This interview process is designed to assess candidates for a Software Engineering Manager (SEM) position at Notion, focusing on leadership, technical acumen, people management, and strategic thinking. The L1 level indicates an entry-level management role, suitable for individuals transitioning from senior individual contributor roles or with limited prior management experience.
Rounds·5
Timeline·~14d
Experience·4 - 7 yrs
Comp band·US$140000 - US$180000
Interview time·255 min
Evaluation
Preparation
Tips
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 04 phases
01 / 04Phase 01 of 04
Weeks 1-2: Notion research, leadership fundamentals, STAR method prep.
Weeks 1-2: Deep dive into Notion's company culture, values, product, and recent news. Understand the role of an SEM at Notion. Review fundamental software engineering principles and common architectural patterns. Begin preparing STAR method examples for common behavioral questions related to leadership, conflict resolution, and team building.
Phase 02 of 04
Weeks 3-4: People management skills, motivation, agile practices.
Weeks 3-4: Focus on people management aspects. Study topics like performance reviews, coaching, feedback delivery, conflict resolution, hiring, and onboarding. Practice articulating your management philosophy. Prepare for questions related to managing different personality types and motivating engineers. Review agile methodologies in detail.
Phase 03 of 04
Weeks 5-6: Technical leadership, system design, strategic planning.
Weeks 5-6: Concentrate on technical leadership and strategic thinking. Review system design principles, scalability, and common technical challenges. Prepare to discuss how you would guide a team through technical decision-making and roadmap planning. Practice articulating your vision for a team and how you align it with business goals.
Phase 04 of 04
Week 7: Mock interviews, refinement, question preparation.
Week 7: Mock interviews focusing on all aspects covered. Refine answers, practice concise communication, and get feedback. Ensure you have compelling examples ready for all potential questions. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers.
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.
HR/Recruiter Screen · 45 min · Recruiter/HR
This initial round is conducted by a recruiter or HR representative to assess your overall fit for the role and Notion's culture. They will ask about your background, motivations for applying, and general management philosophy. This is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the role and the company.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Tell me about yourself and your career journey.
Why are you interested in a Software Engineering Manager role at Notion?
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a potential manager?
How do you handle feedback?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
People Management Interview · 60 min · Hiring Manager (Peer SEM)
This round focuses on your people management skills and leadership approach. The hiring manager, who is likely a peer SEM, will delve into your experience managing engineers, handling performance issues, fostering team collaboration, and developing talent. Expect behavioral questions that require detailed examples.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Describe a time you had to give difficult feedback to a team member. What was the outcome?
How do you motivate a team that is facing a challenging project or low morale?
Tell me about a time you had to resolve a conflict between two engineers on your team.
How do you approach performance management and career development for your team members?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Technical & System Design Interview · 60 min · Senior Engineer / Tech Lead
This round evaluates your technical leadership capabilities. You'll discuss your experience with software architecture, system design, technical decision-making, and how you guide your team through technical challenges. Expect questions about past projects, technical trade-offs, and your approach to technical strategy.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Describe a complex system you were responsible for. What were the key design decisions and trade-offs?
How do you approach managing technical debt?
Tell me about a time you had to make a significant technical decision. What was your process?
How do you ensure the scalability and reliability of the systems your team builds?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Managerial & Strategic Interview · 45 min · Director of Engineering / Senior Manager
This round focuses on your strategic thinking, product sense, and ability to manage projects and align your team with broader business objectives. You'll discuss how you prioritize work, manage roadmaps, collaborate with product management, and drive execution. This interview assesses your ability to operate at a higher level and contribute to the company's success.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
How do you prioritize features and technical initiatives for your team?
Describe your experience working with Product Managers. How do you ensure alignment?
Tell me about a time you had to manage a project with shifting priorities. How did you adapt?
How do you measure the success of your team and its projects?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Executive/Final Interview · 45 min · Director/VP of Engineering
This final round is typically with a senior leader, such as a Director or VP of Engineering. They will assess your overall leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and alignment with the company's vision and values. This is your chance to demonstrate your potential to grow within Notion and make a significant impact.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
What is your vision for a high-performing engineering team?
How do you see yourself contributing to Notion's long-term success?
What are the biggest challenges facing engineering leaders today, and how do you address them?
What questions do you have for me about Notion's engineering organization or our future?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
DSA
Frequently reported on Notion loops
Other guides
