Tombras Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Tombras is a forward-thinking, full-service national advertising agency with a digital mindset, dedicated to creating exceptional client results through innovation in technology and design.

In the role of Software Engineer at Tombras, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining high-quality websites and digital projects while collaborating with development, UX, and creative teams to deliver scalable solutions. Key responsibilities include engaging with technical directors to define project specifications, leveraging your expertise in Drupal and React JS to create responsive designs, and ensuring adherence to coding standards for cross-browser compatibility. You will need to have a strong understanding of front-end technologies including HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, alongside back-end development skills in PHP. A successful candidate will embody Tombras' values of collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving, actively contributing to a culture that prioritizes exceptional user experiences and innovation.

This guide will help you prepare for a job interview by providing insights into the expectations of the role and the company culture at Tombras, enabling you to present yourself as a compelling fit for the team.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Tombras is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the team. It typically consists of several rounds, each designed to evaluate different aspects of your qualifications and compatibility with the company.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with an initial phone screen conducted by a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Tombras. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve coding challenges or problem-solving exercises that test your proficiency in relevant programming languages and frameworks, particularly in areas such as Drupal, React, and general software engineering principles. The assessment is designed to gauge your technical capabilities and your approach to solving complex problems.

3. Team Interviews

Candidates who pass the technical assessment will move on to interviews with team members. These interviews typically involve two to three team members and focus on your past experiences, technical skills, and how you would approach specific projects. Expect questions that delve into your understanding of front-end technologies, your experience with APIs, and your ability to work collaboratively within a team. This stage is crucial for assessing how well you align with the team's dynamics and the company's values.

4. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process often includes a meeting with higher-level management or even the CEO. This interview may focus less on technical skills and more on your overall fit within the company culture and your long-term career aspirations. Be prepared to discuss your previous work environments, how you handle challenges, and what you can bring to the Tombras team. This round is an opportunity for both you and the company to ensure that there is a mutual fit.

5. Offer and Negotiation

If you successfully navigate the interview rounds, you may receive a verbal offer. However, be aware that the formal offer process can sometimes take longer than expected, as indicated by previous candidates' experiences. During this stage, you will have the opportunity to discuss salary, benefits, and any other terms of employment.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that focus on your technical expertise and your ability to contribute to the team.

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

Understand the Company Culture

Tombras prides itself on being a family-oriented agency that values collaboration and creativity. Familiarize yourself with their recent accolades, such as being named Ad Age's 2024 Independent Agency of the Year. This knowledge will not only help you align your answers with their values but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values and work style can contribute to their culture of teamwork and innovation.

Prepare for a Multi-Round Process

The interview process at Tombras can be extensive, often involving multiple rounds. Be ready to engage with various team members, including HR, technical leads, and possibly even the CEO. Each round may focus on different aspects of your experience and skills, so tailor your preparation accordingly. Practice articulating your past projects and how they relate to the role you’re applying for, as well as your approach to problem-solving and collaboration.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a Software Engineer, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency in relevant technologies, particularly Drupal and React JS. Be prepared to discuss your experience with building and maintaining Drupal sites, as well as your understanding of front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Consider preparing a portfolio of your work or examples of projects that highlight your technical capabilities and problem-solving skills.

Be Ready for On-the-Spot Questions

Candidates have reported facing challenging on-the-spot questions during interviews. Practice thinking on your feet by simulating interview scenarios with a friend or mentor. Focus on articulating your thought process clearly and confidently, especially when discussing technical challenges or project decisions. This will help you convey your analytical skills and adaptability, which are crucial for a fast-paced environment like Tombras.

Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, and asking thoughtful questions can set you apart. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of projects you would be working on, and how success is measured within the role. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals and work preferences.

Follow Up Professionally

Given the reports of delayed communication during the interview process, it’s essential to follow up after your interviews. A polite email thanking your interviewers for their time and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a positive impression. If you don’t hear back within the timeframe discussed, don’t hesitate to reach out for an update. This demonstrates your proactive nature and genuine interest in the position.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence and curiosity, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Tombras. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Tombras. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how well you can collaborate with cross-functional teams. Be prepared to discuss your experience with web development, particularly with Drupal and React, as well as your approach to coding standards and project specifications.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between Drupal 9 and Drupal 10?

Understanding the evolution of Drupal is crucial for this role, as it demonstrates your knowledge of the platform's capabilities and improvements.

How to Answer

Discuss the key features and enhancements introduced in Drupal 10 compared to Drupal 9, such as the new CKEditor, improved admin UI, and any deprecated modules.

Example

“Drupal 10 introduces a more modern admin interface and replaces CKEditor 4 with CKEditor 5, which enhances content editing capabilities. Additionally, it has improved accessibility features and better support for modern PHP versions, making it more efficient and user-friendly.”

2. Describe your experience with building custom modules in Drupal.

This question assesses your hands-on experience and understanding of Drupal's architecture.

How to Answer

Provide specific examples of custom modules you’ve developed, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.

Example

“I developed a custom module for a client that integrated a third-party API to pull in real-time data. I utilized Drupal's hook system to ensure seamless integration and created a user-friendly interface for content editors to manage the data displayed on the site.”

3. How do you ensure cross-browser compatibility in your web projects?

This question evaluates your attention to detail and understanding of web standards.

How to Answer

Discuss the tools and techniques you use to test and ensure compatibility across different browsers.

Example

“I use tools like BrowserStack for testing across various browsers and devices. Additionally, I follow best practices in CSS and JavaScript to ensure that my code adheres to web standards, and I often use feature detection libraries like Modernizr to handle discrepancies.”

4. What is your approach to debugging a complex issue in a web application?

This question gauges your problem-solving skills and technical acumen.

How to Answer

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

Example

“When debugging, I start by replicating the issue and checking the console for errors. I then use debugging tools like Chrome Inspector to trace the problem. If necessary, I isolate components to identify where the failure occurs, ensuring I understand the root cause before implementing a fix.”

5. Can you explain how you would implement a responsive design for a web application?

This question tests your understanding of modern web design principles.

How to Answer

Discuss the frameworks and techniques you use to create responsive designs.

Example

“I utilize CSS Flexbox and Grid for layout, ensuring that elements adapt to different screen sizes. I also implement media queries to adjust styles based on device characteristics, and I test the design on various devices to ensure a seamless user experience.”

Collaboration and Teamwork

1. How do you handle feedback from team members during a project?

This question assesses your ability to work collaboratively and accept constructive criticism.

How to Answer

Emphasize your openness to feedback and how you incorporate it into your work.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. I actively seek input from my team and take their suggestions seriously. For instance, during a recent project, a colleague suggested a different approach to a feature, which ultimately improved the user experience significantly.”

2. Describe a time when you had to work with a cross-functional team. What challenges did you face?

This question evaluates your experience in collaborative environments.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, focusing on the challenges and how you navigated them.

Example

“I worked on a project where I collaborated with UX designers and project managers. One challenge was aligning our timelines, but I facilitated regular check-ins to ensure everyone was on the same page, which helped us meet our deadlines without compromising quality.”

3. What do you think is the most important aspect of communication in a team setting?

This question gauges your understanding of effective communication.

How to Answer

Discuss the importance of clarity, transparency, and active listening.

Example

“I believe clarity is crucial in communication. It’s important to articulate ideas and expectations clearly to avoid misunderstandings. I also prioritize active listening to ensure that everyone’s input is valued and considered in the decision-making process.”

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

This question assesses your time management skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization and any tools you use to manage your workload.

Example

“I use project management tools like Trello to organize tasks by priority and deadlines. I assess the impact of each task on the overall project goals and communicate with my team to ensure alignment on priorities.”

5. What do you enjoy most about working in a team environment?

This question allows you to express your enthusiasm for collaboration.

How to Answer

Share what aspects of teamwork you find rewarding and how they contribute to your success.

Example

“I enjoy the diverse perspectives that come from working in a team. Collaborating with others often leads to innovative solutions that I might not have considered on my own, and I find it rewarding to contribute to a shared goal.”