing complex queries or optimizing database performance.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL, including writing complex queries for data retrieval and manipulation. In my last project, I optimized a slow-running report query by adding appropriate indexes, which reduced execution time from several minutes to under 30 seconds.”

5. Can you explain the concept of microservices architecture?

Understanding microservices is crucial for the role at M1 Finance.

How to Answer

Define microservices and discuss their advantages, such as scalability and maintainability. Provide examples from your experience.

Example

“Microservices architecture involves breaking down applications into smaller, independent services that can be developed and deployed separately. This approach enhances scalability and allows teams to work on different services concurrently. In my previous role, we transitioned to microservices, which improved our deployment frequency and reduced downtime.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Why do you want to work for M1 Finance?

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

How to Answer

Express your interest in M1’s mission and how your values align with the company’s goals. Mention specific aspects of the company that attract you.

Example

“I am drawn to M1 Finance because of its commitment to empowering individuals in their financial journeys. I believe that technology can play a significant role in improving financial literacy, and I want to contribute to a platform that makes investing accessible to everyone.”

2. Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult team member.

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate challenges.

How to Answer

Choose a situation where you successfully resolved conflict or improved collaboration. Focus on your communication and problem-solving skills.

Example

“In a previous project, I worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to understand their perspective and shared my concerns constructively. This open dialogue led to a better working relationship and improved our project outcomes.”

3. How do you handle tight deadlines?

This question assesses your time management and prioritization skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for managing time effectively and ensuring quality work under pressure.

Example

“When faced with tight deadlines, I prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency. I also communicate proactively with my team to ensure we’re aligned and can support each other. For instance, during a recent project, I broke down tasks into smaller milestones, which helped us stay on track and deliver on time.”

4. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly.

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Share a specific example where you successfully learned a new technology and applied it effectively.

Example

“When our team decided to adopt a new CI/CD tool, I took the initiative to learn it quickly. I dedicated time to online courses and hands-on practice, and within a week, I was able to implement it in our workflow, which streamlined our deployment process significantly.”

5. How do you approach code reviews?

This question assesses your collaborative skills and commitment to quality.

How to Answer

Discuss your philosophy on code reviews, including how you provide and receive feedback.

Example

“I view code reviews as a vital part of the development process. I approach them with an open mind, focusing on constructive feedback. I also encourage my peers to share their thoughts on my code, as I believe it fosters a culture of continuous improvement and learning.”