Telstra Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Telstra is one of Australia's leading telecommunications and technology companies, committed to delivering innovative solutions and reliable services to enhance connectivity for individuals and businesses.

As a Software Engineer at Telstra, you will be responsible for developing, testing, and maintaining software applications that support the company's telecommunications infrastructure and services. Your role will involve collaborating with cross-functional teams to design software solutions that meet user needs while adhering to best practices in coding, testing, and deployment. Key responsibilities include writing efficient and maintainable code, debugging and resolving software issues, and participating in code reviews to ensure code quality.

To excel in this position, proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C# is essential, along with a strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and software development methodologies. Familiarity with database management systems and experience with cloud technologies will also be advantageous. Ideal candidates will exhibit strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work effectively in a team environment, and a passion for learning and adapting to new technologies.

This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what to expect during your interview process and equip you with the insights needed to demonstrate your skills and alignment with Telstra's values. By preparing with this information, you will feel confident and ready to showcase your qualifications effectively.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Telstra is structured and typically consists of multiple stages designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills.

1. Online Assessment

The first step in the interview process is an online assessment, which usually includes a combination of multiple-choice questions and coding challenges. Candidates may encounter questions related to data structures, algorithms, and programming concepts. This assessment is designed to evaluate your foundational knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Some assessments may also include cognitive tests or logic puzzles to gauge analytical thinking.

2. Technical Interview

Following the online assessment, candidates who perform well are invited to a technical interview. This round often involves a one-on-one session with a technical interviewer, where you will be asked to discuss your previous projects in detail. Expect questions that test your understanding of programming languages, frameworks, and tools relevant to the role. You may also be required to solve coding problems live, which could range from simple algorithms to more complex data structure manipulations.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next stage typically involves a behavioral interview, where the focus shifts to understanding your interpersonal skills and cultural fit within the company. Interviewers will ask situational questions that require you to reflect on past experiences, such as teamwork, conflict resolution, and adaptability. This round is crucial as it helps the interviewers assess how you align with Telstra's values and work environment.

4. Managerial Interview

In some cases, a managerial interview may follow the behavioral round. This interview often involves discussions about your career aspirations, leadership qualities, and how you handle project management and team dynamics. Expect to answer questions that explore your ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

5. Final HR Round

The final step in the interview process is typically an HR round, where you will discuss your motivations for joining Telstra, your long-term career goals, and any logistical details regarding the position. This round may also include questions about your salary expectations and availability.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked in each of these rounds.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at Telstra typically consists of multiple stages, including an online assessment, technical interviews, and HR discussions. Familiarize yourself with this structure so you can prepare accordingly. The online assessment often includes coding questions and multiple-choice questions on data structures and algorithms, so practice these areas thoroughly. Knowing what to expect will help you manage your time and stress levels during the interview.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Telstra places a strong emphasis on behavioral questions, often using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to discuss specific situations where you demonstrated teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Questions like "Why Telstra?" or "How do you build relationships with new team members?" are common, so have thoughtful responses prepared that align with Telstra's values and culture.

Showcase Your Projects

Be prepared to discuss your past projects in detail, especially those relevant to the role. Interviewers often ask about the technologies you used, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes of your projects. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your technical skills and how you apply them in real-world scenarios. Make sure to highlight any full-stack projects, as they are particularly valued.

Brush Up on Technical Skills

Expect to face questions on data structures, algorithms, and specific programming languages relevant to the role. Practice coding problems that involve arrays, strings, and SQL queries, as these are frequently mentioned in interview experiences. Additionally, be ready to explain your thought process and approach to problem-solving, as interviewers appreciate candidates who can articulate their reasoning.

Engage with the Interviewers

During the interview, aim to create a dialogue rather than just answering questions. Ask insightful questions about the team, projects, and company culture. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if Telstra is the right fit for you. Remember, interviews are a two-way street.

Stay Calm and Be Yourself

Interviews can be stressful, but try to stay calm and authentic. Many candidates have noted that interviewers at Telstra are friendly and supportive. Approach the interview as a conversation rather than an interrogation. This mindset can help you relax and present your best self.

Follow Up

After the interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and reinforce your interest in the position.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can enhance your chances of success in the interview process at Telstra. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Telstra. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. Be prepared to discuss your past projects in detail, demonstrate your coding skills, and answer behavioral questions that reflect your values and work ethic.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between a stack and a queue?

Understanding data structures is crucial for a software engineer role, and this question tests your foundational knowledge.

How to Answer

Discuss the definitions of both data structures, their use cases, and how they differ in terms of data access and manipulation.

Example

“A stack is a Last In First Out (LIFO) structure, where the last element added is the first to be removed. It’s commonly used in function calls and undo mechanisms. A queue, on the other hand, is a First In First Out (FIFO) structure, where the first element added is the first to be removed, making it ideal for scheduling tasks and managing requests.”

2. Write a function to reverse a string.

This question assesses your coding ability and understanding of string manipulation.

How to Answer

Provide a clear and efficient solution, explaining your thought process as you write the code.

Example

“I would use a simple iterative approach to reverse a string. Here’s how I would do it: I would initialize two pointers, one at the start and one at the end of the string, and swap the characters until they meet in the middle.”

3. How would you find the third highest salary in a SQL database?

This question tests your SQL skills and understanding of database queries.

How to Answer

Explain the SQL query you would use, and discuss any assumptions you are making about the data.

Example

“I would use a subquery to select distinct salaries and then order them in descending order, limiting the result to the third entry. The SQL query would look like this: SELECT DISTINCT salary FROM employees ORDER BY salary DESC LIMIT 1 OFFSET 2;”

4. Can you explain the concept of multithreading and its advantages?

This question evaluates your understanding of concurrency and parallelism in programming.

How to Answer

Discuss the definition of multithreading, its benefits, and scenarios where it is particularly useful.

Example

“Multithreading allows multiple threads to run concurrently within a single process, improving the efficiency of resource utilization. It’s particularly advantageous in applications that require high responsiveness, such as web servers, where multiple requests can be handled simultaneously.”

5. Describe a project where you implemented a complex algorithm.

This question allows you to showcase your practical experience and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Detail the project, the algorithm used, and the challenges faced during implementation.

Example

“In my last project, I implemented Dijkstra’s algorithm to find the shortest path in a graph representing a network of servers. The challenge was optimizing the algorithm for large datasets, which I addressed by using a priority queue to improve performance.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Why do you want to work at Telstra?

This question assesses your motivation and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Discuss what attracts you to Telstra, such as its culture, innovation, or projects.

Example

“I admire Telstra’s commitment to innovation and its focus on improving customer experiences through technology. I believe my skills in software development can contribute to the exciting projects at Telstra, and I’m eager to be part of a team that values collaboration and growth.”

2. Tell me about a time you faced a significant challenge at work.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.

Example

“In my previous role, we faced a tight deadline for a project due to unexpected changes in requirements. I organized a team meeting to reassess our priorities and delegated tasks based on each member’s strengths. As a result, we delivered the project on time, and it received positive feedback from the client.”

3. How do you handle feedback?

This question assesses your ability to accept and act on constructive criticism.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to receiving 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 actionable steps to improve. For instance, after receiving feedback on my coding style, I took an online course to enhance my skills and ensure my code is more readable and maintainable.”

4. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly.

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully learned a new technology under pressure.

Example

“When my team decided to adopt a new cloud platform, I took the initiative to learn it quickly. I dedicated evenings to online tutorials and hands-on practice, which allowed me to contribute to the project within a week. This experience taught me the importance of being proactive in learning.”

5. How do you prioritize your tasks when you have multiple deadlines?

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization and how you ensure timely completion of tasks.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and impact. I use a task management tool to list all my responsibilities and categorize them. For example, I focus on high-impact tasks that align with project goals first, while also setting aside time for less urgent but important tasks to avoid last-minute rushes.”