This interview process is designed to assess candidates for a Software Engineering Manager (P1 level) position at UKG. It evaluates technical leadership, people management skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit.
Rounds·4
Timeline·~14d
Experience·5 - 10 yrs
Comp band·US$140000 - US$180000
Interview time·195 min
Evaluation
Preparation
Tips
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 04 phases
01 / 04Phase 01 of 04
Weeks 1-2: UKG Research, P1 Expectations, Core SE Principles.
Weeks 1-2: Deep dive into UKG's business, products, and company culture. Understand the P1 level expectations for a Software Engineering Manager. Review core software engineering principles and best practices.
Phase 02 of 04
Weeks 3-4: People Management, Performance, Conflict Resolution, Behavioral Prep.
Weeks 3-4: Focus on people management skills. Study topics like performance reviews, career development frameworks, conflict resolution, motivating teams, and building inclusive environments. Prepare behavioral examples.
Phase 03 of 04
Weeks 5-6: Strategy, Agile, Project Management, Technical Roadmaps.
Weeks 5-6: Concentrate on strategic thinking and execution. Review agile methodologies, project management, technical strategy, roadmap planning, and risk management. Practice articulating your approach to technical challenges.
Phase 04 of 04
Week 7: Communication Refinement, Leadership Philosophy, Technical Q&A.
Week 7: Refine communication skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and answer questions about your experience with specific technologies or architectural patterns relevant to UKG.
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.
HR Screening · 30 min · Recruiter/HR
The initial HR screening call is designed to assess your overall fit for the role and UKG. The recruiter will discuss your background, career goals, and motivation for applying. They will also provide an overview of the role, the company, and the interview process. This is a good opportunity to ask clarifying questions about the position or the company culture.
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 UKG?
What are your salary expectations?
What do you know about UKG?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Technical & Strategic Interview · 60 min · Senior Engineering Leader/Director
This round focuses on your technical leadership and strategic thinking. You'll be asked to discuss your approach to technical challenges, architectural decisions, and how you guide engineering teams towards achieving business objectives. Expect questions about managing technical debt, fostering innovation, and your experience with various software development methodologies.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Describe a complex technical problem you solved as a manager. What was your approach?
How do you balance delivering new features with maintaining code quality and addressing technical debt?
Walk me through your process for making architectural decisions for a new product or feature.
How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within your engineering team?
Tell me about a time you had to manage a significant technical challenge or failure. What did you learn?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
People Management Interview · 60 min · Hiring Manager/Director of Engineering
This interview focuses on your people management philosophy and experience. You'll be asked about how you lead, motivate, and develop your teams. Expect questions on performance management, career development, conflict resolution, and creating an inclusive work environment. The interviewer wants to understand how you build and nurture high-performing engineering teams.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Describe your approach to performance management and providing feedback to your team members.
Tell me about a time you had to manage a conflict between team members. How did you resolve it?
How do you identify and develop high-potential engineers on your team?
Describe a situation where you had to deliver difficult news to a team member. How did you handle it?
What strategies do you employ to foster a diverse and inclusive team environment?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Executive/Final Interview · 45 min · Director/VP of Engineering or Product
In this final round, you'll meet with a senior leader to discuss your overall fit with UKG's strategic direction and culture. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership vision and how you can contribute to the company's success. Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy, how you collaborate with other departments (like Product Management), and reaffirm your alignment with UKG's values.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
What is your vision for a high-performing engineering team at UKG?
How do you collaborate with Product Management to ensure successful product delivery?
Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders to adopt your technical or strategic recommendation.
What are your long-term career aspirations, and how do you see yourself growing at UKG?
How do you embody UKG's core values in your leadership approach?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
DSA
Frequently reported on UKG loops
Other guides
