RELX · Technology

RELX Software Engineer Interview

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

The process typically takes 6-8 weeks from application to offer.

6 stages

12 questions

Practise this interview free

Overview

Interviewing for Software Engineer at RELX

Interviewing for a Software Engineer position at RELX is a distinct experience from applying to the same role elsewhere. RELX with 33,000+ 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 RELX's specific working environment.

For Software Engineers specifically, RELX 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 RELX 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 RELX interviews Software Engineers

RELX's interview process for Software Engineer roles typically runs 6-8 weeks and involves 6 distinct stages. The process begins with application review 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. RELX 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 RELX work across teams regularly.

Application Review

Your CV and relevant experience are reviewed. Professional domain or technology background is valued.

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

Recruiter Screening

Initial conversation about background and interest in professional information.

Department Interview

Meeting with hiring manager to discuss relevant experience.

Research RELX's approach to this stage. Prepare specific examples from your Software Engineer experience that demonstrate the qualities they value: professional domain expertise, technical excellence, analytics and data focus.

Technical or Analytical Assessment

For technical roles, relevant assessment. For others, case study or project discussion.

Prepare concrete examples of your Software Engineer work. Be ready to solve problems live — talk through your reasoning, consider edge cases, and demonstrate how you'd use JavaScript/TypeScript and Python or Java.

Team Interview

Meeting with team members to assess collaboration and fit.

Final Interview

For senior roles, leadership interview.

This stage assesses your strategic thinking and cultural fit at RELX. Prepare to discuss where you see yourself in 3-5 years and how the Software Engineer role fits your career goals. Ask thoughtful questions about RELX's direction and team structure.

Qualities

What RELX looks for in Software Engineers

Professional Domain Expertise

RELX values professional domain expertise because Understanding of professional markets and customer decision-making needs..

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

Technical Excellence

RELX values technical excellence because Strong technical skills for building professional information platforms..

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

Analytics and Data Focus

RELX values analytics and data focus because Ability to work with data and analytics to drive professional insights..

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

Customer Focus

RELX values customer focus because Understanding of how to develop solutions serving professional needs..

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. RELX's interviewers will probe this in behavioural questions.

Questions

RELX Software Engineer interview questions

Tell us about your experience in professional services or information.

RELX asks this to assess your fit for the Software Engineer role and alignment with their values.

Frame your answer around your Software Engineer experience specifically. Reference RELX's values or recent projects to show you've done your research.

How do you approach understanding professional customer needs?

RELX asks this to assess your fit for the Software Engineer role and alignment with their values.

Frame your answer around your Software Engineer experience specifically. Reference RELX's values or recent projects to show you've done your research.

What excites you about RELX and professional markets?

RELX asks this to assess your fit for the Software Engineer role and alignment with their values.

Frame your answer around your Software Engineer experience specifically. Reference RELX's values or recent projects to show you've done your research.

Describe your experience with data and analytics platforms.

RELX asks this to assess your fit for the Software Engineer role and alignment with their values.

Frame your answer around your Software Engineer experience specifically. Reference RELX's values or recent projects to show you've done your research.

Video Interview Practice

Choose your interview type

Your question

“Tell me about yourself and what makes you a strong candidate for this role.”

30s preparation 2 min recording Camera + mic

Preparation

How to prepare for your RELX Software Engineer interview

Preparing for a Software Engineer interview at RELX requires a dual focus: you need to master the role-specific technical requirements and understand how RELX operates as an organisation. Start by thoroughly reviewing the job description and mapping your experience against every requirement. For each skill or qualification listed, prepare a specific example from your career that demonstrates competence — ideally with quantifiable outcomes.

On the technical side, refresh your knowledge of JavaScript/TypeScript, Python or Java, Cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure), SQL and database design. RELX will likely test these in practical scenarios, so practice working through problems out loud. Review RELX's tech stack or engineering blog if publicly available — understanding their technical choices helps you frame your answers in their context rather than speaking generically.

Research RELX beyond their website: read recent news, check their Glassdoor reviews (their rating is 3.7/5), and look at what current employees say about working there. Understanding their culture helps you frame your answers authentically and ask informed questions — interviewers notice when a candidate has done their homework versus when they're winging it.

Preparation checklist

1Review the Software Engineer job description in detail and map each requirement to a specific example from your experience
2Research RELX's recent news, strategic direction, and publishing & information position over the last 12 months
3Prepare 6-8 examples using situation-action-result structure covering: professional domain expertise, technical excellence, analytics and data focus
4Practise discussing your experience with JavaScript/TypeScript, Python or Java, Cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure), SQL and database design in concrete, outcome-focused terms
5Prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions about the Software Engineer role, team structure, and RELX's direction — avoid questions answered on their website
6Review RELX's values and culture: Professional Domain Expertise and Technical Excellence — prepare examples showing alignment
7Set up your development environment and practise technical problems in JavaScript/TypeScript and Python or Java
8Plan your interview logistics: know the format (in-person/remote), dress code, and who you're meeting — check LinkedIn for interviewer backgrounds if known

The role

Working as a Software Engineer at RELX

A typical day as a Software Engineer at RELX blends the core responsibilities of the role with RELX's specific working culture and pace. In an organisation of 33,000+ employees, you'd be part of a structured team with clear reporting lines, regular meetings, and established processes. RELX's publishing & information focus means the work carries a results-oriented rhythm where impact is measured and visible.

Your day would typically involve morning stand-up with the engineering team to review sprint progress, flag blockers, and align on priorities for the day. in most agile teams this is a 15-minute call that sets the pace for. At RELX specifically, this work is shaped by their emphasis on professional domain expertise and technical excellence, so expect collaborative working, regular check-ins, and an environment where proactive contribution is noticed and rewarded.

Compensation

Software Engineer salary at RELX

Typical range

£45,000–£70,000 (typically above market average)

Software Engineer salaries at RELX tend to sit at the upper end of the UK market. RELX offers structured pay bands with clear progression tied to performance reviews and promotions. The UK average for Software Engineers ranges from £28,000–£40,000 at junior level to £75,000–£120,000+ for experienced professionals, and RELX's positioning within that range reflects their publishing & information standing and location.

Beyond base salary, RELX offers a benefits package that includes Pension scheme, Flexible working and hybrid options, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, Healthcare package, Life assurance. For Software Engineers specifically, the tech-specific perks like conference budgets, learning stipends, and flexible working arrangements can add significant value.

Application

How to apply for Software Engineer at RELX

Getting through the door for a Software Engineer role at RELX starts well before the interview. RELX typically advertises roles on their careers page and major job boards, but for competitive positions, a direct referral from a current employee can significantly improve your chances. If you know anyone at RELX — or can connect through LinkedIn or industry events — a warm introduction carries more weight than a cold application.

Your application should speak directly to the Software Engineer requirements and RELX's stated values. Include specific technical projects, tools (JavaScript/TypeScript, Python or Java, Cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure)), and quantified outcomes. RELX's technical reviewers will scan for evidence of hands-on delivery, not just theoretical knowledge.

Write a cover letter that names RELX and the Software Engineer role explicitly — generic applications are obvious and get filtered. Reference something specific about RELX: a recent project, their market position, or a strategic direction that aligns with your experience. Keep it to one page and lead with your strongest relevant achievement.

Common mistakes to avoid

1Applying with a generic CV that doesn't mention RELX or the specific Software Engineer requirements — tailoring your application is non-negotiable here
2Not researching RELX's values and interview style — candidates who can't articulate why they want to work specifically at RELX rarely progress past first-round
3Preparing only generic Software Engineer examples without connecting them to RELX's publishing & information context and priorities
4Underestimating the technical depth required — RELX expects you to demonstrate practical ability, not just theoretical knowledge
5Failing to prepare thoughtful questions — asking nothing, or asking questions easily answered on RELX's website, signals a lack of genuine interest in the role

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How long does the RELX Software Engineer interview process take?

RELX's interview process for Software Engineer roles typically takes 6-8 weeks. This varies depending on the seniority of the role and the number of candidates at each stage. Some candidates report faster timelines when there's an urgent hiring need.

What salary can a Software Engineer expect at RELX?

Software Engineer salaries at RELX range from £28,000–£40,000 for junior positions to £75,000–£120,000+ for experienced professionals. RELX generally offers competitive packages with structured pay progression.

What does RELX look for in Software Engineer candidates?

RELX prioritises professional domain expertise, technical excellence, analytics and data focus when hiring Software Engineers. Beyond technical competence, they value candidates who align with their company culture and can demonstrate measurable impact from previous roles.

Is it hard to get a Software Engineer job at RELX?

RELX is a competitive employer for Software Engineer positions. The selection process is rigorous but fair — candidates who prepare thoroughly and demonstrate genuine interest in the role and company have a strong chance. The key differentiator is preparation: candidates who research RELX specifically and connect their experience to the role's requirements consistently outperform those who don't.

What's the best way to prepare for a Software Engineer interview at RELX?

Start by researching RELX's values, recent news, and publishing & information position. Prepare 6-8 structured examples from your Software Engineer experience covering professional domain expertise and technical excellence. Practise discussing your technical skills (JavaScript/TypeScript, Python or Java, Cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure)) with specific outcomes. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and team.

Does RELX offer graduate or entry-level Software Engineer positions?

RELX typically offers structured graduate programmes and entry-level Software Engineer pathways. Check their careers page for current openings — application windows for graduate schemes often close 6-12 months before the start date.

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