Toptal is a global network of top freelance talent in the world. We are the largest remote company in the world, and we are building the future of work. We are looking for a talented Software Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals, experience with various programming languages, and a passion for building high-quality software. This role requires a proactive and collaborative individual who can thrive in a fast-paced, remote environment.
Rounds·3
Timeline·~7d
Experience·2 - 10 yrs
Comp band·US$100000 - US$150000
Interview time·165 min
Evaluation
Preparation
Tips
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 04 phases
01 / 04Phase 01 of 04
Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms. Practice arrays, lists, trees, graphs, hash tables, heaps. Focus on complexity. 5-10 problems/topic.
Weeks 1-2: Focus on Data Structures and Algorithms. Cover arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash tables, heaps, and sorting/searching algorithms. Practice problems related to each topic, paying attention to time and space complexity. Aim for at least 5-10 problems per data structure/algorithm type.
Phase 02 of 04
Weeks 3-4: System Design. Study scalability, databases, caching, load balancing, APIs. Practice design questions.
Weeks 3-4: Dive into System Design. Study concepts like scalability, availability, reliability, databases (SQL vs. NoSQL), caching, load balancing, message queues, and API design. Work through common system design interview questions (e.g., design Twitter, design a URL shortener).
Phase 03 of 04
Week 5: Behavioral & Projects. Prepare STAR method answers for behavioral questions. Discuss past projects.
Week 5: Behavioral and Project Deep Dive. Prepare to discuss your resume projects in detail. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers for behavioral questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and handling failure. Reflect on your career goals and motivations.
Phase 04 of 04
Week 6: Mock Interviews & Review. Simulate interviews, focus on communication and time. Review weak areas.
Week 6: Mock Interviews and Review. Conduct mock interviews with peers or mentors to simulate the actual interview experience. Focus on communication, clarity, and time management. Review any weak areas identified during practice and mock interviews.
Questions
Locations
Fig · Regions — 02 locations
01 / 02Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Rounds
Expand a step for evaluation criteria, sample questions, and prep notes.
Technical Screening · 60 min · Technical Screener / Junior Engineer
This initial technical screening assesses your fundamental programming skills and problem-solving abilities. You will be asked to solve coding challenges, typically involving data structures and algorithms. The interviewer will evaluate your approach to problem-solving, your ability to write clean and efficient code, and your understanding of time and space complexity. Expect to explain your thought process throughout the coding exercise.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Given an array of integers, return indices of the two numbers such that they add up to a specific target.
Reverse a linked list.
Find the kth smallest element in a Binary Search Tree.
Implement a function to check if a string is a palindrome.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
System Design · 60 min · Senior Engineer / Architect
This round focuses on your ability to design scalable and robust software systems. You will be presented with a high-level problem and asked to design a solution, considering aspects like data storage, APIs, scalability, performance, and reliability. The interviewer will probe your design choices, asking you to justify trade-offs and consider edge cases.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Design a URL shortening service like Bitly.
Design a news feed system for a social media platform.
How would you design a system to handle real-time analytics for a website?
Design an API for a ride-sharing service.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Behavioral And Managerial Interview · 45 min · Hiring Manager / Team Lead
This interview focuses on your behavioral aspects, past experiences, and cultural fit. You'll be asked questions about how you handle specific situations, your strengths and weaknesses, your motivations, and how you collaborate with others. The goal is to understand how you operate within a team and if you align with Toptal's culture and values.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a colleague and how you resolved it.
Describe a project you are particularly proud of and your role in it.
How do you stay motivated when working on challenging or repetitive tasks?
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a software engineer?
Why are you interested in this role at Toptal?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
DSA
Frequently reported on Toptal loops
Other guides
