Scale Engineer

Software Engineer

Software EngineerL3Medium

The interview process for a Software Engineer (L3) at SmartNews is designed to assess a candidate's technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. It typically involves multiple rounds, starting with an initial screening and progressing to more in-depth technical and behavioral assessments.

Rounds·4

Timeline·~7d

Experience·1 - 3 yrs

Comp band·US$90000 - US$120000

Interview time·195 min

Evaluation

What they measure.

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Coding proficiency
  • Algorithmic thinking
  • Data structures knowledge
  • System design fundamentals

Preparation

How to prepare.

Tips

  1. Review fundamental data structures and algorithms.
  2. Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
  3. Understand core computer science concepts (OS, databases, networking).
  4. Prepare to discuss your past projects and contributions in detail.
  5. Research SmartNews's products, mission, and values.
  6. Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  7. Brush up on system design principles for scalability and reliability.

Study plan

Fig · Study plan — 03 phases

01 / 03
01

Phase 01 of 03

Data Structures and Algorithms

Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms fundamentals. Practice 20-30 problems.

Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming, graph traversal). Practice implementing these in your preferred language and analyze their time and space complexity. Solve at least 20-30 problems covering these topics.

Questions

Commonly asked.

  • Write a function to reverse a linked list.
  • Given an array of integers, find the contiguous subarray with the largest sum.
  • Design a system to handle real-time notifications for a social media platform.
  • Tell me about a time you faced a technical challenge and how you overcame it.
  • How would you optimize a slow database query?
  • Describe your experience with [specific technology relevant to the role].

Locations

Regional differences.

Fig · Regions — 02 locations

01 / 02

Location

Tokyo, Japan

Interview focus

Adaptability to local work culture.Communication skills in the local language.Understanding of local market trends.

Common questions

  • Tell me about a challenging project you worked on.
  • How do you handle tight deadlines?
  • Describe a time you disagreed with a team member.

Tips

  • Research SmartNews's presence and projects in this specific region.
  • Be prepared to discuss your experience with technologies relevant to the local market.
  • Practice answering behavioral questions in the local language if applicable.

Rounds

Round-by-round.

Expand a step for evaluation criteria, sample questions, and prep notes.

DSA

Coding questions at smartnews.

Frequently reported on smartnews loops

View all at smartnews

Other guides

More at smartnews.