Public Storage Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Public Storage has established itself as the largest owner and operator of self-storage facilities globally, with a commitment to innovation and excellence in customer service.

As a Software Engineer at Public Storage, you will play a vital role in designing, developing, and delivering technology-based solutions, particularly for internal and consumer-facing web applications. This position necessitates strong expertise in both client-side and server-side development, predominantly utilizing C# and .NET frameworks. You will be expected to participate in the entire software development lifecycle, addressing complex technical challenges and contributing to brainstorming sessions with cross-functional teams. A critical part of your responsibilities will involve maintaining effective working relationships with various stakeholders, including enterprise architects, resource managers, and third-party vendors.

To excel in this role, candidates should possess at least four years of software engineering experience, showcasing proficiency in .NET technologies, web application profiling, and a strong understanding of front-end frameworks such as Angular or React. Public Storage values collaboration and a Lean-Agile working environment, so being a team player who can meet deadlines while effectively communicating challenges and solutions will be essential. Familiarity with modern development practices, including SOLID principles and Dependency Injection, will further enhance your candidacy.

This guide will equip you with the necessary insights and preparation strategies to navigate your interview successfully, aligning your skills and experiences with the expectations of the role at Public Storage.

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

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step in the interview process is a phone screen with a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, work experience, and motivation for applying to Public Storage. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the Software Engineer role, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates typically undergo a technical assessment. This may be conducted via a coding platform or through a live coding session. During this assessment, you will be asked to solve problems related to algorithms and data structures, as well as demonstrate your proficiency in C# and .NET technologies. Expect to tackle questions that require you to showcase your understanding of both client-side and server-side development, as well as your ability to profile applications effectively.

3. Behavioral Interview

After successfully completing the technical assessment, candidates will participate in a behavioral interview. This round is often conducted by a hiring manager or a senior team member. The focus here is on your past experiences, teamwork, and how you handle challenges in a collaborative environment. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you demonstrated problem-solving skills, your approach to working in a Lean-Agile environment, and how you have influenced others positively in previous roles.

4. Onsite Interview

The final stage of the interview process is typically an onsite interview, which may also be conducted virtually. This round consists of multiple interviews with various team members, including developers, architects, and possibly stakeholders from other departments. Each interview will last approximately 45 minutes and will cover a mix of technical and behavioral questions. You may be asked to present a project you have worked on, discuss your approach to developing integrated solutions, and demonstrate your knowledge of front-end frameworks and technologies.

Throughout the process, Public Storage emphasizes the importance of cultural fit, so be sure to convey your alignment with their values and work culture.

Now that you have an overview of the interview process, let's delve into the specific questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews.

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

Emphasize Your Technical Expertise

Given the role's focus on .NET web development, ensure you can confidently discuss your experience with C#, ASP.NET, and .NET Core. Be prepared to showcase your understanding of both client-side and server-side development, as well as your ability to profile applications effectively. Highlight specific projects where you utilized these technologies, and be ready to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Showcase Problem-Solving Skills

The role requires a strong ability to solve complex technical problems. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you acted as the go-to person for UI-related issues or where you developed integrated solutions to resolve technical challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you clearly articulate the impact of your solutions.

Collaborate and Communicate Effectively

Public Storage values teamwork and collaboration. Be ready to discuss your experience working in cross-functional teams and how you’ve successfully established working relationships with various stakeholders. Highlight your ability to diplomatically present challenging positions and influence others positively, as this will resonate well with the company’s culture.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your fit within the company culture. Given the feedback from previous candidates, approach these questions with a focus on your adaptability, teamwork, and how you handle feedback. Reflect on past experiences where you demonstrated these qualities, and be prepared to share them in a concise manner.

Understand the Company Culture

Public Storage has been recognized for its work culture and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Familiarize yourself with the company’s values and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. This will not only show your interest in the company but also your potential to contribute positively to their work environment.

Practice Coding and Technical Challenges

Since the role involves complex application development, practice coding challenges that focus on algorithms and data structures. Be ready to demonstrate your coding skills in real-time, as technical assessments are likely part of the interview process. Use platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills and familiarize yourself with common coding problems.

Be Ready for a Mix of In-Person and Remote Work

With the company’s policy of in-office work complemented by flexible remote days, be prepared to discuss your preferences and experiences with both work environments. Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively in person while also being productive in a remote setting.

By focusing on these areas, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who not only possesses the technical skills required for the role but also aligns with the values and culture of Public Storage. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at Public Storage. The interview will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with web development technologies. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to coding challenges, and how you work within a team.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between ASP.NET and .NET Core?

Understanding the distinctions between these frameworks is crucial for a role that requires .NET web development.

How to Answer

Discuss the key differences in terms of performance, platform compatibility, and features. Highlight your experience with both frameworks if applicable.

Example

“ASP.NET is a mature framework primarily for Windows, while .NET Core is cross-platform and designed for modern cloud-based applications. I have worked extensively with both, leveraging ASP.NET for legacy systems and .NET Core for new projects to take advantage of its performance and flexibility.”

2. Describe your experience with front-end frameworks like React or Angular.

This question assesses your familiarity with modern JavaScript frameworks.

How to Answer

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

Example

“I developed a single-page application using React for a client project, which improved load times by 30%. I implemented state management with Redux, which streamlined data flow and made the application more maintainable.”

3. 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 capabilities.

How to Answer

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

Example

“I start by replicating the issue and reviewing logs to pinpoint where things go wrong. I then use debugging tools to step through the code, isolating the problem. For instance, in a recent project, I identified a memory leak using profiling tools, which led to significant performance improvements.”

4. What is your experience with RESTful APIs?

APIs are essential for modern web applications, and understanding how to work with them is vital.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience designing, implementing, or consuming RESTful APIs, including any challenges you faced.

Example

“I have designed RESTful APIs for several applications, ensuring they follow best practices for resource naming and status codes. In one project, I implemented OAuth for secure access, which enhanced the security of our user data.”

5. Can you explain the SOLID principles?

Knowledge of design principles is important for writing maintainable and scalable code.

How to Answer

Briefly describe each principle and provide examples of how you’ve applied them in your work.

Example

“The SOLID principles guide object-oriented design. For instance, I applied the Single Responsibility Principle in a recent project by separating concerns into different classes, which made the codebase easier to manage and test.”

Problem-Solving and Collaboration

1. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that highlights your analytical skills and ability to work under pressure.

Example

“In a previous role, we faced a critical performance issue with our application. I led a team to analyze the bottlenecks, and we discovered inefficient database queries. By optimizing these queries and implementing caching, we reduced response times by over 50%.”

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

Time management is key in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for prioritizing tasks, such as using project management tools or agile methodologies.

Example

“I use a combination of agile methodologies and project management tools like Jira to prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I also hold regular check-ins with my team to ensure alignment on priorities.”

3. Can you give an example of how you’ve worked effectively in a team?

Collaboration is essential in software development, and this question assesses your interpersonal skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where teamwork led to a successful outcome.

Example

“During a recent project, I collaborated with designers and product managers to create a user-friendly interface. By facilitating open communication and brainstorming sessions, we were able to launch the product ahead of schedule, receiving positive feedback from users.”

4. How do you handle feedback and criticism?

Your ability to accept and act on feedback is crucial for personal and professional growth.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and provide an example of how you’ve used it to improve.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. For instance, after receiving constructive criticism on my code reviews, I took the initiative to learn more about best practices, which significantly improved my coding standards in subsequent projects.”

5. Describe a time when you had to influence a team decision.

This question assesses your leadership and persuasion skills.

How to Answer

Provide an example where you successfully influenced a decision through data or collaboration.

Example

“In a project meeting, I presented data showing the benefits of adopting a new technology stack. By demonstrating the long-term cost savings and performance improvements, I was able to persuade the team to make the switch, which ultimately enhanced our product’s scalability.”