Chewy is looking for a Software Engineer 1 to join our dynamic team. This role is focused on developing and maintaining scalable and reliable software solutions that enhance the customer experience. We value collaboration, innovation, and a passion for problem-solving.
Rounds·4
Timeline·~14d
Experience·0 - 2 yrs
Comp band·US$70000 - US$85000
Interview time·165 min
Evaluation
What they measure.
Problem-solving abilities
Technical knowledge and application
Communication skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Cultural fit and enthusiasm
Ability to articulate thought process
Clarity and conciseness in explanations
Active listening skills
Ability to ask clarifying questions
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others
04Familiarize yourself with common software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum).
05Research Chewy's mission, values, and recent news.
06Prepare to discuss your resume and past projects in detail.
07Think about behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 04 phases
01 / 04
01
Phase 01 of 04
Data Structures and Algorithms
Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms fundamentals. Practice implementations and complexity analysis.
Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, hash tables) and their common algorithms (sorting, searching, graph traversal). Practice implementing these from scratch and analyze their time and space complexity.
02
Phase 02 of 04
Object-Oriented Programming
Weeks 3-4: Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and Design Patterns. Focus on language specifics.
Weeks 3-4: Deep dive into object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts (encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, abstraction). Practice designing classes and understanding design patterns. If applicable, focus on the specific language required for the role.
03
Phase 03 of 04
System Design Basics
Week 5: Introduction to System Design concepts. Understand basic trade-offs.
Week 5: Study common system design concepts relevant to entry-level roles, such as API design, database choices (SQL vs. NoSQL), caching strategies, and load balancing. Understand trade-offs involved.
04
Phase 04 of 04
Behavioral Preparation
Week 6: Behavioral questions preparation using STAR method. Research Chewy's culture.
Week 6: Prepare for behavioral questions. Review your resume and identify key experiences. Practice answering questions about teamwork, problem-solving, challenges, and learning using the STAR method. Research Chewy's culture and values.
Questions
Commonly asked.
Tell me about yourself.
Why are you interested in Chewy?
Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you solved it.
Write a function to reverse a string.
Explain the difference between a process and a thread.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How do you stay updated with new technologies?
Describe a time you worked in a team and faced a conflict. How did you resolve it?
What is polymorphism?
How would you design a URL shortener (high-level)?
What are your career goals?
Locations
Regional differences.
Fig · Regions — 02 locations
01 / 02
Location
Boston, MA
Interview focus
Adaptability to new technologies and team dynamics.Problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.Understanding of core software development principles.
Common questions
Tell me about a challenging project you worked on.
How do you handle conflicting priorities?
Describe a time you had to learn a new technology quickly.
Tips
Be prepared to discuss your academic projects or internships in detail.
Highlight any experience with agile methodologies.
Showcase your enthusiasm for learning and contributing to a team.
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Interview focus
Technical proficiency in specific programming languages and frameworks.Understanding of system design and architecture.Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing.
Common questions
How do you approach debugging complex issues?
Describe your experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
What are your thoughts on code reviews and best practices?
Tips
Brush up on data structures and algorithms.
Be ready to explain your thought process for coding challenges.
Familiarize yourself with Chewy's tech stack if possible.
Rounds
Round-by-round.
Expand a step for evaluation criteria, sample questions, and prep notes.
Easy
Recruiter Screen · 30 min · Recruiter/HR
This initial screening call with a recruiter is designed to understand your background, career aspirations, and motivation for applying to Chewy. They will assess your communication skills, cultural fit, and basic qualifications for the role. Be prepared to discuss your resume and why you are interested in this specific opportunity.
What they look for
Clear communication.Basic problem-solving approach.Positive attitude.Interest in Chewy.
Evaluation
Basic understanding of programming concepts.
Ability to communicate ideas.
Enthusiasm and cultural fit.
Sample questions
Tell me about yourself.
Behavioral
Why are you interested in Chewy?
BehavioralMotivation
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Behavioral
What are your salary expectations?
Logistics
Prep for this round
01Review your resume and be ready to talk about your experiences.
02Research Chewy's mission and values.
03Prepare answers to common behavioral questions.
04Have questions ready to ask the recruiter about the role and company.
Common rejection reasons
×Inability to articulate thought process clearly.
×Lack of fundamental programming knowledge.
×Poor communication skills.
×Negative attitude towards feedback.
Med
Technical Interview (Coding) · 45 min · Software Engineer
This round focuses on your technical abilities, specifically your knowledge of 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, implement it correctly, and analyze its performance.
What they look for
Strong understanding of data structures and algorithms.Ability to write clean, working code.Logical thinking and problem-solving skills.Ability to explain their thought process.
Evaluation
Correctness of code.
Efficiency of the solution (time and space complexity).
Problem-solving approach.
Coding style and clarity.
Sample questions
Given an array of integers, return indices of the two numbers such that they add up to a specific target.
ArrayHash TableTwo Pointers
Implement a function to check if a binary tree is a valid Binary Search Tree (BST).
TreeRecursionBinary Search Tree
Find the kth smallest element in a sorted matrix.
MatrixHeapBinary Search
Reverse a linked list.
Linked ListRecursionIteration
Prep for this round
01Practice coding problems focusing on common data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps).
02Understand time and space complexity analysis (Big O notation).
03Practice explaining your thought process while coding.
04Be prepared to test your code with edge cases.
Common rejection reasons
×Incorrect or inefficient algorithm implementation.
This round delves deeper into your technical knowledge, potentially covering object-oriented design, debugging scenarios, and basic system design concepts. You might be asked to explain concepts like polymorphism, inheritance, or discuss how you would approach designing a simple feature or system. The focus is on your foundational understanding and how you apply it.
What they look for
Solid grasp of programming fundamentals.Logical approach to problem-solving.Ability to think about scalability and trade-offs.Good communication skills.
Evaluation
Understanding of core programming concepts.
Ability to debug and troubleshoot.
Basic system design thinking.
Communication and clarity.
Sample questions
Explain the difference between abstract class and interface.
OOPJavaC++
How would you design a simple API for a to-do list application?
System DesignAPI Design
Describe a time you encountered a bug in production. How did you approach fixing it?
DebuggingProblem SolvingBehavioral
What is a deadlock and how can it be prevented?
ConcurrencyOperating Systems
Prep for this round
01Review OOP principles and common design patterns.
02Practice explaining technical concepts clearly.
03Think about how to approach debugging common issues.
04Consider basic system design questions relevant to entry-level roles.
Common rejection reasons
×Lack of understanding of fundamental programming concepts.
×Inability to explain basic system design principles.
×Poor debugging skills.
×Not asking clarifying questions.
Med
Hiring Manager Interview · 45 min · Hiring Manager
In this interview, the hiring manager will assess your overall fit with the team and company culture. They will discuss your career goals, how you approach teamwork, and your understanding of the role. This is also an opportunity for you to ask in-depth questions about the team's projects, work environment, and growth opportunities.
What they look for
Team fit and collaboration potential.Understanding of the role's responsibilities.Long-term potential and growth mindset.Alignment with Chewy's values.
Evaluation
Alignment with team and company culture.
Motivation and enthusiasm for the role.
Career aspirations and growth potential.
Ability to collaborate effectively.
Sample questions
Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult teammate.
BehavioralTeamwork
What are your long-term career aspirations?
BehavioralCareer Goals
How do you handle constructive criticism?
BehavioralGrowth Mindset
What do you know about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
Role Understanding
Prep for this round
01Reflect on your career goals and how this role fits into them.
02Prepare examples of teamwork and collaboration.
03Think about what you are looking for in a team and manager.
04Have thoughtful questions ready about the team's work and culture.
Common rejection reasons
×Lack of alignment with team values.
×Poor collaboration or communication with the hiring manager.
×Unrealistic expectations about the role or career growth.