Scale Engineer

Software Engineer

Software EngineerMTS4Medium to Hard

The interview process for a Software Engineer (MTS4) 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 product development.

Rounds·4

Timeline·~14d

Experience·4 - 7 yrs

Comp band·US$120000 - US$160000

Interview time·180 min

Evaluation

What they measure.

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Algorithmic thinking
  • Data structures knowledge
  • Coding proficiency
  • System design capabilities
  • Scalability and performance considerations
  • Communication skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Adaptability and learning agility
  • Cultural fit with Cohesity's values

Preparation

How to prepare.

Tips

  1. Review fundamental data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming, graph traversal).
  2. Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or GeeksforGeeks, focusing on medium to hard difficulty.
  3. Study system design principles, including scalability, availability, reliability, and common architectural patterns (e.g., microservices, load balancing, caching).
  4. Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on your past experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  5. Understand Cohesity's products, mission, and values. Research recent company news and technological advancements.
  6. Be ready to discuss your resume in detail, highlighting relevant projects and accomplishments.
  7. Practice explaining your thought process clearly and concisely, especially during coding and system design rounds.
  8. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company culture.

Study plan

Fig · Study plan — 05 phases

01 / 05
01

Phase 01 of 05

Data Structures and Algorithms Fundamentals

Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Basic Algorithms. Practice implementations and related problems.

Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees, Graphs, Hash Tables) and their common operations. Practice implementing these structures and solving problems related to them. Cover basic algorithms like sorting (QuickSort, MergeSort) and searching (Binary Search).

Questions

Commonly asked.

  • Given an array of integers, find the contiguous subarray with the largest sum.
  • Design a system to shorten URLs.
  • How would you design a distributed cache?
  • Describe a time you had a conflict with a team member and how you resolved it.
  • What are the trade-offs between SQL and NoSQL databases?
  • Implement a function to reverse a linked list.
  • Explain the concept of eventual consistency.
  • Tell me about a challenging bug you encountered and how you debugged it.
  • How do you ensure the scalability of a web application?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses as a software engineer?

Locations

Regional differences.

Fig · Regions — 03 locations

01 / 03

Location

USA

Interview focus

Strong emphasis on practical problem-solving and coding skills.System design questions may be more focused on distributed systems and scalability relevant to the local market's tech landscape.Behavioral questions often probe for collaboration and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Common questions

  • Discuss a challenging technical problem you solved.
  • How do you approach debugging complex issues?
  • Describe a time you had to work with a difficult teammate.

Tips

  • For US locations, be prepared for in-depth discussions on cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP) and microservices.
  • For India locations, expect a strong focus on core computer science fundamentals and competitive programming concepts.
  • Familiarize yourself with Cohesity's product offerings and how they relate to current industry trends.

Rounds

Round-by-round.

Expand a step for evaluation criteria, sample questions, and prep notes.

Easy

HR Screening · 30 min · Recruiter / HR

This initial screening is conducted by the HR team to understand your background, career aspirations, and basic fit for the role and Cohesity. They will discuss your resume, salary expectations, and availability. This is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the company culture and the specifics of the hiring process.

What they look for

Genuine interest in Cohesity and the role.Alignment with team and company culture.Clear career aspirations.Good communication and engagement.

Evaluation

  • Candidate's interest in the role
  • Understanding of the role and company
  • Cultural alignment
  • Motivation and career goals

Sample questions

  • Why are you interested in Cohesity?

    BehavioralMotivation

  • What are your salary expectations?

    HRCompensation

Prep for this round

  1. 01Be prepared to discuss your resume and career goals.
  2. 02Research Cohesity's mission, values, and products.
  3. 03Have a clear understanding of your salary expectations.
  4. 04Prepare questions to ask the recruiter about the role and company.

Common rejection reasons

  • ×Lack of enthusiasm for the role or company.
  • ×Unclear career aspirations.
  • ×Asking questions that are easily answerable through research.
  • ×Poor fit with team dynamics.
  • ×Not demonstrating a clear understanding of the role's responsibilities.

DSA

Coding questions at Cohesity.

Frequently reported on Cohesity loops

View all at Cohesity

Other guides

More at Cohesity.