Revolut

Software Engineer

Software EngineerJunior Software EngineerMedium

This interview process is designed to assess the skills and potential of junior software engineers at Revolut. It focuses on fundamental programming concepts, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

Rounds

4

Timeline

~7 days

Experience

0 - 2 yrs

Salary Range

US$50000 - US$65000

Total Duration

195 min

Overall Evaluation Criteria

Technical Skills

Problem-solving skills
Coding proficiency
Algorithmic thinking
Data structure knowledge
Code quality and readability
Communication skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Learning agility
Cultural fit with Revolut's values

Communication and Behavioral

Ability to articulate thought process
Clarity of explanations
Active listening
Enthusiasm and motivation

Preparation Tips

1Review fundamental data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, recursion, dynamic programming).
2Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Codewars, focusing on easy and medium difficulty levels.
3Understand basic object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts.
4Brush up on your chosen programming language's syntax and standard library.
5Prepare to discuss your resume, projects, and any internships or academic work.
6Research Revolut's products, values, and recent news.
7Think about common behavioral questions and prepare STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answers.
8Be ready to explain your thought process clearly during coding challenges.

Study Plan

1

Data Structures Fundamentals

Weeks 1-2: Data Structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees) & Complexity Analysis.

Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and trees. Practice implementing them and solving problems involving their use. Understand time and space complexity (Big O notation).

2

Algorithmic Thinking

Weeks 3-4: Algorithms (Sorting, Searching, Recursion, Graph Traversal) & Problem Solving.

Weeks 3-4: Dive into algorithms such as sorting (bubble, merge, quick), searching (binary search), recursion, and basic graph traversal (BFS, DFS). Practice applying these algorithms to solve problems.

3

Object-Oriented Programming

Week 5: OOP Concepts & Design Patterns.

Week 5: Solidify your understanding of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles (encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, abstraction). Review common design patterns if time permits. Practice coding challenges that require OOP design.

4

Behavioral Preparation & Company Fit

Week 6: Behavioral Questions (STAR Method) & Company Research.

Week 6: Focus on behavioral questions. Prepare examples using the STAR method for common scenarios like teamwork, problem-solving, handling failure, and learning new things. Research Revolut's culture and values.

5

Practice and Refinement

Week 7: Mock Interviews & Final Review.

Week 7: Mock interviews and final review. Practice coding problems under timed conditions. Refine your explanations and ensure you can articulate your thought process effectively. Review any weak areas identified during practice.

Commonly Asked Questions

Write a function to reverse a string.
Given an array of integers, find the two numbers that add up to a specific target.
Explain the difference between a list and a set.
What is recursion? Provide an example.
Describe a time you faced a technical challenge and how you overcame it.
Why are you interested in working at Revolut?
How do you handle constructive criticism?
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a software engineer?

Location-Based Differences

London

Interview Focus

Understanding of core data structures and algorithms.Ability to write clean, readable, and efficient code.Problem-solving approach and logical thinking.Enthusiasm for learning and growth.

Common Questions

Tell me about a challenging project you worked on during your studies.

How do you approach learning a new programming language or technology?

Describe a time you had to debug a complex piece of code. What was your process?

Tips

Be prepared to discuss your academic projects in detail.
Showcase your passion for technology and software development.
Emphasize your willingness to learn and adapt.

Berlin

Interview Focus

Foundational knowledge in computer science principles.Basic understanding of software development lifecycle.Teamwork and communication skills.Proactiveness in seeking solutions.

Common Questions

What are your favorite programming languages and why?

How do you stay updated with the latest trends in software engineering?

Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a team to solve a problem.

Tips

Highlight any personal coding projects or contributions to open source.
Be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
Demonstrate a positive attitude and eagerness to contribute.

Process Timeline

1
HR Screening Call45m
2
Technical Coding Interview60m
3
System Design Basics Interview45m
4
Hiring Manager Interview45m

Interview Rounds

4-step process with detailed breakdown for each round

1

HR Screening Call

Initial screening call with HR to assess basic fit and motivation.

HR ScreeningEasy
45 minRecruiter/HR

This initial screening call is conducted by an HR representative to assess your general fit for the role and Revolut. They will ask about your background, motivation for applying, and understanding of the company. It's also an opportunity for you to ask initial questions about the role and the company culture.

What Interviewers Look For

Ability to write syntactically correct code.Logical approach to problem-solving.Clear explanation of steps.Basic knowledge of common data structures.

Evaluation Criteria

Basic coding proficiency
Understanding of fundamental data structures
Problem-solving approach
Communication of thought process

Questions Asked

Tell me about yourself and your background.

BehavioralIntroduction

Why are you interested in this Junior Software Engineer role at Revolut?

MotivationCompany Fit

What do you know about Revolut?

Company ResearchMotivation

What are your salary expectations?

Compensation

Preparation Tips

1Be prepared to talk about your resume and why you are interested in this specific role at Revolut.
2Research Revolut's mission, values, and recent achievements.
3Practice answering common behavioral questions.
4Have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer about the role or company.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Inability to solve basic coding problems.
Poor understanding of fundamental data structures and algorithms.
Inability to explain thought process.
Lack of enthusiasm or curiosity.
2

Technical Coding Interview

Coding challenge focused on data structures and algorithms.

Technical Interview (Data Structures & Algorithms)Medium
60 minSoftware Engineer

This is a technical interview focused on data structures and algorithms. You will be asked to solve one or two coding problems, typically on a shared online editor. The interviewer will assess your ability to write clean, efficient code and explain your thought process. Expect questions related to arrays, strings, linked lists, trees, and basic algorithms.

What Interviewers Look For

Correctness and efficiency of the code.Understanding of time and space complexity.Ability to break down problems.Clear communication of logic and approach.Attention to detail in code.

Evaluation Criteria

Coding proficiency
Algorithmic thinking
Data structure knowledge
Problem-solving skills
Code quality and readability
Ability to articulate thought process

Questions Asked

Given an array of integers, return indices of the two numbers such that they add up to a specific target.

ArrayHash MapTwo Pointers

Implement a function to check if a binary tree is a Binary Search Tree (BST).

TreeRecursionBST

Write a function to find the kth smallest element in an unsorted array.

ArraySortingHeap

Reverse a linked list.

Linked ListPointers

Preparation Tips

1Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode (focus on Easy/Medium).
2Be comfortable explaining your approach before coding.
3Write clean, well-commented code.
4Discuss time and space complexity of your solutions.
5Think about edge cases and test your code mentally.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Failure to solve coding challenges.
Incorrect or inefficient algorithms.
Poorly written or unreadable code.
Inability to explain the solution or trade-offs.
Lack of understanding of basic data structures.
3

System Design Basics Interview

Assesses understanding of software design and architecture principles.

Technical Interview (System Design Basics)Medium
45 minSenior Software Engineer/Team Lead

This round focuses on your understanding of software design and architecture, even at a junior level. You might be asked to design a simple system or discuss trade-offs in a given scenario. The goal is to assess your ability to think about how software components interact and how to build scalable and maintainable systems.

What Interviewers Look For

Ability to design simple systems.Understanding of basic components (APIs, databases, caching).Consideration of trade-offs between different approaches.Clear and structured thinking.Willingness to learn and adapt design based on feedback.

Evaluation Criteria

Understanding of software design principles
Problem-solving approach for larger systems
Ability to discuss trade-offs
Communication of technical concepts
Scalability and reliability considerations

Questions Asked

Design a URL shortening service like bit.ly.

System DesignAPI DesignDatabase

How would you design a simple rate limiter?

System DesignConcurrency

Discuss the trade-offs between SQL and NoSQL databases.

DatabaseSystem Design

Preparation Tips

1Understand basic system design concepts like APIs, databases, caching, load balancing.
2Think about how common applications work (e.g., URL shortener, Twitter feed).
3Practice discussing trade-offs between different design choices.
4Focus on clarity and structure in your explanations.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Lack of understanding of basic system design principles.
Inability to discuss trade-offs.
Poor communication of ideas.
Not considering scalability or reliability.
Difficulty in adapting to feedback.
4

Hiring Manager Interview

Focuses on behavioral competencies, teamwork, and cultural fit with the hiring manager.

Behavioral And Manager InterviewMedium
45 minHiring Manager

This interview is with the hiring manager for the team you would be joining. It focuses on your behavioral competencies, teamwork abilities, and overall fit with the team and Revolut's culture. You'll discuss past experiences using the STAR method and explore your career goals and how they align with the opportunities at Revolut.

What Interviewers Look For

Alignment with Revolut's values (e.g., customer focus, innovation, ownership).Ability to work effectively in a team.Proactive and problem-solving mindset.Genuine interest in the role and company.Positive attitude and professionalism.

Evaluation Criteria

Cultural fit with Revolut's values
Teamwork and collaboration skills
Problem-solving approach in real-world scenarios
Motivation and career aspirations
Communication and interpersonal skills

Questions Asked

Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle it?

BehavioralTeamworkConflict Resolution

Describe a project you are particularly proud of and your role in it.

BehavioralProject ExperienceOwnership

How do you prioritize your work when you have multiple tasks?

BehavioralTime ManagementPrioritization

Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?

BehavioralCareer Goals

What motivates you in a work environment?

BehavioralMotivation

Preparation Tips

1Prepare specific examples using the STAR method for common behavioral questions.
2Understand Revolut's core values and how your experiences align with them.
3Be ready to discuss your career aspirations and why this role is a good fit.
4Show enthusiasm and genuine interest in the team's work.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Poor cultural fit.
Lack of enthusiasm or passion.
Inability to articulate past experiences effectively.
Negative attitude towards previous employers or colleagues.
Poor communication or interpersonal skills.

Commonly Asked DSA Questions

Frequently asked coding questions at Revolut

View all
Longest Common PrefixEASYMerge Two Sorted ListsEASYRemove Duplicates from Sorted ListEASYReverse Linked List IIMEDIUMBinary Tree Level Order Traversal IIMEDIUMBinary Tree PathsEASYMissing NumberEASYPerfect SquaresMEDIUMFind All Anagrams in a StringMEDIUMRandom Pick with WeightMEDIUM