Macy's Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Macy's, Inc. is a renowned retail giant dedicated to creating inclusive and memorable customer experiences through innovation in technology.

The Software Engineer role at Macy's Technology is pivotal in developing and enhancing the systems that support the company’s e-commerce and retail operations. This position involves designing, implementing, and maintaining robust and scalable applications that meet the functional and non-functional needs of the business. Key responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams to define project requirements, coding and testing software solutions, and ensuring high performance and responsiveness of applications. A strong understanding of software architecture principles, web performance optimization, and experience with modern programming languages and frameworks—particularly JavaScript and its frameworks (like React, Angular, or Vue)—are crucial for success in this role.

In addition to technical skills, Macy's values effective communication, teamwork, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it important for candidates to demonstrate their ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a respectful work environment. This guide will prepare you to articulate your experience effectively while aligning your skills with Macy's mission and values, ultimately giving you an edge in the interview process.

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

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which is usually a 30-minute phone interview with a recruiter. During this call, the recruiter will discuss the role, the company culture, and your background. They will assess your interest in the position and determine if your skills align with the requirements of the role.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are often required to complete a technical assessment. This may involve an online coding challenge that tests your problem-solving abilities and understanding of algorithms. The assessment typically includes questions related to data structures, searching algorithms, and may allow you to code in a language of your choice. Candidates are encouraged to practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode to prepare.

3. Technical Interviews

Candidates who perform well in the technical assessment will be invited to participate in one or more technical interviews. These interviews are usually conducted via video call and may involve one or two engineers from the team. The focus will be on your coding skills, understanding of software principles, and specific technologies relevant to the role, such as JavaScript, Angular, or other frameworks. Expect to answer questions that require you to demonstrate your coding abilities and explain your thought process.

4. Behavioral Interviews

In addition to technical interviews, candidates will also face behavioral interviews. These interviews assess how you work within a team, handle challenges, and align with Macy's values. Questions may revolve around your previous work experiences, how you deal with adversity, and your motivations for wanting to join Macy's. Be prepared to provide examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills and teamwork.

5. Onsite Interview

The final stage of the interview process is typically an onsite interview, which may be conducted in person or virtually. This stage often includes multiple rounds of interviews with various team members, including senior engineers and managers. You may be asked to present your past projects, engage in coding exercises, and participate in discussions about system design and architecture. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team and the projects you would be working on.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should demonstrate their technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and a strong understanding of software development principles.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at Macy's.

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

Understand the Technical Landscape

Before your interview, ensure you have a solid grasp of the technologies and frameworks relevant to the role, particularly JavaScript and its frameworks like Angular, React, or Vue. Familiarize yourself with web performance optimization techniques, as this is a key focus area for Macy's. Brush up on your knowledge of software architecture principles, including event-driven and service-oriented architectures, as well as microservices. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.

Prepare for Coding Challenges

Expect to face coding challenges that test your understanding of algorithms and data structures. Practice common coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank, focusing on searching algorithms and logic-based questions. Given the emphasis on coding assessments in the interview process, being well-prepared will give you a significant advantage. Make sure to articulate your thought process clearly while solving problems, as interviewers appreciate candidates who can communicate their reasoning.

Showcase Your Project Experience

Be ready to discuss your previous projects in detail. Highlight your role, the technologies you used, and the impact of your contributions. Macy's values candidates who can translate business requirements into effective technical solutions, so be prepared to explain how your work aligns with business goals. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, making it easier for interviewers to follow your narrative.

Emphasize Collaboration and Mentorship

Macy's places a strong emphasis on teamwork and mentorship. Be prepared to discuss your experiences working in collaborative environments and how you've supported junior developers or peers. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to team success, whether through code reviews, knowledge sharing, or leading projects. This will demonstrate your alignment with the company's culture of collaboration and growth.

Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is crucial in this role. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you may need to communicate with stakeholders who are not technically inclined. During the interview, listen carefully to questions and ensure you address them fully. If you don’t understand a question, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for clarification.

Align with Company Values

Macy's is committed to diversity, inclusion, and respect. Familiarize yourself with the company's mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how you embody these principles in your work. This could include examples of how you've contributed to a diverse team or how you've fostered an inclusive environment in your previous roles.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, send a thoughtful thank-you note to your interviewers. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. This not only shows good manners but also reinforces your interest in the position and the company.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to make a strong impression during your interview at Macy's. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Macy's. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your experience with software development methodologies. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, coding practices, and how you approach challenges in a team environment.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between REST and SOAP web services?

Understanding the differences between these two web service protocols is crucial for a software engineer, especially in a retail environment where integration with various systems is common.

How to Answer

Discuss the architectural styles, use cases, and advantages of each protocol. Highlight your experience with both if applicable.

Example

"REST is an architectural style that uses standard HTTP methods and is stateless, making it lightweight and easy to use. SOAP, on the other hand, is a protocol that relies on XML and has built-in error handling and security features. In my previous project, I used REST for a mobile application due to its simplicity and performance, while SOAP was used for internal services that required strict security measures."

2. Describe your experience with JavaScript frameworks like Angular or React.

Given the emphasis on JavaScript frameworks in the job description, this question assesses your familiarity and hands-on experience with these technologies.

How to Answer

Mention specific projects where you utilized these frameworks, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.

Example

"I have over three years of experience with Angular, where I developed a dynamic e-commerce platform. I implemented lazy loading to improve performance and used RxJS for handling asynchronous data streams. This significantly enhanced the user experience by reducing load times."

3. How do you ensure the performance of a web application?

Performance is critical in retail applications, especially during peak shopping seasons.

How to Answer

Discuss techniques such as code optimization, caching strategies, and performance monitoring tools you have used.

Example

"I focus on optimizing both front-end and back-end performance. For instance, I use tools like Lighthouse to audit performance and identify bottlenecks. Implementing caching strategies with Redis has also helped reduce server load and improve response times."

4. Can you explain the concept of microservices architecture?

Microservices are increasingly popular in modern application development, especially for scalable systems.

How to Answer

Define microservices and discuss their benefits and challenges, along with your experience in implementing them.

Example

"Microservices architecture involves breaking down an application into smaller, independent services that can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently. In my last project, we transitioned from a monolithic architecture to microservices, which improved our deployment speed and allowed teams to work on different services simultaneously."

5. What is your approach to debugging a complex application?

Debugging is a critical skill for any software engineer, and your approach can reveal your problem-solving abilities.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to identifying and resolving issues, including tools and techniques you use.

Example

"I start by reproducing the issue and gathering as much information as possible. I then use debugging tools like Chrome DevTools or logging frameworks to trace the problem. Once identified, I analyze the root cause and implement a fix, followed by thorough testing to ensure the issue is resolved without introducing new bugs."

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time you faced a significant challenge while working on a team project.

This question assesses your teamwork and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, focusing on the challenge, your actions, and the outcome.

Example

"During a project, we faced a tight deadline due to unexpected changes in requirements. I organized daily stand-up meetings to ensure everyone was aligned and prioritized tasks effectively. By fostering open communication, we managed to deliver the project on time, and the client was very satisfied with the final product."

2. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Conflict resolution is essential for maintaining a productive work environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to addressing conflicts, emphasizing communication and collaboration.

Example

"When conflicts arise, I believe in addressing them directly and respectfully. I encourage open dialogue to understand different perspectives and work towards a compromise. For instance, in a previous project, two team members disagreed on the implementation approach. I facilitated a meeting where we discussed the pros and cons of each approach, leading to a solution that satisfied both parties."

3. Why do you want to work at Macy's?

This question gauges your interest in the company and its culture.

How to Answer

Express your enthusiasm for the company’s mission and how your values align with theirs.

Example

"I admire Macy's commitment to diversity and inclusion, which resonates with my values. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to innovative retail technology that enhances customer experiences, and I believe my skills in software development can help drive that mission forward."

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

Time management is crucial in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Explain your prioritization strategy, including tools or methods you use.

Example

"I use a combination of Agile methodologies and project management tools like Jira to prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I regularly review my workload and adjust priorities as needed to ensure that critical deadlines are met without compromising quality."

5. What are your long-term career goals?

This question helps interviewers understand your aspirations and how they align with the company.

How to Answer

Share your career aspirations while showing how they relate to the role and company.

Example

"My long-term goal is to become a lead software engineer, where I can mentor junior developers and lead innovative projects. I see Macy's as a place where I can grow my skills and contribute to exciting technology initiatives that shape the future of retail."