This interview process is designed to assess candidates for the Software Engineering Manager (L5) position at Societe Generale. It evaluates technical leadership, people management skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit within the organization.
Rounds·4
Timeline·~14d
Experience·7 - 12 yrs
Comp band·US$150000 - US$200000
Interview time·195 min
Evaluation
Preparation
Tips
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 04 phases
01 / 04Phase 01 of 04
Weeks 1-2: Resume review, STAR stories, CS fundamentals, company research.
Weeks 1-2: Deep dive into your past projects and achievements. Prepare detailed STAR stories for leadership, conflict resolution, and technical challenges. Review core computer science concepts and data structures. Understand Societe Generale's business and financial services context.
Phase 02 of 04
Weeks 3-4: People management, leadership theories, conflict resolution, hiring.
Weeks 3-4: Focus on people management aspects. Study leadership theories, performance management techniques, conflict resolution strategies, and hiring best practices. Practice explaining your management philosophy. Prepare for behavioral questions related to team dynamics.
Phase 03 of 04
Weeks 5-6: Technical leadership, system design, architecture, tech debt.
Weeks 5-6: Concentrate on technical leadership and system design. Review architectural patterns, scalability considerations, and common technology stacks. Practice explaining complex technical concepts clearly. Prepare for questions on technical decision-making and managing technical debt.
Phase 04 of 04
Week 7: Mock interviews, question preparation, final review.
Week 7: Mock interviews focusing on all aspects: technical, behavioral, and managerial. Refine your answers and ensure clarity and conciseness. Prepare insightful questions for the interviewers. Final review of company information and role expectations.
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 call is designed to assess your overall fit for the role and the company. The recruiter will discuss your background, career aspirations, and motivation for applying to Societe Generale. They will also provide an overview of the company culture and the interview process. This is a good opportunity to ask initial questions about the role and the organization.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Tell me about yourself and your career journey.
Why are you interested in this Software Engineering Manager role at Societe Generale?
What are your salary expectations?
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a manager?
Do you have any questions for me?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Technical Interview / System Design · 60 min · Senior Software Engineer / Architect
This round focuses on your technical expertise and system design capabilities. You will be asked to discuss your experience with various technologies, architectural patterns, and best practices. Expect a system design question where you'll need to design a scalable and reliable system, explaining your choices and trade-offs. The interviewer will assess your ability to think critically about technical challenges and propose effective solutions.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Design a URL shortening service like bit.ly.
How would you design a real-time notification system?
Discuss your experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
Explain the concept of eventual consistency.
What are the pros and cons of microservices architecture?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Managerial Interview · 60 min · Hiring Manager / Director of Engineering
This interview focuses on your people management and leadership capabilities. You'll be asked behavioral questions designed to understand how you lead, motivate, and develop your teams. Expect questions about conflict resolution, performance management, hiring, delegation, and fostering a positive team culture. The interviewer will also assess your strategic thinking and ability to align team goals with business objectives.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Describe a time you had to manage a conflict between two high-performing engineers. What was the outcome?
How do you motivate your team during challenging projects or periods of change?
Tell me about a time you had to deliver difficult feedback to a team member. How did you approach it?
How do you balance the needs of your team with the strategic goals of the organization?
Describe your experience with hiring and building high-performing engineering teams.
How do you foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Final Round / Executive Interview · 45 min · Senior Leader / Department Head
This final round is often with a senior leader or department head to assess your overall fit within Societe Generale's culture and your potential for long-term success. They will likely ask broader questions about your career vision, leadership philosophy, and how you approach collaboration. This is also your opportunity to ask high-level questions about the company's direction and culture.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
What is your vision for a high-performing engineering team?
How do you ensure your team's work aligns with the broader business objectives?
Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders outside of your direct team. How did you approach it?
What are you passionate about in technology and leadership?
How do you see yourself contributing to Societe Generale's success in the next 3-5 years?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
DSA
Frequently reported on Societe Generale loops
Other guides
