# Software Engineer
**Role:** Software Engineer · **Level:** Software Engineer 1
**Company:** [Chewy](https://scaleengineer.com/companies/chewy)
**Difficulty:** Medium
**Salary:** US$70000 - US$85000
**Experience:** 0 - 2
**Timeline:** ~14 days
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.
Canonical: https://scaleengineer.com/interviews/chewy/software-engineer-1-software-engineer
---
## Overall evaluation

- Technical Skills
- Communication
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Cultural Fit

## Questions 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?

## Preparation tips

### lists

- Review fundamental computer science concepts (data structures, algorithms, operating systems, databases).
- Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or similar.
- Understand object-oriented programming principles.
- Familiarize yourself with common software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum).
- Research Chewy's mission, values, and recent news.
- Prepare to discuss your resume and past projects in detail.
- Think about behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

### studyPlan

- {"title":"Data Structures and Algorithms","longDescription":"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.","shortDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms fundamentals. Practice implementations and complexity analysis."}
- {"title":"Object-Oriented Programming","longDescription":"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.","shortDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and Design Patterns. Focus on language specifics."}
- {"title":"System Design Basics","longDescription":"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.","shortDescription":"Week 5: Introduction to System Design concepts. Understand basic trade-offs."}
- {"title":"Behavioral Preparation","longDescription":"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.","shortDescription":"Week 6: Behavioral questions preparation using STAR method. Research Chewy's culture."}

## Location differences

- {"location":"Boston, MA","differences":{"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."],"interviewFocus":["Adaptability to new technologies and team dynamics.","Problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.","Understanding of core software development principles."],"commonQuestions":["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."]}}
- {"location":"Minneapolis, MN","differences":{"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."],"interviewFocus":["Technical proficiency in specific programming languages and frameworks.","Understanding of system design and architecture.","Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing."],"commonQuestions":["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?"]}}

## Round 1: HR Screening
**Type:** Recruiter Screen · **Difficulty:** Easy · **Duration:** 30 min
Initial screening call with HR to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
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.
**Interviewers look for:** Clear communication.; Basic problem-solving approach.; Positive attitude.; Interest in Chewy.
**Evaluation criteria:** Basic understanding of programming concepts.; Ability to communicate ideas.; Enthusiasm and cultural fit.
**Common rejection reasons:** Inability to articulate thought process clearly.; Lack of fundamental programming knowledge.; Poor communication skills.; Negative attitude towards feedback.
## Questions

- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in Chewy?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What are your salary expectations?

## Preparation tips

- Review your resume and be ready to talk about your experiences.
- Research Chewy's mission and values.
- Prepare answers to common behavioral questions.
- Have questions ready to ask the recruiter about the role and company.

## Round 2: Data Structures and Algorithms
**Type:** Technical Interview (Coding) · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Coding challenge to assess data structures and algorithms knowledge.
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.
**Interviewers 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 criteria:** Correctness of code.; Efficiency of the solution (time and space complexity).; Problem-solving approach.; Coding style and clarity.
**Common rejection reasons:** Incorrect or inefficient algorithm implementation.; Inability to explain time/space complexity.; Difficulty debugging code.; Poor problem-solving approach.
## 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 binary tree is a valid Binary Search Tree (BST).
- Find the kth smallest element in a sorted matrix.
- Reverse a linked list.

## Preparation tips

- Practice coding problems focusing on common data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps).
- Understand time and space complexity analysis (Big O notation).
- Practice explaining your thought process while coding.
- Be prepared to test your code with edge cases.

## Round 3: Technical Concepts and Debugging
**Type:** Technical Interview (Concepts & Design) · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Assesses understanding of programming concepts, debugging, and basic system design.
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.
**Interviewers look for:** Solid grasp of programming fundamentals.; Logical approach to problem-solving.; Ability to think about scalability and trade-offs.; Good communication skills.
**Evaluation criteria:** Understanding of core programming concepts.; Ability to debug and troubleshoot.; Basic system design thinking.; Communication and clarity.
**Common rejection reasons:** Lack of understanding of fundamental programming concepts.; Inability to explain basic system design principles.; Poor debugging skills.; Not asking clarifying questions.
## Questions

- Explain the difference between abstract class and interface.
- How would you design a simple API for a to-do list application?
- Describe a time you encountered a bug in production. How did you approach fixing it?
- What is a deadlock and how can it be prevented?

## Preparation tips

- Review OOP principles and common design patterns.
- Practice explaining technical concepts clearly.
- Think about how to approach debugging common issues.
- Consider basic system design questions relevant to entry-level roles.

## Round 4: Hiring Manager Discussion
**Type:** Hiring Manager Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Discussion with the hiring manager about team fit, career goals, and role expectations.
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.
**Interviewers 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 criteria:** Alignment with team and company culture.; Motivation and enthusiasm for the role.; Career aspirations and growth potential.; Ability to collaborate effectively.
**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.; Inability to articulate career goals.
## Questions

- Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult teammate.
- What are your long-term career aspirations?
- How do you handle constructive criticism?
- What do you know about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?

## Preparation tips

- Reflect on your career goals and how this role fits into them.
- Prepare examples of teamwork and collaboration.
- Think about what you are looking for in a team and manager.
- Have thoughtful questions ready about the team's work and culture.