This interview process is for a Software Engineer position at Pure Storage, specifically for the MTS4 level. It is designed to assess a candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company.
Rounds·4
Timeline·~14d
Experience·4 - 8 yrs
Comp band·US$120000 - US$160000
Interview time·180 min
Evaluation
Preparation
Tips
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 04 phases
01 / 04Phase 01 of 04
Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms (Basics). Practice problems on Trees, Graphs, Arrays.
Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees, Graphs) and their common algorithms. Practice problems related to these topics, ensuring you understand time and space complexity. Cover basic sorting and searching algorithms.
Phase 02 of 04
Weeks 3-4: Advanced Algorithms & Patterns. Practice DP, Greedy, Graph problems.
Weeks 3-4: Dive deeper into advanced algorithms (Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms, Graph Traversal - BFS/DFS, Dijkstra's). Practice more complex coding problems. Start exploring common coding patterns.
Phase 03 of 04
Weeks 5-6: System Design Fundamentals. Learn about Load Balancing, Caching, Databases.
Weeks 5-6: Begin system design preparation. Study concepts like load balancing, caching, databases (SQL vs. NoSQL), message queues, API design, and microservices. Work through common system design case studies.
Phase 04 of 04
Weeks 7-8: System Design - Scalability & Behavioral Prep. Practice designing large systems, STAR method.
Weeks 7-8: Continue system design practice, focusing on scalability, fault tolerance, and trade-offs. Prepare to design large-scale systems. Simultaneously, prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method and research Pure Storage.
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.
Technical Interview - Data Structures & Algorithms · 45 min · Software Engineer (Peer)
This round focuses on your core data structures and algorithms knowledge. You will be given one or two coding problems to solve. The interviewer will assess your approach to problem-solving, your ability to write efficient and correct code, and your understanding of time and space complexity. You'll be expected to communicate your thought process clearly throughout the session.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Given a binary tree, find its maximum depth.
Implement a function to find the kth smallest element in an unsorted array.
Given two strings, determine if one is an anagram of the other.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Technical Interview - System Design · 60 min · Senior Software Engineer / Architect
This round assesses your ability to design scalable and robust systems. You'll be presented with an open-ended problem (e.g., design Twitter, design a URL shortener) and expected to break it down, identify key components, discuss data models, APIs, and address scalability, reliability, and performance concerns. You should be prepared to justify your design decisions and discuss alternatives.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Design a system like Instagram.
Design a rate limiter.
Design a distributed cache.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Behavioral Interview · 45 min · Hiring Manager / Senior Team Member
This round focuses on your past experiences and how they relate to the role and Pure Storage's culture. You'll be asked behavioral questions using the STAR method. Be prepared to discuss your strengths, weaknesses, how you handle conflict, your career goals, and why you're interested in Pure Storage. The interviewer wants to understand your work style and how you'd fit into the team.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Tell me about a time you failed. What did you learn from it?
Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult colleague.
Why are you interested in Pure Storage?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Hiring Manager Round · 30 min · Hiring Manager
This is typically the final round with the hiring manager. It's a chance for the manager to assess your overall fit for the team, discuss your career aspirations, and answer any remaining questions you might have. They will evaluate your motivation, your understanding of the role, and how you align with the team's goals and culture. This is also where salary expectations might be discussed.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
What are your expectations for this role?
What kind of projects are you most excited about?
How do you stay updated with new technologies?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
DSA
Frequently reported on Pure Storage loops
Other guides
