Perchwell Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Perchwell is a pioneering data and workflow platform designed specifically for real estate professionals and consumers, transforming how the industry operates through innovative software solutions.

In the role of Software Engineer at Perchwell, you will be an integral part of a dynamic and collaborative team, participating in all phases of product development and deployment. Your primary responsibilities will include developing new client-facing features, driving complex projects from conception to launch, and tackling architectural challenges. To excel in this position, you should possess strong experience in Ruby on Rails, proficiency in crafting efficient data models, and the ability to diagnose performance bottlenecks, particularly with PostgreSQL. A keen interest in experimenting with new technologies and maintaining a reliable system aligns well with Perchwell's commitment to innovation and excellence. Additionally, being a strong communicator will help you navigate cross-functional discussions effectively.

This guide is designed to provide you with valuable insights and a tailored approach to prepare for your interview at Perchwell, ensuring you present yourself as a well-rounded and informed candidate.

The interview process for a Software Engineer role at Perchwell is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the team. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during the interview process:

1. Initial Screening

The first step typically involves a 30-minute phone call with a recruiter. This conversation will focus on your background, experience, and motivations for applying to Perchwell. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that you understand the expectations and environment at Perchwell.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates usually undergo a technical assessment, which may be conducted via a coding platform or through a live coding session. This assessment will focus on your proficiency in Ruby on Rails, as well as your ability to solve problems related to algorithms and data structures. You may also be asked to demonstrate your understanding of PostgreSQL, including query optimization and performance tuning.

3. Technical Interviews

Candidates who pass the technical assessment will typically participate in one or more technical interviews with members of the engineering team. These interviews will delve deeper into your technical expertise, including your experience with backend development, architectural challenges, and your approach to building scalable systems. Expect to discuss past projects and how you contributed to their success, as well as your familiarity with technologies such as Elasticsearch and AWS services.

4. Behavioral Interviews

In addition to technical skills, Perchwell places a strong emphasis on cultural fit. Behavioral interviews will assess your communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. You may be asked to provide examples of how you’ve handled challenges in previous roles, your approach to code reviews, and how you contribute to a positive development culture.

5. Final Interview

The final stage often includes a meeting with senior leadership or team leads. This interview is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company’s vision, team dynamics, and future projects. It’s also a chance for the leadership team to gauge your alignment with Perchwell’s values and long-term goals.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the specific skills and experiences that will showcase your fit for the role and the company. Next, let’s explore the types of questions you might encounter during this process.

Perchwell Software Engineer Interview Questions

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at Perchwell. The interview will focus on your technical skills, particularly in Ruby on Rails, as well as your ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, problem-solving approaches, and how you can contribute to the team and the company's growth.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the MVC architecture and how it applies to Ruby on Rails?

Understanding the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture is crucial for a Ruby on Rails developer, as it is the foundation of the framework.

How to Answer

Discuss the roles of the model, view, and controller in the MVC architecture, and how they interact with each other in a Rails application.

Example

“The MVC architecture separates the application into three interconnected components. The model handles data and business logic, the view is responsible for the user interface, and the controller manages the flow of data between the model and view. In Rails, this separation allows for cleaner code and easier maintenance, as each component can be developed and tested independently.”

2. How do you optimize SQL queries in PostgreSQL?

Performance optimization is key in backend development, especially when dealing with large datasets.

How to Answer

Mention techniques such as indexing, query rewriting, and analyzing execution plans to improve query performance.

Example

“To optimize SQL queries in PostgreSQL, I focus on creating appropriate indexes for frequently queried columns, rewriting complex queries to reduce execution time, and using the EXPLAIN command to analyze execution plans. This helps identify bottlenecks and allows for targeted optimizations.”

3. Describe your experience with RESTful API design.

APIs are essential for modern web applications, and understanding REST principles is important.

How to Answer

Discuss the principles of RESTful design, including resource representation, statelessness, and the use of standard HTTP methods.

Example

“I have designed RESTful APIs by ensuring that each resource is represented by a unique URL and that the API adheres to statelessness principles. I utilize standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to perform CRUD operations, ensuring that the API is intuitive and easy to use for clients.”

4. What strategies do you use for effective code reviews?

Code reviews are vital for maintaining code quality and fostering team collaboration.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to code reviews, including constructive feedback, adherence to coding standards, and knowledge sharing.

Example

“In my code reviews, I focus on providing constructive feedback that highlights both strengths and areas for improvement. I ensure that the code adheres to our coding standards and best practices, and I encourage open discussions to share knowledge and insights among team members.”

5. Can you discuss a challenging architectural decision you made in a past project?

Architectural decisions can significantly impact the success of a project.

How to Answer

Describe the context of the decision, the options you considered, and the outcome of your choice.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced a decision on whether to use a monolithic architecture or microservices. After evaluating the scalability needs and team structure, I advocated for a microservices approach. This allowed us to develop and deploy features independently, which ultimately improved our deployment speed and system resilience.”

Collaboration and Problem-Solving

1. How do you handle conflicts within a development team?

Team dynamics are crucial for project success, and conflict resolution skills are essential.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to communication, understanding different perspectives, and finding common ground.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I prioritize open communication and active listening. I encourage team members to express their viewpoints and work together to find a solution that aligns with our project goals. By fostering a collaborative environment, we can turn conflicts into opportunities for growth and improvement.”

2. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly. How did you approach it?

Adaptability is key in a fast-paced tech environment.

How to Answer

Share your learning strategies, such as online resources, hands-on practice, or collaboration with colleagues.

Example

“When I needed to learn Elasticsearch for a project, I started by reviewing the official documentation and followed online tutorials. I also set up a small project to practice implementing search functionalities. Collaborating with a colleague who had experience with Elasticsearch further accelerated my learning process.”

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

Effective prioritization is essential for meeting deadlines and maintaining productivity.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for assessing urgency and importance, as well as any tools you use for task management.

Example

“I prioritize tasks by assessing their urgency and impact on project goals. I use tools like Trello to organize my tasks and set deadlines. Regular check-ins with my team help ensure that we’re aligned on priorities and can adjust as needed based on project developments.”

4. Can you give an example of how you contributed to a project’s success?

Highlighting your contributions can demonstrate your value to the team.

How to Answer

Share a specific example where your skills or actions positively impacted a project.

Example

“In a recent project, I took the initiative to refactor a critical component of our application that was causing performance issues. By optimizing the code and implementing caching strategies, I improved the response time by 40%, which significantly enhanced the user experience and contributed to the project’s overall success.”

5. How do you ensure that your code is maintainable and scalable?

Writing maintainable and scalable code is crucial for long-term project success.

How to Answer

Discuss your coding practices, such as modular design, documentation, and adherence to design patterns.

Example

“I ensure my code is maintainable and scalable by following best practices such as modular design, clear documentation, and adherence to design patterns. I also conduct regular code reviews and refactor code when necessary to keep it clean and efficient, which helps accommodate future growth and changes.”