This interview process is designed to assess candidates for the Software Engineer I (IC1) role at Reddit. It evaluates technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the company.
Rounds·3
Timeline·~14d
Experience·0 - 2 yrs
Comp band·US$100000 - US$130000
Interview time·150 min
Evaluation
Preparation
Tips
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 04 phases
01 / 04Phase 01 of 04
Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms fundamentals. Practice implementations and complexity analysis.
Weeks 1-2: Focus on Data Structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees, Graphs, Hash Tables) and Algorithms (Sorting, Searching, Recursion, Dynamic Programming). Practice implementing these in your preferred language and analyze their time and space complexity.
Phase 02 of 04
Weeks 3-4: System Design basics. Focus on scalability, reliability, and common patterns.
Weeks 3-4: Dive into System Design concepts. Understand scalability, reliability, availability, and common design patterns (e.g., load balancing, caching, database sharding). Study how to design common systems like a URL shortener or a social media feed.
Phase 03 of 04
Week 5: Behavioral questions preparation using STAR method. Align with Reddit's values.
Week 5: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions. Reflect on your past experiences and prepare examples using the STAR method. Understand Reddit's values and how they align with your own.
Phase 04 of 04
Week 6: Project deep dive, technology review, and mock interviews.
Week 6: Review your resume and prepare to discuss your projects in detail. Brush up on any specific technologies mentioned in the job description or on your resume. Practice mock interviews.
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 - Coding · 45 min · Software Engineer
This round focuses on your core programming skills. 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 your understanding of time and space complexity.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Given a binary tree, determine if it is a valid binary search tree.
Find the kth smallest element in an unsorted array.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Technical Interview - System Design · 60 min · Senior Software Engineer / Engineering Manager
This round assesses your ability to design and architect software systems. You'll be presented with a high-level problem (e.g., design a URL shortener, design a Twitter feed) and expected to discuss various aspects of the design, including data models, APIs, scalability, reliability, and potential bottlenecks. The focus is on your thought process and ability to make informed design decisions.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Design a system like Instagram.
How would you design a rate limiter?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Behavioral And Managerial Interview · 45 min · Hiring Manager
This round focuses on your past experiences, behavioral competencies, and cultural fit. You'll be asked questions about how you've handled specific situations in previous roles, your strengths and weaknesses, and your motivations for joining Reddit. The interviewer wants to understand how you work with others, how you approach problems, and whether you align with Reddit's values.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker and how you resolved it.
Describe a project you are particularly proud of and your role in it.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
DSA
Frequently reported on Reddit loops
Other guides
