The Software Engineer (SMTS) interview at athenahealth is a comprehensive process designed to assess a candidate's technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. It typically involves multiple rounds, including technical assessments, behavioral interviews, and a system design discussion, culminating in a hiring manager conversation.
Rounds·4
Timeline·~14d
Experience·5 - 10 yrs
Comp band·US$140000 - US$180000
Interview time·195 min
Evaluation
Preparation
Tips
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 04 phases
01 / 04Phase 01 of 04
Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms (LeetCode Medium)
Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming, recursion). Practice implementing these in your preferred language and analyze their time and space complexity. Aim for at least 2-3 LeetCode medium problems per day.
Phase 02 of 04
Weeks 3-4: System Design Fundamentals
Weeks 3-4: Dive into system design. Study concepts like scalability, availability, reliability, databases (SQL vs. NoSQL), caching, load balancing, and microservices. Review common system design interview questions and practice designing systems like Twitter feed, URL shortener, etc.
Phase 03 of 04
Week 5: Behavioral Questions & Company Research
Week 5: Prepare for behavioral questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Reflect on your past projects and identify examples that showcase leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and handling failure. Also, research athenahealth's culture and values.
Phase 04 of 04
Week 6: Mock Interviews
Week 6: Mock interviews. Conduct mock interviews with peers or mentors, focusing on both technical and behavioral aspects. Get feedback on your communication, problem-solving approach, and overall presentation.
Questions
Locations
Fig · Regions — 02 locations
01 / 02Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Rounds
Expand a step for evaluation criteria, sample questions, and prep notes.
Data Structures And Algorithms Interview · 60 min · Software Engineer / Senior Software Engineer
This round is a technical screening focused on data structures and algorithms. You will be asked to solve one or two coding problems, typically on a shared online editor. The interviewer will assess your ability to understand the problem, devise an efficient solution, write clean and correct code, and explain your reasoning. Expect questions that test your knowledge of arrays, strings, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps, sorting, and searching.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Given an array of integers, return indices of the two numbers such that they add up to a specific target.
Reverse a linked list.
Implement a function to check if a binary tree is a valid Binary Search Tree.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
System Design Interview · 60 min · Senior Software Engineer / Engineering Manager
This round assesses your ability to design scalable and reliable software systems. You'll be given an open-ended problem (e.g., design Twitter, design a URL shortener) and expected to discuss various aspects of the system, including requirements gathering, high-level design, data modeling, API design, component design, and scaling strategies. You should be prepared to discuss trade-offs and justify your design decisions.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Design a URL shortening service like bit.ly.
Design a news feed system for a social media platform.
How would you design a system to handle real-time notifications?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Behavioral Interview · 45 min · Hiring Manager / Senior Team Member
This round focuses on your past experiences and how they align with the company's values and the requirements of the role. You will be asked behavioral questions that probe your skills in areas like teamwork, leadership, conflict resolution, handling failure, and adaptability. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide specific and impactful examples from your career.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult colleague.
Describe a project you are particularly proud of and your role in it.
How do you handle constructive criticism?
Tell me about a time you failed. What did you learn from it?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Hiring Manager / Final Round · 30 min · Hiring Manager
This is typically the final round where the hiring manager assesses your overall fit for the team and the company. They will discuss your career aspirations, motivations for joining athenahealth, and answer any remaining questions you may have. This is also an opportunity for you to gauge if the role and team are the right fit for you.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
What are your long-term career goals?
Why are you interested in athenahealth?
What are your salary expectations?
Do you have any questions for me?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
DSA
Frequently reported on athenahealth loops
Other guides
