This interview process is designed to assess candidates for the Software Engineering Manager (L5) role at Notion. It evaluates technical leadership, people management, strategic thinking, and cultural fit.
Rounds·5
Timeline·~14d
Experience·5 - 10 yrs
Comp band·US$170000 - US$220000
Interview time·270 min
Evaluation
Preparation
Tips
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 04 phases
01 / 04Phase 01 of 04
Weeks 1-2: Notion culture, values, product. Core SE principles. STAR method for behavioral questions.
Weeks 1-2: Focus on Notion's product, mission, and values. Understand the company culture and recent developments. Review core software engineering principles and best practices. 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, coaching, performance, conflict resolution. Leadership philosophy.
Weeks 3-4: Deep dive into people management topics. Study coaching, mentoring, performance reviews, feedback delivery, and conflict resolution strategies. Practice articulating your leadership philosophy and how you build high-performing teams. Prepare examples for managing difficult conversations.
Phase 03 of 04
Weeks 5-6: Strategy, roadmap, prioritization, stakeholders. System design. Team alignment.
Weeks 5-6: Focus on strategic thinking and execution. Review product strategy, roadmap planning, prioritization frameworks, and stakeholder management. Practice system design questions and be ready to discuss architectural trade-offs. Understand how to align team goals with company objectives.
Phase 04 of 04
Week 7: Mock interviews, feedback, refinement.
Week 7: Mock interviews. Practice answering questions under timed conditions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and impact. Get feedback on your responses and refine your approach. Review any areas you feel less confident in.
Questions
Locations
Fig · Regions — 03 locations
01 / 03Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Rounds
Expand a step for evaluation criteria, sample questions, and prep notes.
HR Screening · 45 min · Recruiter/HR
This initial screening call with a recruiter or HR representative aims to assess your overall fit for the role and Notion. They will ask about your background, motivations for applying, and understanding of the company. It's also an opportunity for you to ask initial questions about the role and the interview process.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Tell me about yourself.
Why are you interested in Notion?
Why are you looking to move from your current role?
What are your salary expectations?
What do you know about the Software Engineering Manager role here?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Technical Interview / System Design · 60 min · Senior Software Engineer / Engineering Lead
This round focuses on your technical expertise and system design skills. You'll be asked to discuss your experience with designing scalable and robust systems, solving complex technical problems, and making sound architectural decisions. Expect a deep dive into your technical background and how you approach technical challenges.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Design a system for [specific problem, e.g., a real-time notification service].
How would you scale a web application to handle millions of users?
Describe a challenging technical problem you solved. What was your approach?
What are the trade-offs between SQL and NoSQL databases?
How do you approach code reviews and ensure code quality?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
People Management & Leadership Interview · 60 min · Hiring Manager / Director of Engineering
This interview focuses on your people management and leadership capabilities. You'll be asked behavioral questions about how you manage teams, develop talent, handle conflicts, and drive strategic initiatives. The interviewer will assess your ability to build and lead high-performing engineering teams.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Describe your approach to managing a team of engineers.
Tell me about a time you had to manage a difficult team member. How did you handle it?
How do you foster career growth and development for your team members?
What is your strategy for setting team goals and ensuring accountability?
How do you handle disagreements within your team?
Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders outside of your direct team.
How do you ensure your team is productive and motivated?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Culture Fit · 45 min · Peer Engineering Manager / Cross-functional Partner (e.g., Product Manager)
This round assesses your ability to collaborate with peers and cross-functional partners. You'll discuss how you work with product managers, designers, and other engineering teams to achieve shared goals. It also evaluates your cultural fit and how you embody Notion's values.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
How do you collaborate with Product Managers?
Describe a time you had a disagreement with a peer manager. How did you resolve it?
How do you ensure alignment between engineering and product roadmaps?
What does 'customer obsession' mean to you in an engineering context?
How do you contribute to a positive team culture?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Executive / Leadership Interview · 60 min · Director/VP of Engineering
This final interview with a senior leader (Director or VP) is to assess your strategic thinking, leadership vision, and overall fit for managing teams at Notion. They will probe your ability to think long-term, align with company strategy, and lead at a higher level. This is your chance to demonstrate your potential impact on the organization.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
What is your vision for an engineering team at Notion in the next 3-5 years?
How would you approach building and scaling a new engineering team from scratch?
How do you balance innovation with delivering on current commitments?
What are the biggest challenges facing engineering leaders today, and how do you address them?
How do you measure the success of your engineering managers?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
DSA
Frequently reported on Notion loops
Other guides
