Rightmove · Technology

Rightmove Software Engineer Interview

Complete guide to the Software Engineer interview at Rightmove — real questions, insider tips, salary data, and stage-by-stage preparation.

Recruitment ongoing. Application-to-offer typically 4-8 weeks.

5 stages

14 questions

Practise this interview free

Overview

Interviewing for Software Engineer at Rightmove

Interviewing for a Software Engineer position at Rightmove is a distinct experience from applying to the same role elsewhere. Rightmove with 1,200+ employees, has built a structured hiring process that reflects both the demands of the Software Engineer role and the company's own values and culture. The process is designed to assess not just whether you can do the job technically, but whether you'll thrive in Rightmove's specific working environment.

For Software Engineers specifically, Rightmove tends to emphasise practical problem-solving and technical depth alongside cultural fit. You should expect a process that tests your ability to work with tools like JavaScript/TypeScript, Python or Java, Cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure) in realistic scenarios, not just abstract theory. The interviewers are typically people you'd be working with directly, so the conversation goes both ways — they're evaluating you, but you're also getting a genuine sense of the team and day-to-day work.

Understanding what Rightmove values — and how that translates into their interview expectations for a Software Engineer — gives you a significant advantage. This guide breaks down the full process, the specific questions you're likely to face, and how to prepare effectively.

Process

How Rightmove interviews Software Engineers

Rightmove's interview process for Software Engineer roles typically runs 4-8 weeks and involves 5 distinct stages. The process begins with application screening and progresses through increasingly focused assessments. Each stage is designed to evaluate different aspects of your suitability — from baseline qualifications through to cultural alignment and role-specific capability.

For Software Engineer candidates specifically, expect the technical stages to focus on your hands-on ability with JavaScript/TypeScript, Python or Java, Cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure), SQL and database design. Rightmove typically includes a practical assessment — this could be a coding challenge, a system design discussion, or a technical case study depending on the seniority level. The behavioural stages will probe your collaboration style and how you handle ambiguity, since Software Engineers at Rightmove work across teams regularly.

Application Screening

CV and application reviewed for relevant technology, data, or property experience

Tailor your application specifically for the Software Engineer role at Rightmove. Highlight experience with JavaScript/TypeScript, Python or Java, Cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure) and use language that mirrors their job description. Rightmove receives high volumes of applications, so a generic CV will be filtered out.

Telephone Interview

Initial conversation with recruiter covering background and motivation

Research Rightmove's approach to this stage. Prepare specific examples from your Software Engineer experience that demonstrate the qualities they value: technology understanding, data analysis, property knowledge.

First Interview

Interview with a professional in your target area

Second Interview

Interview with a manager or director

Offer Stage

Final offer confirmation and background checks

Format

Interview format and logistics

As a mid-size organisation, Rightmove's interview process for Software Engineer roles tends to be more personal and direct than at larger employers. Expect fewer formal stages — typically 2-3 rounds rather than 4-5 — with earlier access to the hiring manager or team lead. Interviews may be conducted via video call or in person depending on location. The format is less rigidly structured than at enterprise companies, which means you'll have more opportunity for genuine conversation, but the expectations are equally high. Come prepared to discuss your experience in depth rather than delivering polished, rehearsed answers.

Qualities

What Rightmove looks for in Software Engineers

Technology Understanding

Rightmove values technology understanding because Comfort with technology and digital platforms. Understanding of how online marketplaces operate..

For the Software Engineer role, show this by sharing examples where you used JavaScript/TypeScript or Python or Java to deliver measurable results.

Data Analysis

Rightmove values data analysis because Ability to work with large datasets and extract insights. Understanding of property market data and trends..

For the Software Engineer role, show this by sharing examples where you used JavaScript/TypeScript or Python or Java to deliver measurable results.

Property Knowledge

Rightmove values property knowledge because Understanding of the property market and how agents, buyers, and sellers use property platforms..

For the Software Engineer role, show this by sharing examples where you used JavaScript/TypeScript or Python or Java to deliver measurable results.

User Focus

Rightmove values user focus because Commitment to improving user experience. Interest in making property search easier and more transparent..

For the Software Engineer role, show this by sharing examples where you used JavaScript/TypeScript or Python or Java to deliver measurable results.

Problem-solving under pressure

For Software Engineer roles specifically, problem-solving under pressure is essential because Can you break down complex technical problems methodically? Interviewers want to see structured thinking — not just the right answer, but how you get there..

Prepare 2-3 examples from your experience that clearly demonstrate problem-solving under pressure. Rightmove's interviewers will probe this in behavioural questions.

Questions