ING Software Engineer interview questions & guide 2026

Interviewers at ING seek to understand both your technical depth and your ability to function effectively within a collaborative, team-oriented culture. While the specific questions depend on your team and seniority, the following categories represent the core areas of assessment.

Java and Backend Development

These questions test your mastery of the core language, framework proficiency, and understanding of how to build enterprise-grade backend systems.

• Explain the difference between JPA and Hibernate and when to use each.
• How do you manage memory and performance in a high-traffic Spring Boot application?

Preparation for ING should be structured around demonstrating both technical rigor and the ability to work within a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Approach your preparation as if you are solving a real-world business problem rather than just passing a test.

Role-related knowledge – You must demonstrate a solid grasp of your primary tech stack. Interviewers expect you to move beyond definitions and explain the "why" behind your technical choices.

Problem-solving ability – You will be evaluated on how you break down complex, abstract problems. Focus on communicating your thought process clearly, even when you don't have an immediate answer.

Culture fit and collaboration – ING values team players who can communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders. Show that you prioritize team success over individual achievement.

The interview journey at ING is generally designed to be professional, though experiences vary by region and team. You can expect an initial screening to gauge your background and motivation, followed by technical deep dives. These technical rounds often involve a mix of conceptual questions, live coding, or a take-home assignment followed by a review.

This timeline outlines the typical progression from HR screening to final stakeholder interviews. Use this structure to manage your preparation, ensuring you have enough time to review both your technical fundamentals and your behavioral stories before each stage.

Technical Proficiency

Technical depth is the baseline expectation. You must be comfortable discussing the internals of your preferred language and frameworks.

Be ready to go over:

• Core Java: Concurrency, collections, and garbage collection.
• Spring Ecosystem: Dependency injection, AOP, and security.

As a Software Engineer, your day-to-day work centers on the full development lifecycle. You will participate in sprint planning, write clean and testable code, and conduct rigorous code reviews to maintain high standards. Collaboration is constant; you will frequently engage with product owners to clarify requirements and with DevOps teams to ensure seamless deployment and monitoring of your services.

You are expected to take ownership of your tasks from conception through to production. This includes writing unit and integration tests, participating in on-call rotations for your services, and proactively identifying technical debt that could impact the bank's long-term velocity.

A competitive candidate at ING brings a blend of technical expertise and a professional mindset. While specific requirements fluctuate, the following are generally expected:

• Must-have skills: Proficient in Java and Spring Boot, strong understanding of Relational Databases (SQL), and experience with Git and CI/CD pipelines.
• Nice-to-have skills: Familiarity with Kafka, Azure or AWS cloud services, and experience in an Agile/Scrum environment.
• Experience: A track record of delivering production-ready code and a clear understanding of software design patterns.

Q: How long does the interview process typically take? The process can vary, but generally spans 3 to 6 weeks from the initial screen to the final decision.

Q: Are there coding challenges? Yes, many teams utilize either live coding sessions or take-home assignments to assess your practical implementation skills.

Q: What is the most common reason candidates fail the technical round? Often, it is not a lack of knowledge, but an inability to explain the "why" behind their decisions or a failure to communicate during the problem-solving process.

Q: Is the interview conducted in English? In most international hubs and for global roles, the primary language of the interview is English, regardless of the local language.

• Prioritize clarity: When answering behavioral questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your stories focused and impactful.
• Ask questions: At the end of every interview, have 2–3 thoughtful questions prepared about the team's challenges or technical roadmap; it shows genuine interest.
• Be honest about gaps: If you don't know an answer, explain how you would go about finding it rather than guessing.
• Prepare your environment: Since virtual interviews are standard, ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet space to minimize distractions.

Embarking on an interview process for a Software Engineer role at ING is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a major player in the global financial sector. By focusing on your core technical strengths, preparing for system design discussions, and clearly articulating your collaborative approach, you will be well-positioned to succeed.

Remember that each interview is a two-way street; use these interactions to determine if the team’s culture and technical challenges align with your career goals. With thorough preparation and a professional attitude, you can approach these conversations with confidence. Explore more insights on Dataford to continue refining your strategy, and good luck with your application.

The provided salary data offers a benchmark based on seniority and location. Use this information to understand the total compensation structure, which may include base salary, performance bonuses, and other benefits typical for engineering roles at this level.