Willis Towers Watson Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Willis Towers Watson is a global leader in advisory, broking, and solutions, helping clients manage risk, optimize benefits, and cultivate talent.

As a Software Engineer at Willis Towers Watson, you will play a pivotal role in designing, coding, testing, and debugging software systems that drive the company’s innovative projects. You will collaborate closely with project managers, product owners, and principal engineers to develop applications according to detailed specifications. Your responsibilities will encompass delivering unit-tested systems that meet functionality requirements, as well as reviewing and refactoring code to enhance performance and address technical debt. Additionally, you will provide technical support for developed systems and stay updated on the latest advancements in software development and testing technologies.

In this role, a strong foundation in the Microsoft technology stack is essential, particularly with .NET/C#, SQL Server, and front-end technologies like Angular or React. You will be expected to exhibit a thorough understanding of software development methodologies, including Agile practices, and demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Effective communication is crucial, as you will need to interact with cross-functional teams and clients to understand their business needs. A commitment to quality and continuous improvement will set you apart as an ideal candidate.

This guide will help you prepare for a job interview by providing insights into the expectations for the Software Engineer role at Willis Towers Watson, allowing you to align your skills and experiences with the company's values and requirements.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Willis Towers Watson is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates can expect a multi-stage process that includes various types of interviews and assessments.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to Willis Towers Watson. The recruiter will also provide an overview of the company culture and the specific role, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a coding challenge or a take-home project that tests your proficiency in relevant programming languages and frameworks, particularly C# and .NET. The assessment is designed to evaluate your problem-solving skills, coding style, and understanding of software development principles.

3. Behavioral Interview

Once you pass the technical assessment, you will likely participate in a behavioral interview. This interview may be conducted via video call and will focus on your past experiences, teamwork, and how you handle challenges. Expect questions that require you to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to articulate your responses effectively.

4. Technical Interview

The next step is a more in-depth technical interview, where you will engage with one or more technical team members. This round will delve deeper into your technical knowledge, including algorithms, data structures, and design patterns. You may also be asked to walk through your previous projects and explain your decision-making process during development.

5. Final Interview

The final stage typically involves a panel interview with senior team members or management. This round assesses your fit within the team and the company culture. You may be asked to present a project or discuss your approach to software development, including how you stay updated with industry trends and best practices.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their communication skills, adaptability, and commitment to continuous improvement, as these qualities are highly valued at Willis Towers Watson.

As you prepare for your interviews, be ready to discuss specific experiences and projects that highlight your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities. Next, let's explore the types of questions you might encounter during the interview process.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Willis Towers Watson. The interview process will likely assess both technical skills and cultural fit, so it's essential to prepare for a mix of behavioral and technical questions. Familiarize yourself with the Microsoft technology stack, software development methodologies, and be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the SOLID principles and how you have applied them in your previous projects?

Understanding and applying SOLID principles is crucial for software design. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you implemented these principles to improve code maintainability and scalability.

How to Answer

Provide a brief overview of each principle and then dive into a specific project where you applied them. Highlight the impact on the project’s success.

Example

“In my last project, I applied the Single Responsibility Principle by breaking down a large class into smaller, more focused classes. This not only made the code easier to test but also improved collaboration among team members, as each class had a clear purpose.”

2. Describe your experience with the .NET framework and how you have utilized it in your projects.

Your familiarity with the .NET framework is essential for this role. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you used .NET technologies.

How to Answer

Mention the specific .NET technologies you have used, such as ASP.NET or Entity Framework, and describe how they contributed to the project’s success.

Example

“I have extensive experience with ASP.NET Core for building web applications. In a recent project, I utilized Entity Framework for data access, which streamlined our database interactions and reduced the time spent on CRUD operations by 30%.”

3. How do you approach debugging and performance optimization in your code?

Debugging and optimization are key skills for a software engineer. Be prepared to discuss your methods and tools.

How to Answer

Explain your systematic approach to debugging and any tools you use for performance profiling. Provide an example of a challenging bug you resolved.

Example

“I typically start debugging by reproducing the issue and using logging to gather more information. For performance optimization, I use tools like Visual Studio Profiler to identify bottlenecks. For instance, I once optimized a slow-running query by adding appropriate indexes, which improved performance by over 50%.”

4. Can you discuss your experience with Agile methodologies and how you have contributed to a Scrum team?

Agile methodologies are integral to modern software development. Be ready to share your experiences in Agile environments.

How to Answer

Discuss your role in Agile ceremonies and how you contributed to the team’s success. Mention any specific tools you used for project management.

Example

“I have been part of a Scrum team for the past three years, participating in daily stand-ups and sprint retrospectives. I used JIRA for tracking our progress and contributed to improving our sprint velocity by suggesting better estimation techniques during planning sessions.”

5. What strategies do you use to ensure code quality and maintainability?

Code quality is vital for long-term project success. Be prepared to discuss your strategies for maintaining high standards.

How to Answer

Talk about practices like code reviews, unit testing, and adherence to coding standards. Provide an example of how these practices benefited a project.

Example

“I advocate for regular code reviews within my team, which not only helps catch issues early but also fosters knowledge sharing. In a recent project, implementing unit tests alongside development reduced our bug count by 40% before release.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge in a project and how you overcame it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience. Be prepared to share a specific example.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response, focusing on your actions and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced a tight deadline due to unexpected changes in requirements. I organized a series of focused meetings to realign the team and prioritize tasks. As a result, we delivered the project on time, and the client was very satisfied with the final product.”

2. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Conflict resolution is essential for team dynamics. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing disagreements.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully resolved a conflict, emphasizing communication and collaboration.

Example

“When a disagreement arose between two team members regarding the implementation approach, I facilitated a meeting where both could present their viewpoints. By encouraging open dialogue, we reached a consensus that combined the best aspects of both proposals, leading to a more robust solution.”

3. What motivates you to work in software development?

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

How to Answer

Discuss your passion for technology, problem-solving, and how you enjoy contributing to team success.

Example

“I am motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the satisfaction of seeing my code come to life in a product that users find valuable. I thrive in collaborative environments where I can learn from others and share my knowledge.”

4. Can you give an example of a time you had to learn a new technology quickly?

This question assesses your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you had to learn a new technology under pressure and how you approached it.

Example

“When our team decided to adopt React for a new project, I dedicated my evenings to online courses and hands-on practice. Within a month, I was able to contribute effectively to the project, and my efforts helped the team meet our deadlines.”

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

Time management is crucial in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss your strategies.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use to stay organized.

Example

“I use a combination of task management tools like Trello and the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize my tasks. This helps me focus on what’s urgent and important, ensuring that I meet deadlines while maintaining quality in my work.”