# Software Engineer
**Role:** Software Engineer · **Level:** Software Engineer I
**Company:** [FactSet](https://scaleengineer.com/companies/factset)
**Difficulty:** Medium
**Salary:** US$75000 - US$95000
**Experience:** 0 - 2
**Timeline:** ~14 days
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.
Canonical: https://scaleengineer.com/interviews/factset/software-engineer-i-software-engineer
---
## Overall evaluation

- Technical Skills
- Communication
- Behavioral and Cultural Fit

## Questions asked

- Write a function to reverse a linked list.
- Given an array of integers, find the two numbers that add up to a specific target.
- Explain the difference between a stack and a queue.
- How would you design a system to shorten URLs?
- Tell me about a time you had to debug a difficult issue.
- Describe your experience with version control systems like Git.
- What are the principles of object-oriented programming?
- How do you handle conflicting priorities?
- Why are you interested in this role at FactSet?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses as a software engineer?

## Preparation tips

### lists

- Review fundamental computer science concepts, including data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming, graph traversal).
- Practice coding problems regularly, focusing on understanding the problem, devising a solution, and writing clean, efficient code.
- Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on past experiences and using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
- Research FactSet's company culture, values, and recent news to demonstrate your interest and understanding.
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, showing your engagement and curiosity.
- Understand the basics of object-oriented programming (OOP) principles.
- Familiarize yourself with common software development methodologies like Agile.

### studyPlan

- {"title":"Data Structures and Complexity","longDescription":"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).","shortDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Data Structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Hash Maps) & Complexity Analysis."}
- {"title":"Algorithms and Problem Solving","longDescription":"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.","shortDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Algorithms (Sorting, Searching, Recursion, Graph Traversal) & Problem Solving."}
- {"title":"Behavioral Preparation and Company Research","longDescription":"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.","shortDescription":"Week 5: Behavioral Questions (STAR Method) & Company Research."}
- {"title":"Mock Interviews and Final Review","longDescription":"Week 6: Mock interviews. Practice coding problems under timed conditions and simulate the interview environment. Get feedback on your technical explanations and behavioral responses.","shortDescription":"Week 6: Mock Interviews & Final Review."}

## Location differences

- {"location":"New York","differences":{"tips":["Research FactSet's presence and impact in this specific region.","Be prepared to discuss how your skills align with the local team's needs.","Showcase your ability to collaborate effectively in a diverse team setting."],"interviewFocus":["Adaptability to different work environments.","Understanding of local market trends and expectations.","Communication style and cultural nuances."],"commonQuestions":["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?"]}}
- {"location":"London","differences":{"tips":["Brush up on fundamental data structures and algorithms.","Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.","Be ready to explain your thought process clearly and concisely."],"interviewFocus":["Technical problem-solving skills.","Proficiency in core programming languages.","Understanding of software development lifecycle."],"commonQuestions":["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?"]}}
- {"location":"Mumbai","differences":{"tips":["Highlight projects where you demonstrated leadership or initiative.","Emphasize your ability to work effectively in a team.","Research FactSet's company culture and values."],"interviewFocus":["Initiative and proactiveness.","Teamwork and collaboration.","Alignment with FactSet's values and mission."],"commonQuestions":["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?"]}}

## Round 0: HR Screening
**Type:** HR/Recruiter Screen · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 30 min
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.
**Interviewers look for:** Clear and concise communication.; Ability to articulate past experiences effectively.; Understanding of software development best practices.; Genuine interest in FactSet and the role.
**Evaluation criteria:** Communication skills; Problem-solving approach; Understanding of software development lifecycle; Enthusiasm and motivation
**Common rejection reasons:** Lack of clarity in explaining past projects.; Inability to connect past experiences to the role requirements.; Poor communication or interpersonal skills.; Lack of enthusiasm or interest in the company.
## Questions

- 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

- Review your resume and be prepared to discuss your experience in detail.
- Research FactSet's mission, values, and products.
- Prepare answers to common behavioral questions.
- Formulate questions to ask the interviewer about the role and company culture.

## Round 1: Data Structures and Algorithms
**Type:** Technical Interview (Coding) · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
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.
**Interviewers look for:** A systematic approach to problem-solving.; Clean and efficient code.; Correct implementation of data structures and algorithms.; Ability to explain their thought process clearly.
**Evaluation criteria:** Problem-solving skills; Coding ability; Understanding of data structures and algorithms; Logical thinking
**Common rejection reasons:** Inability to articulate thought process.; Poor understanding of fundamental data structures.; Inefficient or incorrect code.; Lack of 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 Binary Search Tree (BST).
- Find the kth smallest element in an unsorted array.

## Preparation tips

- Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or AlgoExpert.
- Review common data structures and algorithms.
- Understand time and space complexity (Big O notation).
- Practice explaining your thought process out loud.

## Round 2: Behavioral and Managerial Fit
**Type:** Behavioral / Managerial Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
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.
**Interviewers look for:** Ability to work effectively with others.; Openness to feedback and constructive criticism.; Alignment with FactSet's core values.; Proactive and positive attitude.
**Evaluation criteria:** Teamwork and collaboration; Communication skills; Problem-solving approach; Cultural fit; Adaptability
**Common rejection reasons:** Lack of collaborative spirit.; Difficulty working in a team environment.; Poor handling of feedback.; Misalignment with company values.
## Questions

- 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

- Prepare examples using the STAR method for behavioral questions.
- Think about situations where you demonstrated teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
- Be ready to discuss your career goals and how this role fits into them.
- Show enthusiasm for the team and the company's mission.