ITV Software Engineer interview questions & guide 2026

Our interview process is designed to uncover your technical depth and your ability to thrive within the ITV culture. The questions below represent common themes encountered by candidates; use these to practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.

Technical & Domain Knowledge

These questions test your proficiency with the tools and paradigms used daily at ITV. You should be prepared to discuss your technical choices and the reasoning behind them.

• How do you approach state management in complex applications?
• What are the advantages and drawbacks of different testing strategies?

Success at ITV requires more than just coding ability; it requires a structured approach to problem-solving and a genuine interest in our mission. Preparation should focus on demonstrating how your skills translate into value for our users.

Technical Proficiency – Interviewers look for deep understanding rather than surface-level knowledge. Be ready to explain the "why" behind your technical decisions, particularly regarding testing, state management, and language paradigms.

Problem-Solving Approach – We evaluate your ability to break down ambiguous problems into manageable, logical steps. Communicate your thought process clearly as you work through technical challenges, as this is often as important as the final solution.

Communication & Collaboration – As an engineer at ITV, you will be part of a team. Demonstrate your ability to articulate complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders and show how you contribute to a positive, inclusive team dynamic.

The ITV interview process is designed to be thorough yet respectful of your time. We focus on assessing both your technical capabilities and your potential to grow within our engineering organization. The journey typically begins with an initial conversation to align on expectations, followed by a practical assessment of your skills, and concludes with an in-depth discussion with the team you would be joining.

We prioritize a balanced evaluation that includes both hands-on technical work and discussions about your past projects and professional values. You can expect a rigorous process that looks for consistent quality and a collaborative mindset, reflecting the high standards we maintain for our products.

This timeline outlines the typical progression from an initial screening to the final technical and behavioral assessment. Candidates should use this structure to pace their preparation, ensuring they are comfortable with both the take-home challenge and the live discussion components.

Technical Assessment & Code Review

We evaluate your ability to write clean, maintainable, and testable code. You will likely be asked to review existing code and implement tests, which reveals your attention to detail and your grasp of software craftsmanship.

Be ready to go over:

• Code Quality – Identifying smells and suggesting improvements.
• Testing Methodology – Writing tests that provide genuine value and coverage.

As a Software Engineer at ITV, you are expected to take ownership of features from conception to deployment. You will be responsible for writing high-quality, scalable code that powers our digital services. This involves working closely with your immediate team to translate product requirements into technical specifications and ensuring that the software remains performant and bug-free.

Collaboration is a daily requirement. You will engage in regular code reviews, participate in agile ceremonies, and contribute to architectural discussions. You are expected to be a proactive team member who shares knowledge, mentors others, and contributes to the overall improvement of our engineering practices.

A successful candidate for this position will demonstrate a strong foundation in modern web development and a passion for building user-centric technology.

• Must-have skills: Proficiency in modern JavaScript/TypeScript and frameworks like React, a strong grasp of testing frameworks, and experience with state management libraries.
• Nice-to-have skills: Experience with functional programming techniques, exposure to cloud-native architectures, and familiarity with CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience level: We value candidates who can demonstrate a history of delivering functional software in a collaborative environment, regardless of specific years of experience.

Q: How long should I spend preparing for the take-home challenge? A: The take-home task is designed to be completed in approximately 2 hours. Focus on code quality, test coverage, and clear documentation rather than rushing to add unnecessary features.

Q: What is the culture like at ITV? A: ITV prides itself on a collaborative, supportive, and creative environment. We value engineers who are curious, communicative, and invested in the success of our products.

Q: Will I be asked to do live coding? A: While the process heavily features a take-home challenge, you should be prepared to discuss your code in detail and potentially participate in pair programming or technical deep-dives during the final stage.

Q: How long does the entire process usually take? A: The timeline can vary depending on team availability, but we aim to move candidates through the stages efficiently. Expect the process to unfold over a few weeks.

• Prioritize Clarity: When explaining your technical decisions, be concise and focus on the trade-offs you considered.
• Be Honest About Knowledge Gaps: If you are unsure about a specific concept, it is better to explain how you would research it rather than guessing.
• Understand the Product: Familiarize yourself with ITV digital platforms before your interview to show you understand our user base.
• Engage with the Team: Treat the interview as a two-way conversation; ask thoughtful questions about the team’s current challenges and technical roadmap.

Joining ITV as a Software Engineer offers the unique opportunity to blend high-scale engineering with the creative energy of a major media institution. By focusing on your core technical fundamentals, maintaining a clear and collaborative communication style, and demonstrating a genuine interest in our products, you will be well-positioned to succeed.

Preparation is the most significant factor in your success. Candidates can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford. We encourage you to take the time to review your past projects, refine your technical explanations, and approach each stage of the process with confidence.

The salary data provided reflects typical compensation ranges for this role, though actual offers depend on seniority, location, and specific team requirements. Use these figures as a benchmark to ensure your expectations align with market standards for Software Engineer positions in the industry.