Software Engineer
FactSet's Software Engineer I interview process is designed to assess a candidate's foundational technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. The process typically involves multiple rounds, starting with an initial HR screening, followed by technical interviews focusing on data structures, algorithms, and coding proficiency, and concluding with a behavioral or managerial interview to evaluate soft skills and team collaboration potential.
3
~14 days
0 - 2 yrs
US$75000 - US$95000
120 min
Overall Evaluation Criteria
Technical Skills
Communication
Behavioral and Cultural Fit
Preparation Tips
Study Plan
Data Structures and Complexity
Weeks 1-2: Data Structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Hash Maps) & Complexity Analysis.
Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and hash maps. Practice implementing them and solving problems involving their efficient use. Understand time and space complexity analysis (Big O notation).
Algorithms and Problem Solving
Weeks 3-4: Algorithms (Sorting, Searching, Recursion, Graph Traversal) & Problem Solving.
Weeks 3-4: Dive into algorithms, including sorting (bubble sort, merge sort, quicksort), searching (binary search), recursion, and basic graph traversal (BFS, DFS). Practice problems that require applying these algorithms.
Behavioral Preparation and Company Research
Week 5: Behavioral Questions (STAR Method) & Company Research.
Week 5: Prepare for behavioral questions. Think about common scenarios related to teamwork, challenges, failures, and successes. Use the STAR method to craft compelling answers. Research FactSet's values and mission.
Mock Interviews and Final Review
Week 6: Mock Interviews & Final Review.
Week 6: Mock interviews. Practice coding problems under timed conditions and simulate the interview environment. Get feedback on your technical explanations and behavioral responses.
Commonly Asked Questions
Location-Based Differences
New York
Interview Focus
Common Questions
Tell me about a challenging project you worked on.
How do you handle tight deadlines?
Describe a time you disagreed with a teammate. How did you resolve it?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why are you interested in FactSet?
Tips
London
Interview Focus
Common Questions
Describe a time you had to learn a new technology quickly.
How do you approach debugging complex issues?
What are your career aspirations?
Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned from it.
What do you know about FactSet's products and services?
Tips
Mumbai
Interview Focus
Common Questions
How do you stay updated with the latest technology trends?
Describe a situation where you had to influence others.
What motivates you in a work environment?
Tell me about a time you went above and beyond.
What are your salary expectations?
Tips
Process Timeline
Interview Rounds
3-step process with detailed breakdown for each round
HR Screening
Initial screening to assess background, motivation, and cultural fit.
This initial screening is conducted by HR or a recruiter to understand your background, motivation for applying, and basic fit with the company culture. They will ask about your resume, career goals, and why you are interested in FactSet. This is also an opportunity for you to ask initial questions about the role and the company.
What Interviewers Look For
Evaluation Criteria
Questions Asked
Tell me about yourself and your background.
Why are you interested in this Software Engineer role at FactSet?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What do you know about FactSet?
Preparation Tips
Common Reasons for Rejection
Data Structures and Algorithms
Coding challenge focusing on data structures and algorithms.
This round focuses on assessing your core technical skills. You will be asked to solve coding problems that test your knowledge of data structures and algorithms. The interviewer will evaluate your ability to analyze a problem, devise an efficient solution, write clean code, and explain your reasoning. Expect questions on arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, sorting, searching, and complexity analysis.
What Interviewers Look For
Evaluation Criteria
Questions Asked
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 Binary Search Tree (BST).
Find the kth smallest element in an unsorted array.
Preparation Tips
Common Reasons for Rejection
Behavioral and Managerial Fit
Assesses behavioral competencies, teamwork, and cultural fit.
This round typically involves the hiring manager or a senior team member. It focuses on your behavioral competencies, teamwork, and how you handle various workplace situations. You'll be asked questions about your past experiences, how you collaborate, handle challenges, and your overall approach to work. This is also an opportunity to understand the team dynamics and expectations.
What Interviewers Look For
Evaluation Criteria
Questions Asked
Describe a time you had a conflict with a team member. How did you resolve it?
Tell me about a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame obstacles.
How do you prioritize your work when you have multiple tasks with competing deadlines?
What are your long-term career goals?
Preparation Tips
Common Reasons for Rejection
Commonly Asked DSA Questions
Frequently asked coding questions at FactSet