This interview process for a Software Engineer (L2) at Societe Generale is designed to assess a candidate's technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically involves multiple rounds, starting with an HR screening, followed by technical assessments, and concluding with a managerial interview.
Rounds·4
Timeline·~14d
Experience·2 - 5 yrs
Comp band·US$90000 - US$120000
Interview time·195 min
Evaluation
Preparation
Tips
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 04 phases
01 / 04Phase 01 of 04
Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA) fundamentals. Practice implementation and complexity analysis.
Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming, recursion). Practice implementing these in your preferred language and analyze their time and space complexity (Big O notation).
Phase 02 of 04
Weeks 3-4: System Design principles. Study scalability, reliability, and common architectures.
Weeks 3-4: Dive into system design concepts. Understand principles of scalability, reliability, and availability. Study common design patterns and architectural styles like microservices. Practice designing systems for common use cases (e.g., URL shortener, social media feed).
Phase 03 of 04
Week 5: Behavioral questions preparation using STAR method. Reflect on past experiences.
Week 5: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions. Reflect on past experiences related to teamwork, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and leadership. Use the STAR method to structure your answers.
Phase 04 of 04
Week 6: Company research and question preparation. Understand Societe Generale's values and projects.
Week 6: Research Societe Generale thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, recent projects, and the specific role you are applying for. Prepare insightful questions about the company culture, team, and projects.
Questions
Locations
Fig · Regions — 03 locations
01 / 03Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Rounds
Expand a step for evaluation criteria, sample questions, and prep notes.
HR Screening · 30 min · HR Recruiter
The initial HR screening is a brief conversation to assess your overall fit for the role and the company. The HR representative will ask about your background, motivations for applying, and understanding of the position. They will also cover logistical aspects and answer any initial questions you might have about the company culture or benefits.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Tell me about your background and experience.
Why are you interested in this role at Societe Generale?
What are your salary expectations?
What do you know about Societe Generale?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Technical Interview (Coding) · 60 min · Software Engineer / Technical Lead
This round focuses on your core technical skills. You will typically be asked to solve one or two coding problems on a whiteboard or shared coding environment. The interviewer will assess your ability to understand the problem, devise an efficient solution, write clean code, and explain your thought process. Expect questions on data structures, algorithms, and potentially basic system design concepts.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Given an array of integers, find the two numbers that add up to a specific target.
Implement a function to reverse a linked list.
Find the kth smallest element in a binary search tree.
Write a function to check if a string is a palindrome.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Technical Interview (System Design) · 60 min · Senior Software Engineer / Architect
This round evaluates your ability to design and architect software systems. You'll be presented with a high-level problem (e.g., design a URL shortening service, a social media feed, or a ride-sharing app) and asked to propose a solution. The focus is on scalability, reliability, performance, and the trade-offs involved in your design choices. You should be prepared to discuss databases, APIs, caching strategies, load balancing, and potential bottlenecks.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Design a URL shortening service like bit.ly.
Design a news feed system for a social media platform.
How would you design a system to handle real-time notifications?
Design an API rate limiter.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Managerial Interview · 45 min · Hiring Manager
The final round is typically with the hiring manager, who will assess your overall fit for the team and your potential for growth within Societe Generale. This interview often includes a mix of behavioral questions, situational questions, and discussions about your career goals. The manager wants to understand how you collaborate, handle challenges, and contribute to team success. They will also provide more insight into the team's projects and dynamics.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Describe a time you had a conflict with a team member and how you resolved it.
How do you prioritize your work when you have multiple tasks?
What motivates you in a work environment?
Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned from it.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
DSA
Frequently reported on Societe Generale loops
Other guides
