# U Band
**Role:** Software Engineer · **Level:** SWE II
**Company:** [Nike](https://scaleengineer.com/companies/nike)
**Difficulty:** Medium to Hard
**Salary:** US$95000 - US$130000
**Experience:** 2 - 5
**Timeline:** ~14 days
This interview process is for a Software Engineer (SWE II, U Band) at Nike. It assesses technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company.
Canonical: https://scaleengineer.com/interviews/nike/swe-ii-software-engineer
---
## Overall evaluation

- Technical and Behavioral Assessment
- Performance Metrics

## Questions asked

- Tell me about a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame obstacles.
- How would you design a system to handle Nike's global product catalog?
- Given an array of integers, find the contiguous subarray with the largest sum.
- Describe a time you disagreed with a teammate or manager. How did you handle it?
- How do you ensure the scalability and reliability of your code?
- What are your thoughts on test-driven development (TDD)?
- Explain the concept of a distributed cache and its use cases.
- How would you optimize a slow-performing database query?
- Tell me about a time you failed. What did you learn from it?
- Design an API for a feature like Nike's 'Run Club' activity tracking.

## Preparation tips

### lists

- Understand Nike's mission, values, and recent business strategies.
- Brush up on core computer science fundamentals: data structures, algorithms, operating systems, and databases.
- Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, focusing on medium to hard difficulty.
- Prepare for system design questions, thinking about scalability, reliability, and trade-offs.
- Review behavioral interview questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Research common interview questions for Software Engineers at Nike.
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company culture.

### studyPlan

- {"title":"Core Computer Science Fundamentals","longDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Focus on Data Structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Trees, Graphs, Hash Tables) and Algorithms (Sorting, Searching, Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms). Practice coding problems on these topics daily. Review Big O notation for time and space complexity.","shortDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms. Practice coding problems."}
- {"title":"System Design","longDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Dive into System Design concepts. Study topics like scalability, load balancing, caching, databases (SQL vs. NoSQL), microservices, and API design. Work through common system design case studies relevant to e-commerce and large-scale applications.","shortDescription":"Weeks 3-4: System Design. Study scalability, databases, microservices."}
- {"title":"Behavioral Preparation","longDescription":"Week 5: Prepare for behavioral interviews. Reflect on past experiences and prepare stories using the STAR method for common questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and handling challenges. Understand Nike's core values.","shortDescription":"Week 5: Behavioral Interview Prep. Use STAR method."}
- {"title":"Mock Interviews and Review","longDescription":"Week 6: Mock interviews. Conduct mock interviews with peers or mentors to simulate the actual interview environment. Get feedback on technical answers, communication, and overall presentation. Review any weak areas identified.","shortDescription":"Week 6: Mock Interviews. Practice and get feedback."}

## Location differences

- {"location":"USA","differences":{"tips":["Research Nike's recent technological initiatives and product launches.","Be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to Nike's digital transformation.","Highlight any experience with large-scale data processing or e-commerce platforms."],"interviewFocus":["Understanding of scalable systems relevant to retail and sports.","Ability to adapt to fast-paced, data-driven environments.","Knowledge of cloud technologies and their application in a global business."],"commonQuestions":["How would you design a system to handle Nike's global inventory management?","Describe a time you had to optimize a process for a large-scale application.","What are your thoughts on the latest trends in e-commerce technology relevant to Nike?"]}}
- {"location":"Europe","differences":{"tips":["Practice coding problems related to arrays, strings, trees, and graphs.","Review common algorithms like sorting, searching, and dynamic programming.","Be ready to explain your thought process clearly and concisely."],"interviewFocus":["Proficiency in data structures and algorithms.","Experience with distributed systems and microservices architecture.","Strong problem-solving and debugging skills."],"commonQuestions":["How would you approach building a recommendation engine for Nike's product catalog?","Discuss a challenging technical problem you solved in a team environment.","What are your strategies for ensuring code quality and maintainability in a large codebase?"]}}
- {"location":"Asia","differences":{"tips":["Familiarize yourself with Nike's mobile app ecosystem.","Be prepared to discuss your experience with version control systems like Git.","Showcase your ability to work effectively in a team setting."],"interviewFocus":["Understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC).","Experience with agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban).","Collaboration and communication skills."],"commonQuestions":["How would you design a mobile application for Nike's fitness tracking features?","Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with cross-functional teams.","What are your thoughts on agile development methodologies and how they apply to Nike's workflow?"]}}

## Round 1: Data Structures and Algorithms
**Type:** Technical Interview (Coding) · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Solve coding problems focusing on data structures and algorithms.
This round focuses on your fundamental computer science knowledge. You will be asked to solve one or two coding problems, typically involving data structures and algorithms. The interviewer will assess your ability to write clean, efficient, and correct code, as well as your approach to problem-solving and debugging.
**Interviewers look for:** Strong understanding of data structures and algorithms.; Ability to translate requirements into working code.; Clear communication of thought process.; Attention to detail in coding.
**Evaluation criteria:** Correctness of the solution.; Efficiency of the solution (time and space complexity).; Code clarity and style.; Problem-solving approach.; Communication of the solution.
**Common rejection reasons:** Inability to articulate thought process clearly.; Lack of fundamental data structures and algorithms knowledge.; Poorly written or inefficient code.; Not asking clarifying questions.
## Questions

- Given a binary tree, invert the binary tree.
- Find the kth largest element in an unsorted array.
- Implement a function to check if a string is a palindrome.

## Preparation tips

- Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank.
- Focus on common data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming).
- Be prepared to explain your time and space complexity analysis.
- Practice writing code on a whiteboard or in a shared editor.

## Round 2: System Design
**Type:** System Design Interview · **Difficulty:** Hard · **Duration:** 60 min
Design a scalable system for a given problem.
This round assesses your ability to design and architect software systems. You'll be given an open-ended problem, such as designing a specific feature or a large-scale system (e.g., a URL shortener, a social media feed, or Nike's inventory management system). The focus is on your ability to break down the problem, identify components, consider scalability, reliability, and make informed design choices.
**Interviewers look for:** Experience designing complex systems.; Deep understanding of system design principles.; Ability to think critically about trade-offs.; Knowledge of distributed systems and cloud technologies.
**Evaluation criteria:** Scalability of the proposed solution.; Reliability and fault tolerance.; Understanding of trade-offs (e.g., consistency vs. availability).; Knowledge of relevant technologies (databases, caching, messaging queues).; Clarity and structure of the design.; Ability to handle ambiguity and edge cases.
**Common rejection reasons:** Inability to design scalable and reliable systems.; Ignoring trade-offs in design decisions.; Lack of understanding of distributed systems concepts.; Poor communication of design choices.
## Questions

- Design a system to handle Nike's global inventory management.
- Design a URL shortening service like bit.ly.
- Design a news feed system for a social media platform.

## Preparation tips

- Study common system design patterns and concepts.
- Review case studies of popular systems (e.g., Twitter feed, Netflix streaming).
- Practice designing systems for scale, considering databases, caching, load balancing, and APIs.
- Be prepared to discuss trade-offs and justify your design decisions.

## Round 3: Behavioral and Managerial
**Type:** Behavioral Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Discuss past experiences and behavioral competencies.
This round focuses on your behavioral and situational responses. You'll be asked questions about your past experiences, how you handle specific situations, and your motivations. The goal is to understand your work style, how you collaborate with others, and whether you align with Nike's culture and values.
**Interviewers look for:** Evidence of collaboration and teamwork.; Ability to handle conflict and difficult situations.; Examples of initiative and ownership.; Cultural fit with Nike's environment.; Passion for sports and Nike's brand.
**Evaluation criteria:** Teamwork and collaboration skills.; Problem-solving approach in past situations.; Communication clarity and effectiveness.; Adaptability and resilience.; Alignment with Nike's values (e.g., innovation, integrity, teamwork).; Motivation and passion for the role and company.
**Common rejection reasons:** Poor communication skills.; Lack of self-awareness.; Inability to provide specific examples.; Not demonstrating alignment with company values.; Negative attitude or lack of enthusiasm.
## Questions

- Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle it?
- Describe a project where you took initiative. What was the outcome?
- How do you stay updated with the latest technologies in software development?
- Why are you interested in working at Nike?

## Preparation tips

- Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for common behavioral questions.
- Research Nike's mission, vision, and values.
- Be ready to discuss your strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations.
- Show enthusiasm for Nike and the role.