# Software Engineer
**Role:** Software Engineer · **Level:** Graduate
**Company:** [Canonical](https://scaleengineer.com/companies/canonical)
**Difficulty:** Medium
**Salary:** US$60000 - US$75000
**Experience:** 0 - 2
**Timeline:** ~14 days
This interview process is designed to assess the fundamental skills and potential of graduate candidates for a Software Engineer role at Canonical. It focuses on core computer science principles, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company.
Canonical: https://scaleengineer.com/interviews/canonical/graduate-software-engineer
---
## Overall evaluation

- Technical Skills
- Behavioral and Cultural Fit
- Foundational Knowledge

## Questions asked

- Write a function to reverse a linked list.
- Given an array of integers, find the two numbers that add up to a specific target.
- Explain the difference between a process and a thread.
- Describe a situation where you had to debug a complex issue.
- What interests you about working at Canonical?
- How do you handle constructive criticism?
- Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned from it.

## Preparation tips

### lists

- Review fundamental data structures and algorithms.
- Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
- Understand core computer science concepts (OS, networking, databases).
- Prepare to discuss your academic projects and any personal coding projects.
- Research Canonical's mission, values, and open-source contributions.
- Be ready to articulate why you are interested in Canonical and this specific role.
- Practice explaining your thought process clearly and concisely.

### studyPlan

- {"title":"Data Structures","longDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, hash maps) and their common operations and time complexities. Practice implementing them and solving problems involving them.","shortDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Data Structures (Arrays, Lists, Trees, Graphs, Hash Maps)."}
- {"title":"Algorithms","longDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Dive into algorithms, including sorting (bubble, merge, quick), searching (binary search), graph traversal (BFS, DFS), dynamic programming, and greedy algorithms. Understand their applications and efficiency.","shortDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Algorithms (Sorting, Searching, Graph Traversal, DP)."}
- {"title":"Computer Science Fundamentals","longDescription":"Week 5: Brush up on fundamental computer science concepts such as operating system principles (processes, threads, memory management), basic networking concepts (TCP/IP, HTTP), and database fundamentals (SQL basics).","shortDescription":"Week 5: CS Fundamentals (OS, Networking, Databases)."}
- {"title":"Behavioral and Company Research","longDescription":"Week 6: Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on your academic and personal experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Research Canonical's culture and values.","shortDescription":"Week 6: Behavioral Prep & Company Research."}

## Location differences

- {"location":"Remote","differences":{"tips":["Research common tech stacks used by companies in this region.","Be prepared to discuss your contributions to open-source projects if applicable."],"interviewFocus":["Understanding of local tech community trends.","Familiarity with common development practices in the region."],"commonQuestions":["Tell me about a challenging project you worked on during your studies.","How do you approach learning a new programming language or technology?","Describe a time you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a goal."]}}
- {"location":"London, UK","differences":{"tips":["Familiarize yourself with Canonical's operations in your specific location.","Highlight any experience or interest in contributing to local tech meetups or events."],"interviewFocus":["Understanding of the local market and Canonical's presence.","Ability to integrate into the local team culture."],"commonQuestions":["What are your thoughts on the local software development ecosystem?","How do you see yourself contributing to the Canonical office here?","Are you familiar with any specific Canonical products relevant to this region?"]}}

## Round 1: Coding Challenge
**Type:** Technical Interview · **Difficulty:** Easy · **Duration:** 45 min
Assess fundamental coding and problem-solving skills.
This initial technical round focuses on assessing your foundational programming skills and problem-solving abilities. You will be asked to solve one or two coding problems, typically involving arrays, strings, or basic data structures. The interviewer will evaluate your approach, the efficiency of your solution, and your ability to communicate your thought process clearly.
**Interviewers look for:** Logical thinking; Ability to translate requirements into code; Basic understanding of data structures and algorithms
**Evaluation criteria:** Problem-solving approach; Correctness of code; Clarity of explanation
**Common rejection reasons:** Inability to solve basic coding problems.; Poor explanation of thought process.; Lack of fundamental CS knowledge.
## Questions

- Given an array of integers, return indices of the two numbers such that they add up to a specific target.
- Implement a function to check if a string is a palindrome.

## Preparation tips

- Practice coding problems on whiteboards or shared editors.
- Think out loud and explain your steps.
- Ask clarifying questions if the problem is unclear.

## Round 2: Core CS Concepts
**Type:** Technical Deep Dive · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 60 min
Assess understanding of CS fundamentals and debugging.
This round delves deeper into your understanding of computer science fundamentals. Expect questions on operating systems (processes, threads, memory management), basic networking, and potentially introductory system design concepts. You might also be asked to debug a piece of code or discuss trade-offs in different approaches.
**Interviewers look for:** Solid grasp of computer science principles; Systematic approach to debugging; Awareness of software development best practices
**Evaluation criteria:** Depth of understanding of CS fundamentals; Ability to debug code; Knowledge of operating systems and system design basics
**Common rejection reasons:** Lack of understanding of core CS concepts.; Inability to explain technical concepts clearly.; Poor debugging skills.
## Questions

- Explain the difference between a process and a thread. When would you use one over the other?
- Describe how you would debug a web application that is experiencing slow response times.
- What is a deadlock and how can it be prevented?

## Preparation tips

- Review operating system concepts.
- Understand basic networking protocols.
- Practice debugging scenarios.
- Be prepared to discuss trade-offs in algorithms and data structures.

## Round 3: Behavioral and Fit
**Type:** Behavioral Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Assess behavioral traits and cultural fit.
This interview focuses on your behavioral aspects and cultural fit. You'll be asked questions about your past experiences, how you handle challenges, your teamwork abilities, and your motivations for joining Canonical. The interviewer wants to understand how you think, how you collaborate, and if you align with Canonical's values.
**Interviewers look for:** Enthusiasm for technology and Canonical's mission; Ability to work effectively in a team; Self-awareness and a growth mindset; Clear articulation of experiences and motivations
**Evaluation criteria:** Communication skills; Teamwork and collaboration potential; Motivation and alignment with company values; Problem-solving approach in a team context
**Common rejection reasons:** Poor communication skills.; Lack of enthusiasm or interest in Canonical.; Inability to articulate past experiences effectively.; Poor cultural fit.
## Questions

- Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a teammate and how you resolved it.
- What are your career aspirations for the next 3-5 years?
- Why are you interested in Canonical and this specific role?

## Preparation tips

- Prepare examples using the STAR method.
- Research Canonical's mission, values, and culture.
- Think about why you want to work at Canonical specifically.
- Be ready to ask thoughtful questions about the team and the role.