# Software Engineer **Role:** Software Engineer · **Level:** L3 **Company:** [Asana](https://scaleengineer.com/companies/asana) **Difficulty:** Medium **Salary:** US$100000 - US$130000 **Experience:** 1 - 3 **Timeline:** ~7 days Asana's Software Engineer L3 interview process is designed to assess a candidate's technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. The process typically involves multiple rounds, including technical interviews focusing on data structures, algorithms, and system design, as well as behavioral interviews to understand collaboration and communication skills. Canonical: https://scaleengineer.com/interviews/asana/l3-software-engineer --- ## Overall evaluation - Technical Skills - Communication - Behavioral and Cultural Fit ## Questions asked - Given an array of integers, find the contiguous subarray with the largest sum. - Design a system to count the number of unique visitors to a website. - Explain the concept of recursion and provide an example. - How would you optimize a slow database query? - Tell me about a time you had to deal with ambiguity in a project. - What are your strengths and weaknesses? - Describe a situation where you had to influence a decision. - How do you stay updated with new technologies? ## Preparation tips ### lists - Review fundamental data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming, graph traversal). - Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Coderbyte, focusing on medium-difficulty problems. - Understand common system design concepts such as scalability, availability, reliability, and trade-offs. - Prepare to discuss your past projects in detail, focusing on your contributions, challenges, and learnings. - Research Asana's products, mission, and values to understand how your skills and experience align. - Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). - Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company culture. ### studyPlan - {"title":"Data Structures and Algorithms Fundamentals","longDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, hash tables) and their common operations. Practice implementing them and analyzing their time and space complexity. Cover basic algorithms like sorting (quicksort, mergesort) and searching (binary search).","shortDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Basic Algorithms. Implement and analyze common DS. Practice sorting and searching."} - {"title":"Advanced Algorithms and Object-Oriented Design","longDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Dive into more advanced algorithms such as dynamic programming, graph algorithms (BFS, DFS, Dijkstra's), and string manipulation. Work on medium-level problems that combine multiple concepts. Start exploring object-oriented design principles.","shortDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Advanced Algorithms & OOD. Focus on DP, graphs, strings. Practice medium problems. Introduce OOD."} - {"title":"System Design","longDescription":"Weeks 5-6: Concentrate on system design. Learn about concepts like load balancing, caching, databases (SQL vs. NoSQL), message queues, and API design. Practice designing common systems like URL shorteners, social media feeds, or chat applications.","shortDescription":"Weeks 5-6: System Design. Learn scalability, caching, databases, queues. Practice designing common systems."} - {"title":"Behavioral Preparation and Questions","longDescription":"Week 7: Focus on behavioral preparation. Review your resume and identify key projects and experiences. Prepare stories using the STAR method for common behavioral questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and handling failure. Also, prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers.","shortDescription":"Week 7: Behavioral Prep & Questions. Use STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare questions for interviewers."} ## Location differences - {"location":"San Francisco","differences":{"tips":["For San Francisco: Emphasize experience with scalable systems and cloud technologies (AWS, GCP).","For New York: Highlight experience with fast-paced environments and agile methodologies.","For international offices: Be prepared to discuss cultural nuances and global collaboration."],"interviewFocus":["System Design (especially for distributed systems)","Problem-solving and algorithmic thinking","Communication and collaboration skills"],"commonQuestions":["How would you design a URL shortener?","Explain the difference between a process and a thread.","Describe a challenging technical problem you solved.","Tell me about a time you disagreed with a teammate."]}} - {"location":"New York","differences":{"tips":["For San Francisco: Focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of core computer science principles.","For New York: Showcase your ability to adapt to changing requirements and deliver results quickly.","For international offices: Be ready to discuss your experience working in diverse teams and understanding different market needs."],"interviewFocus":["Data Structures and Algorithms","Object-Oriented Design","Behavioral aspects related to teamwork and adaptability"],"commonQuestions":["How would you design a news feed?","What are the trade-offs between SQL and NoSQL databases?","Describe a project you are proud of.","How do you handle constructive criticism?"]}} ## Round 1: Data Structures and Algorithms **Type:** Technical Interview (Coding) · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min Solve coding problems using data structures and algorithms. Focus on approach, efficiency, and code quality. This round focuses on your ability to solve coding problems using data structures and algorithms. You will be asked to write code on a whiteboard or a shared editor to solve a specific problem. The interviewer will assess your problem-solving approach, your understanding of data structures and algorithms, and your coding style. **Interviewers look for:** A systematic approach to problem-solving.; Ability to break down complex problems.; Proficiency in writing clean, efficient code.; Understanding of time and space complexity. **Evaluation criteria:** Correctness of the solution; Efficiency of the solution (time and space complexity); Code clarity and readability; Problem-solving approach **Common rejection reasons:** Inability to articulate thought process clearly.; Lack of understanding of fundamental data structures and algorithms.; Poor coding practices or syntax errors.; Inability to solve the given problem within the time limit. ## Questions - Given a binary tree, invert the tree. - Find the kth smallest element in a sorted matrix. ## Preparation tips - Practice coding on a whiteboard or in a plain text editor. - Think out loud and explain your thought process. - Consider edge cases and test your solution. - Be prepared to discuss time and space complexity. ## Round 2: System Design **Type:** System Design Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 60 min Design a scalable software system. Focus on architecture, components, trade-offs, and scalability. This round assesses your ability to design scalable and reliable software systems. You will be given a high-level problem (e.g., design a URL shortener, design a social media feed) and asked to propose a system architecture. The focus is on your understanding of distributed systems, databases, caching, and trade-offs. **Interviewers look for:** A structured approach to system design.; Knowledge of distributed systems concepts.; Ability to make informed design decisions.; Consideration of various system components (databases, caching, APIs, etc.). **Evaluation criteria:** Scalability of the design; Reliability and availability; Clarity and completeness of the design; Understanding of trade-offs; Ability to handle constraints **Common rejection reasons:** Inability to design a scalable and robust system.; Lack of understanding of trade-offs in system design.; Not considering failure scenarios or edge cases.; Poor communication of design choices. ## Questions - Design a Twitter feed. - Design a rate limiter. ## Preparation tips - Study common system design patterns and architectures. - Understand concepts like load balancing, caching strategies, database sharding, and message queues. - Practice designing various systems and articulating your choices. - Be prepared to discuss trade-offs and justify your decisions. ## Round 3: Behavioral and Cultural Fit **Type:** Behavioral Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min Assess behavioral competencies and cultural fit. Use STAR method for past experiences. This round focuses on your behavioral and cultural fit. You will be asked questions about your past experiences, how you handle different situations, and your motivations. The goal is to understand how you work with others, how you approach problems, and whether you align with Asana's values. **Interviewers look for:** Evidence of collaboration and teamwork.; Ability to handle challenges and learn from mistakes.; Alignment with Asana's mission and values.; Strong communication and self-awareness. **Evaluation criteria:** Teamwork and collaboration skills; Problem-solving approach in past experiences; Adaptability and learning agility; Alignment with Asana's culture and values; Communication and interpersonal skills **Common rejection reasons:** Lack of alignment with company values.; Poor communication or interpersonal skills.; Inability to provide specific examples for behavioral questions.; Negative attitude or lack of enthusiasm. ## Questions - Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned from it. - Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult colleague. ## Preparation tips - Prepare examples using the STAR method for common behavioral questions. - Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and career goals. - Understand Asana's mission, values, and culture. - Be genuine and enthusiastic in your responses.