# Software Engineer
**Role:** Software Engineer · **Level:** L3
**Company:** [smartnews](https://scaleengineer.com/companies/smartnews)
**Difficulty:** Medium
**Salary:** US$90000 - US$120000
**Experience:** 1 - 3
**Timeline:** ~7 days
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.
Canonical: https://scaleengineer.com/interviews/smartnews/l3-software-engineer
---
## Overall evaluation

- Technical Skills
- Behavioral and Cultural Fit

## Questions 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].

## Preparation tips

### lists

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

### studyPlan

- {"title":"Data Structures and Algorithms","longDescription":"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.","shortDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms fundamentals. Practice 20-30 problems."}
- {"title":"System Design Fundamentals","longDescription":"Week 3: Deep dive into system design concepts. Understand principles of scalability, availability, reliability, and common design patterns (e.g., load balancing, caching, database sharding). Study common system design interview questions and practice designing systems like a URL shortener or a social media feed.","shortDescription":"Week 3: System Design basics. Study scalability, availability, and common patterns."}
- {"title":"Behavioral and Cultural Fit","longDescription":"Week 4: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions. Reflect on your past experiences and prepare specific examples using the STAR method. Research SmartNews's company culture and values to align your answers. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.","shortDescription":"Week 4: Behavioral questions (STAR method) and company research. Prepare questions."}

## Location differences

- {"location":"Tokyo, Japan","differences":{"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."],"interviewFocus":["Adaptability to local work culture.","Communication skills in the local language.","Understanding of local market trends."],"commonQuestions":["Tell me about a challenging project you worked on.","How do you handle tight deadlines?","Describe a time you disagreed with a team member."]}}
- {"location":"Remote","differences":{"tips":["Highlight your experience with distributed teams and remote work.","Showcase your ability to learn and adapt to new technologies.","Be ready to discuss how you contribute to a positive team dynamic, even remotely."],"interviewFocus":["Proficiency with remote collaboration tools.","Proactive learning and adaptability.","Contribution to a global team environment."],"commonQuestions":["What are your thoughts on remote collaboration tools?","How do you stay updated with the latest tech trends?","Describe a situation where you had to learn a new technology quickly."]}}

## Round 1: HR Screening Call
**Type:** HR Screening · **Difficulty:** Easy · **Duration:** 30 min
An initial screening call with HR to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
This initial round is conducted by an HR representative or recruiter to assess your overall fit for the role and the company. They will review your resume, ask about your career goals, and gauge your interest in SmartNews. It's also an opportunity for you to learn more about the company culture and the specific role.
**Interviewers look for:** Clear communication.; Basic problem-solving approach.; Cultural alignment.
**Evaluation criteria:** Basic understanding of programming concepts.; Ability to communicate clearly.; Enthusiasm for the role and company.
**Common rejection reasons:** Poor communication skills.; Inability to articulate thought process.; Lack of basic coding proficiency.
## Questions

- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in SmartNews?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What are your salary expectations?

## Preparation tips

- Have your resume handy and be ready to discuss your experience.
- Research SmartNews's mission, values, and recent news.
- Prepare a concise answer to 'Why SmartNews?' and 'Why this role?'
- Think about your career aspirations and how this role fits into them.
- Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer about the company or the role.

## Round 2: Data Structures and Algorithms Interview
**Type:** Technical Interview (Coding) · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 60 min
A coding challenge focusing on data structures and algorithms.
This round focuses on your core technical 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 ability to explain your thought process.
**Interviewers look for:** Strong understanding of data structures and algorithms.; Clean and efficient coding practices.; Logical thinking and problem-solving skills.; Ability to communicate technical ideas clearly.
**Evaluation criteria:** Correctness of the solution.; Efficiency of the algorithm (time and space complexity).; Code quality and readability.; Problem-solving approach.; Ability to explain the thought process.
**Common rejection reasons:** Incorrect or inefficient algorithm.; Bugs in the code.; Inability to explain the solution.; Poor time complexity management.
## Questions

- Given an array of integers, return indices of the two numbers such that they add up to a specific target.
- Implement a function to check if a binary tree is a valid Binary Search Tree.
- Find the kth smallest element in a sorted matrix.

## Preparation tips

- Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Coderbyte.
- Focus on common data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming).
- Be prepared to discuss the time and space complexity of your solutions.
- Practice explaining your thought process out loud as you code.
- Ensure your code is well-structured and readable.

## Round 3: System Design Interview
**Type:** System Design Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 60 min
Assesses your ability to design scalable and robust software systems.
This round assesses your ability to design and architect software systems. You'll be given a high-level problem (e.g., design a URL shortener, a Twitter feed, or a rate limiter) and expected to discuss various aspects of the design, including data models, APIs, scalability, and trade-offs. This is crucial for understanding how you approach building real-world applications.
**Interviewers look for:** Ability to design scalable and robust systems.; Knowledge of distributed systems concepts.; Pragmatic approach to problem-solving.; Clear communication of complex ideas.
**Evaluation criteria:** Understanding of system design principles (scalability, availability, reliability).; Ability to design a distributed system.; Consideration of trade-offs.; Clarity of design choices.; Handling of edge cases and failure scenarios.
**Common rejection reasons:** Lack of understanding of system design principles.; Inability to handle scale or trade-offs.; Poor communication of design choices.; Not considering edge cases or failure scenarios.
## Questions

- Design a URL shortening service like TinyURL.
- Design a system to count unique visitors to a website.
- How would you design a real-time notification system?

## Preparation tips

- Study common system design interview topics (e.g., load balancing, caching, databases, message queues).
- Practice designing systems like Twitter, Facebook News Feed, or TinyURL.
- Understand the trade-offs between different design choices.
- Be prepared to discuss scalability, availability, and reliability.
- Think about potential bottlenecks and how to address them.

## Round 4: Behavioral and Managerial Interview
**Type:** Behavioral and Managerial Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Focuses on behavioral aspects, teamwork, and cultural fit with the hiring manager.
This round, often conducted by the hiring manager or a team lead, focuses on your behavioral and soft skills. You'll be asked questions about your past experiences, how you handle challenges, work in a team, and your motivations. The goal is to understand how you operate within a team and if you align with SmartNews's culture.
**Interviewers look for:** Positive attitude and enthusiasm.; Ability to work effectively in a team.; Proactive problem-solving.; Self-awareness and willingness to learn.; Cultural fit.
**Evaluation criteria:** Teamwork and collaboration skills.; Communication and interpersonal skills.; Problem-solving approach in team settings.; Adaptability and learning mindset.; Alignment with SmartNews's culture and values.
**Common rejection reasons:** Lack of collaboration or teamwork.; Poor conflict resolution skills.; Negative attitude.; Mismatch with company values.; Inability to provide specific examples for behavioral questions.
## Questions

- Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker and how you resolved it.
- Describe a project where you had to work under a tight deadline. How did you manage?
- What motivates you in a work environment?
- How do you handle constructive criticism?

## Preparation tips

- Prepare specific examples using the STAR method for common behavioral questions (teamwork, conflict, challenges, failures, successes).
- Research SmartNews's company culture and values.
- Be ready to discuss your career goals and why you're a good fit for the team.
- Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
- Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and work environment.