Premier Inc. Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Premier Inc. is a leading healthcare improvement company that leverages data and technology to drive better patient outcomes.

As a Software Engineer at Premier Inc., you will be tasked with developing innovative software solutions that address the complex needs of the healthcare industry. Your key responsibilities will include analyzing user requirements, designing software applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and implementing coding best practices within an agile development environment. You will also be expected to mentor junior team members and provide subject matter expertise on software applications and data management.

To excel in this role, candidates should possess a strong background in cross-platform application development, familiarity with programming languages such as Java, React JS, or similar frameworks, and a solid understanding of both relational and non-relational databases. Experience with SQL and various software tools is essential, as is the ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively within diverse teams. A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, along with a minimum of three years of relevant experience, is required.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the expectations of the role and the company’s culture, thus equipping you to make a strong impression.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Premier Inc. is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several structured steps that allow candidates to showcase their abilities and align with the company's values.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with an initial phone screen, usually conducted by a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation lasts about 30-45 minutes and focuses on your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to Premier. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that candidates understand what to expect.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates are often required to complete a technical assessment. This may take the form of a take-home coding test or a live coding session, where you will be asked to solve problems relevant to the role. The assessment typically evaluates your coding skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of software development principles. For instance, you might be tasked with creating a scheduling algorithm or answering questions related to SQL and software design.

3. Technical Interview

After successfully completing the technical assessment, candidates move on to a technical interview. This round usually involves one or more technical team members and focuses on your coding skills, software development lifecycle knowledge, and experience with relevant technologies such as Java, React, and SQL. Expect to discuss your past projects, the challenges you faced, and how you approached problem-solving in those scenarios.

4. Behavioral Interview

The next step is a behavioral interview, which assesses your fit within the company culture. This interview may involve multiple team members and will focus on your interpersonal skills, teamwork, and how you handle challenges. Questions may revolve around your experiences working in teams, how you prioritize tasks, and your approach to conflict resolution.

5. Final Interview

The final step in the interview process is often a panel interview or a meeting with senior management. This round is designed to evaluate your overall fit for the team and the organization. You may be asked to present your technical assessment results or discuss your approach to specific projects. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team dynamics, company goals, and future projects.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their passion for software engineering and their commitment to improving healthcare through technology.

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

The interview process at Premier Inc. typically consists of multiple rounds, including a take-home coding test and interviews focused on both technical skills and cultural fit. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the interviews, as candidates have reported a straightforward process with a mix of technical and behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your background and experiences in detail, as interviewers often ask candidates to walk them through their resumes.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Given the emphasis on coding skills, be ready to tackle a take-home coding test. Brush up on your programming skills, particularly in languages and frameworks relevant to the role, such as Java, React, and SQL. Practice coding problems that require you to develop algorithms or solve complex issues, as candidates have mentioned tasks like creating scheduling algorithms. Make sure you can explain your thought process clearly, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.

Emphasize Cultural Fit

Premier values a collaborative and ethical work environment. During your interviews, highlight experiences that showcase your teamwork, adaptability, and commitment to ethical practices. Be prepared to discuss how you align with the company's mission to improve healthcare and how you can contribute to a positive team dynamic. Candidates have noted that cultural fit is a significant aspect of the evaluation process, so be genuine in expressing your values and how they align with Premier's.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect to encounter questions that assess your problem-solving capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you faced challenges and how you approached them. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you clearly articulate the context and your contributions. This will help interviewers understand your analytical thinking and decision-making processes.

Engage with Your Interviewers

Candidates have reported positive experiences with Premier's interviewers, who are often described as helpful and engaging. Take this opportunity to ask insightful questions about the team, projects, and company culture. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if Premier is the right fit for you. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for the position and the impact you hope to make within the organization.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the role and briefly mention a key point from your conversation that resonated with you. This not only demonstrates professionalism but also keeps you top of mind as they make their hiring decisions.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Premier Inc. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Premier Inc. The interview process will likely assess both your technical skills and your fit within the company culture. Be prepared to discuss your experience with software development, problem-solving abilities, and how you collaborate with teams.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the software development lifecycle and your experience with it?

Understanding the software development lifecycle is crucial for a Software Engineer. They want to know how you approach projects from conception to deployment.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with each phase of the lifecycle, emphasizing your experience in planning, development, testing, and maintenance.

Example

“I have worked extensively with the software development lifecycle, particularly in Agile environments. I prioritize thorough planning and requirements gathering, followed by iterative development and regular testing to ensure quality. My experience includes using tools like JIRA for tracking progress and facilitating communication among team members.”

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

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

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that highlights your analytical skills and the steps you took to resolve the issue.

Example

“While working on a project, I encountered a performance issue with a database query that was slowing down the application. I analyzed the query execution plan, identified missing indexes, and optimized the query structure. After implementing these changes, the performance improved significantly, reducing load times by over 50%.”

3. What programming languages are you most comfortable with, and why?

This question gauges your technical proficiency and preferences.

How to Answer

Mention the languages you are proficient in, along with your reasons for favoring them based on your experiences.

Example

“I am most comfortable with Java and JavaScript, as I have used them extensively in various projects. Java’s robustness and extensive libraries make it ideal for backend development, while JavaScript is essential for creating dynamic web applications. I also enjoy working with React for building user interfaces.”

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

Quality assurance is vital in software development, and this question tests your approach to maintaining high standards.

How to Answer

Discuss your practices for code reviews, testing, and using tools to maintain code quality.

Example

“I ensure code quality by adhering to best practices such as writing unit tests and conducting peer code reviews. I also utilize static code analysis tools to catch potential issues early in the development process. This approach not only improves the quality of my code but also fosters collaboration within the team.”

5. Can you explain the difference between relational and non-relational databases?

Understanding database concepts is essential for a Software Engineer, especially in a data-driven environment.

How to Answer

Provide a clear distinction between the two types of databases, along with examples of when to use each.

Example

“Relational databases, like MySQL, use structured query language (SQL) and are ideal for structured data with relationships. Non-relational databases, such as MongoDB, are more flexible and can handle unstructured data, making them suitable for applications that require scalability and rapid development. I have experience with both types and choose based on project requirements.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to work closely with a team to achieve a goal.

This question evaluates your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example that illustrates your ability to work effectively within a team.

Example

“In my last project, I collaborated with a cross-functional team to develop a new feature. We held regular meetings to discuss progress and challenges, which helped us stay aligned. By leveraging each team member’s strengths, we successfully delivered the feature ahead of schedule, receiving positive feedback from stakeholders.”

2. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?

This question assesses your ability to manage stress and prioritize tasks.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for managing time and maintaining productivity under pressure.

Example

“When faced with tight deadlines, I prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency. I break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and set milestones to track progress. This approach helps me stay focused and organized, even in high-pressure situations.”

3. Tell us about a time you received constructive criticism. How did you respond?

This question evaluates your openness to feedback and willingness to improve.

How to Answer

Share an experience where you received feedback and how you used it to grow professionally.

Example

“During a code review, a colleague pointed out that my code could be more efficient. I took their feedback seriously and spent time researching best practices. I implemented their suggestions in future projects, which not only improved my coding skills but also strengthened our collaborative efforts.”

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

Understanding your motivation helps the interviewer gauge your fit within the company culture.

How to Answer

Discuss what drives you in your work and how it aligns with the company’s values.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems and make a positive impact through technology. Knowing that my work contributes to improving healthcare outcomes at Premier Inc. inspires me to perform at my best every day.”

5. Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a significant change at work.

This question assesses your adaptability and resilience.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a change you faced and how you successfully navigated it.

Example

“When our team transitioned to a new project management tool, I initially found it challenging to adapt. However, I took the initiative to learn the new system and even organized a training session for my colleagues. This not only helped me adjust quickly but also fostered a smoother transition for the entire team.”