The Software Engineer (SWE) I interview at Workday is designed to assess foundational technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit for entry-level engineers. The process typically involves multiple rounds, including HR screening, technical interviews focusing on data structures and algorithms, and a behavioral/managerial interview.
Rounds·3
Timeline·~14d
Experience·0 - 2 yrs
Comp band·US$85000 - US$110000
Interview time·120 min
Evaluation
Preparation
Tips
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 03 phases
01 / 03Phase 01 of 03
Weeks 1-2: Data Structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Trees, Hash Maps) & Basic Algorithms (Sorting, Searching).
Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees (binary trees, BSTs), and hash maps. Practice implementing them and understanding their time and space complexity. Cover basic algorithms like sorting (bubble sort, merge sort, quicksort) and searching (binary search).
Phase 02 of 03
Weeks 3-4: Advanced Algorithms (Graphs, DP, Greedy) & Behavioral Prep.
Weeks 3-4: Dive deeper into algorithms, including graph traversal (BFS, DFS), dynamic programming, and greedy algorithms. Practice problems related to these topics. Also, start preparing for behavioral questions using the STAR method and researching Workday.
Phase 03 of 03
Week 5: System Design Basics & Mock Interviews.
Week 5: Focus on system design fundamentals relevant to entry-level roles, such as understanding APIs, databases, and basic scalability concepts. Continue practicing coding problems and refining your STAR method answers. Conduct mock interviews if possible.
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 Interview (Data Structures & Algorithms) · 45 min · Software Engineer
This round is a technical interview focused on data structures and algorithms. You will be asked to solve one or two coding problems. The interviewer will assess your ability to understand the problem, devise an efficient solution, implement it in code, and analyze its complexity. Be prepared to explain your approach and justify your choices.
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.
Implement a function to check if a binary tree is a valid Binary Search Tree (BST).
Find the kth smallest element in a Binary Search Tree.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Behavioral And Managerial Interview · 45 min · Hiring Manager or Senior Team Member
This round is a behavioral and situational interview, often conducted by the hiring manager. You'll be asked questions about your past experiences, how you handle specific situations, and your motivations. The goal is to assess your soft skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within Workday. Prepare examples using the STAR method.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult team member.
Describe a project you are particularly proud of and your role in it.
How do you stay updated with new technologies?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Technical/System Design Discussion · 30 min · Senior Software Engineer or Architect
This round might involve a discussion about your past projects in more detail, or a high-level system design question. The focus is on understanding your thought process when designing solutions, your awareness of trade-offs, and your ability to communicate technical ideas effectively. For an entry-level role, this might be a more conceptual discussion rather than a deep dive into complex system architecture.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
How would you design a simple API for a to-do list application?
What are the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases?
Walk me through a project you worked on during your studies or internship.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
DSA
Frequently reported on Workday loops
Other guides
