# Software Engineer (SWE) I
**Role:** Software Engineer · **Level:** P1
**Company:** [Workday](https://scaleengineer.com/companies/workday)
**Difficulty:** Medium
**Salary:** US$85000 - US$110000
**Experience:** 0 - 2
**Timeline:** ~14 days
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.
Canonical: https://scaleengineer.com/interviews/workday/p1-software-engineer
---
## Overall evaluation

- Technical Skills
- Behavioral and Cultural Fit

## Questions asked

- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in Workday?
- Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you solved it.
- Write a function to reverse a linked list.
- Explain the time complexity of common sorting algorithms.
- How would you design a URL shortener (high-level)?
- Tell me about a time you disagreed with a teammate and how you handled it.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

## Preparation tips

### lists

- Review fundamental computer science concepts, including data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, graph traversal).
- Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or similar sites, focusing on medium-difficulty problems.
- Understand object-oriented programming (OOP) principles.
- Prepare to discuss your resume, highlighting relevant projects and internships.
- Research Workday's products, values, and culture.
- Prepare STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answers for common behavioral questions.
- Practice explaining your thought process clearly and concisely.
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company.

### studyPlan

- {"title":"Data Structures and Algorithms Fundamentals","longDescription":"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).","shortDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Data Structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Trees, Hash Maps) & Basic Algorithms (Sorting, Searching)."}
- {"title":"Algorithm Practice and Behavioral Preparation","longDescription":"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.","shortDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Advanced Algorithms (Graphs, DP, Greedy) & Behavioral Prep."}
- {"title":"System Design Introduction and Mock Interviews","longDescription":"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.","shortDescription":"Week 5: System Design Basics & Mock Interviews."}

## Location differences

- {"location":"Austin, TX","differences":{"tips":["Highlight projects where you demonstrated learning agility.","Be prepared to discuss your thought process for problem-solving.","Emphasize teamwork and communication in your examples."],"interviewFocus":["Adaptability to new technologies and team environments.","Understanding of core computer science principles.","Collaboration and communication skills."],"commonQuestions":["Tell me about a challenging project you worked on during your internship.","How do you approach debugging a complex issue?","Describe a time you had to learn a new technology quickly."]}}
- {"location":"Pleasanton, CA","differences":{"tips":["Review common data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs) and algorithms (sorting, searching).","Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.","Prepare to walk through your code and explain your logic clearly."],"interviewFocus":["Strong grasp of fundamental data structures and algorithms.","Ability to write clean and efficient code.","Problem-solving and analytical thinking."],"commonQuestions":["Can you explain the concept of recursion with an example?","What are the differences between a list and a set in Python?","Describe a situation where you had to explain a technical concept to a non-technical person."]}}

## Round 1: Data Structures and Algorithms Coding Challenge
**Type:** Technical Interview (Data Structures & Algorithms) · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Technical interview focusing on coding problems related to data structures and algorithms.
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.
**Interviewers look for:** A clear and structured approach to problem-solving.; Correct implementation of data structures and algorithms.; Understanding of time and space complexity.; Ability to write clean, readable, and efficient code.; Good communication of thought process.
**Evaluation criteria:** Problem-solving skills; Data structures and algorithms knowledge; Coding ability; Logical thinking
**Common rejection reasons:** Inability to articulate thought process.; Lack of fundamental programming knowledge.; Poor problem-solving approach.; Inability to write working code.
## 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.

## Preparation tips

- Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, focusing on arrays, strings, linked lists, trees, and graphs.
- Understand the time and space complexity of your solutions.
- Be ready to explain your code line by line.
- Think out loud and communicate your thought process to the interviewer.

## Round 2: Behavioral and Managerial Fit
**Type:** Behavioral and Managerial Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Behavioral interview to assess soft skills, cultural fit, and motivation.
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.
**Interviewers look for:** Clear and concise communication.; Ability to articulate past experiences using the STAR method.; Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration.; Alignment with Workday's values.; Genuine interest in the role and company.
**Evaluation criteria:** Communication skills; Teamwork and collaboration; Problem-solving approach; Cultural fit; Motivation and career aspirations
**Common rejection reasons:** Poor communication skills.; Lack of enthusiasm or interest.; Inability to provide specific examples for behavioral questions.; Poor cultural fit.; Lack of clarity on career goals.
## 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?

## Preparation tips

- Prepare examples for common behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Research Workday's mission, values, and culture.
- Be ready to discuss your career goals and why you are interested in this specific role.
- Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.

## Round 3: Technical Discussion and System Design Concepts
**Type:** Technical/System Design Discussion · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 30 min
Discussion on technical concepts, past projects, or basic system design.
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.
**Interviewers look for:** Understanding of basic system design principles.; Ability to discuss technical choices and trade-offs.; Clear communication of technical concepts.; Curiosity and willingness to learn.; Alignment with the team's technical stack and practices.
**Evaluation criteria:** Understanding of software development lifecycle; Ability to discuss technical trade-offs; Communication of technical ideas; Enthusiasm for learning and growth
**Common rejection reasons:** Unclear communication of technical concepts.; Inability to connect technical skills to business impact.; Lack of curiosity or engagement.; Poor alignment with team's technical direction.
## 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.

## Preparation tips

- Review basic system design concepts (e.g., APIs, databases, client-server architecture).
- Be prepared to discuss your internship or project experiences in detail, focusing on technical challenges and decisions.
- Think about scalability, reliability, and maintainability in your design discussions.
- Practice explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely.