The interview process for a Software Engineer (MTS3) at Cohesity is designed to assess a candidate's technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. It typically involves multiple rounds, starting with an HR screening, followed by technical interviews focusing on data structures, algorithms, system design, and behavioral aspects. The goal is to identify candidates who can contribute effectively to Cohesity's innovative and collaborative environment.
Rounds·4
Timeline·~14d
Experience·3 - 7 yrs
Comp band·US$110000 - US$150000
Interview time·180 min
Evaluation
Preparation
Tips
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 04 phases
01 / 04Phase 01 of 04
Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms fundamentals. Practice 2-3 problems daily.
Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures and algorithms. Cover arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees (binary trees, BSTs, AVL trees), heaps, hash tables, and graphs. Practice algorithms like sorting (merge sort, quicksort), searching (binary search), recursion, dynamic programming, and graph traversal (BFS, DFS). Aim to solve at least 2-3 problems per day.
Phase 02 of 04
Weeks 3-4: System Design principles and practice. Study scalability, databases, caching.
Weeks 3-4: Dive into system design. Understand concepts like API design, database choices (SQL vs. NoSQL), caching strategies, load balancing, message queues, and distributed systems. Study common system design interview questions and practice designing scalable systems. Read resources like 'Designing Data-Intensive Applications'.
Phase 03 of 04
Week 5: Behavioral preparation using STAR method. Align experiences with Cohesity values.
Week 5: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions. Reflect on your past projects and experiences using the STAR method. Identify key projects that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and handling challenges. Research Cohesity's values and prepare examples that align with them.
Phase 04 of 04
Week 6: Mock interviews and final review. Focus on communication and weak areas.
Week 6: Mock interviews and review. Conduct mock interviews with peers or mentors to simulate the actual interview environment. Focus on improving communication, clarity of thought, and time management. Review weak areas identified during practice and mock interviews.
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 · 45 min · Software Engineer / Senior Software Engineer
This round typically involves one or two coding problems that test your understanding of data structures and algorithms. You will be expected to write code on a shared editor or whiteboard and explain your thought process as you go. The interviewer will assess your problem-solving skills, coding proficiency, and ability to analyze the time and space complexity of your solution.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Given a binary tree, find its inorder traversal.
Find the kth smallest element in a sorted matrix.
Implement a function to check if a string is a palindrome.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
System Design Interview · 60 min · Senior Software Engineer / Architect
This round assesses your ability to design scalable, reliable, and maintainable software systems. You will be given an open-ended problem (e.g., design Twitter's feed, design a URL shortener) and expected to discuss various aspects of the system, including data models, APIs, scalability bottlenecks, and potential failure points. The focus is on your thought process and ability to make informed design decisions.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Design a system to count unique visitors to a website.
Design a distributed key-value store.
Design the backend for a ride-sharing service like Uber.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Behavioral Interview · 45 min · Hiring Manager / Team Lead
This round focuses on your past experiences, work style, and how you handle various workplace situations. You'll be asked behavioral questions designed to understand your strengths, weaknesses, how you collaborate with others, and how you approach challenges. The interviewer will also assess your motivation for joining Cohesity and your understanding of the role.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample 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.
Why are you interested in Cohesity?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Managerial Round · 30 min · Hiring Manager
This is often the final round where the hiring manager assesses your overall fit for the team and discusses your career aspirations. They will provide more details about the team's projects, culture, and growth opportunities. This is also your chance to ask any remaining questions you have about the role, team, or company.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
What are your long-term career goals?
What are you looking for in your next role?
Do you have any questions for me about the team or the role?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
DSA
Frequently reported on Cohesity loops
Other guides
