M&T Bank Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

M&T Bank is a leading regional bank in the United States, dedicated to providing exceptional banking services while leveraging innovative technology solutions.

As a Software Engineer at M&T Bank, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining applications that drive the bank's operations and enhance customer experiences. You will be responsible for analyzing complex systems, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and contributing to the full software development lifecycle. Proficiency in programming languages such as .NET, Angular, and SQL is essential, as is experience with modern development practices including Agile methodologies and CI/CD pipelines. A successful Software Engineer at M&T Bank not only possesses strong technical skills but also demonstrates leadership potential by mentoring junior engineers and guiding project tasks. The bank values a collaborative environment that emphasizes diversity, innovation, and continuous improvement.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the skills and experiences that are essential for success in this role while also highlighting the company’s culture and expectations.

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at M&T Bank is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-suited for the collaborative and innovative environment of the bank. The process typically unfolds in several stages:

1. Application and Initial Contact

Candidates begin by submitting their applications through the M&T Bank website. Within a week, successful applicants are contacted by HR for an initial screening. This phone interview lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on the candidate's background, skills, and motivations for applying to M&T Bank. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are often required to complete a technical assessment. This may involve a coding challenge that tests fundamental programming skills and problem-solving abilities. The challenge is designed to evaluate the candidate's proficiency in relevant programming languages and concepts, such as data structures and algorithms.

3. Technical Interview

Candidates who perform well in the technical assessment will be invited to a technical interview, typically conducted via video call. This interview is led by a senior engineer and focuses on in-depth technical questions related to the candidate's experience and the technologies relevant to the role. Expect discussions around system design, coding practices, and specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as .NET, SQL, or Java.

4. Behavioral Interview

After the technical interview, candidates may participate in a behavioral interview. This round assesses soft skills, teamwork, and cultural fit within M&T Bank. Interviewers will ask about past experiences, challenges faced in previous roles, and how candidates have collaborated with others. The goal is to understand how candidates approach problem-solving and their ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

5. Final Interviews

The final stage typically consists of multiple interviews with various team members, including potential peers and managers. These interviews may cover both technical and behavioral aspects, allowing the interviewers to gauge the candidate's fit for the team and the organization as a whole. Candidates may also be asked to present a project they have worked on, demonstrating their technical expertise and communication skills.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to ask questions and engage with interviewers to better understand the role and the company culture.

Now, let's delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Understand the Interview Process

M&T Bank's interview process can be extensive, often involving multiple rounds with various team members. Be prepared for both technical and behavioral interviews. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the interviews, as candidates have reported a mix of technical assessments, coding challenges, and discussions about past experiences. This will help you manage your time and energy throughout the process.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Given the emphasis on technical skills, particularly in Mainframe Cobol, .NET, and SQL, ensure you are well-versed in these areas. Review key concepts, algorithms, and data structures, and practice coding problems that reflect the challenges you might face in the role. Candidates have noted that coding challenges can be complex, so consider using platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

During the interview, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled complex problems in your previous roles. M&T Bank values analytical thinking and the ability to implement new technologies to meet business objectives. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your contributions and the impact of your work.

Emphasize Collaboration and Teamwork

M&T Bank operates in a highly collaborative environment, so it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to work well with others. Be prepared to discuss your experiences in team settings, how you’ve contributed to group projects, and how you handle conflicts or differing opinions. Highlight any experience you have with Agile methodologies, as this aligns with the company’s development practices.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when explaining technical concepts. Be ready to discuss your past projects and the technologies you used, ensuring you can convey your ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Align with Company Culture

M&T Bank values diversity and a supportive work environment. Research the company’s culture and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace, as well as how you can support the bank's mission to serve its customers and communities effectively.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of your interviews, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Use this time to demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how the bank is adapting to new technologies. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can approach your interview with confidence and increase your chances of success at M&T Bank. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at M&T Bank. The interview process will likely assess both your technical skills and your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, technical knowledge, and how you approach problem-solving.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the concept of polymorphism in object-oriented programming?

Understanding polymorphism is crucial for software development, as it allows for flexibility and reusability in code.

How to Answer

Discuss the definition of polymorphism and provide examples of how it can be implemented in programming languages like Java or C#.

Example

“Polymorphism allows methods to do different things based on the object it is acting upon. For instance, in Java, we can have a method draw() in a base class Shape, and subclasses like Circle and Square can implement their own versions of draw(). This allows us to call draw() on a Shape reference, and the correct method will be executed based on the actual object type.”

2. What are the new features of .NET 4.0 compared to earlier versions?

This question tests your knowledge of the .NET framework, which is essential for many roles at M&T Bank.

How to Answer

Highlight the key features introduced in .NET 4.0, such as the Task Parallel Library, improved garbage collection, and enhancements to the Base Class Library.

Example

“.NET 4.0 introduced the Task Parallel Library, which simplifies parallel programming, allowing developers to write more efficient code. It also improved garbage collection, which enhances performance, and added features like dynamic types and named parameters, making the language more flexible.”

3. Describe your experience with Agile methodologies.

Agile is a common framework used in software development, and understanding it is crucial for collaboration.

How to Answer

Share your experience working in Agile teams, focusing on your role and contributions to the process.

Example

“I have worked in Agile environments for over three years, participating in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives. I contributed by ensuring that our user stories were well-defined and prioritized, and I actively collaborated with team members to address any blockers during the sprints.”

4. How do you approach 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

Explain your systematic approach to debugging, including tools and techniques you use.

Example

“When debugging a complex application, I start by reproducing the issue to understand its context. I then use logging and debugging tools to trace the execution flow and identify where things go wrong. I also review recent changes to the codebase that might have introduced the issue, and I collaborate with team members to gather insights.”

5. Can you explain the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases?

Understanding database technologies is essential for many software engineering roles.

How to Answer

Discuss the key differences, including data structure, scalability, and use cases.

Example

“SQL databases are relational and use structured query language for defining and manipulating data, making them suitable for complex queries and transactions. In contrast, NoSQL databases are non-relational and can handle unstructured data, offering greater flexibility and scalability, which is ideal for applications with large volumes of data or rapidly changing data structures.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a difficult situation you faced in a project and how you handled it.

This question assesses your problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

How to Answer

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

Example

“In a previous project, we faced a significant delay due to a key team member leaving unexpectedly. I organized a meeting to redistribute tasks and ensure everyone was clear on their responsibilities. I also took on additional work to help meet our deadlines. As a result, we completed the project on time, and the client was satisfied with the outcome.”

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

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your method for prioritizing tasks, including any tools or frameworks you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I use tools like Jira to track progress and deadlines, and I regularly communicate with stakeholders to ensure alignment on priorities. I also break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable pieces to maintain focus and momentum.”

3. Can you give an example of how you contributed to a team’s success?

This question looks for evidence of teamwork and collaboration.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example that highlights your role and contributions to the team.

Example

“In my last role, I noticed that our team was struggling with communication during sprints. I proposed implementing a shared document for tracking progress and blockers, which improved transparency and collaboration. This change led to more productive meetings and ultimately helped us deliver our project ahead of schedule.”

4. How do you handle feedback and criticism?

This question assesses your ability to accept and learn from feedback.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and how you use it for personal and professional growth.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. When I receive constructive criticism, I take time to reflect on it and identify areas for improvement. I also seek clarification if needed, and I actively implement the feedback in my work to enhance my skills and performance.”

5. What motivates you to perform well in your job?

This question explores your intrinsic motivations and work ethic.

How to Answer

Share what drives you in your work, whether it’s personal growth, team success, or contributing to the company’s goals.

Example

“I am motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the satisfaction of delivering high-quality solutions. I also find great fulfillment in collaborating with my team and contributing to our collective success, knowing that our work positively impacts the organization and its customers.”