# SWE III
**Role:** Software Engineer · **Level:** P3
**Company:** [Workday](https://scaleengineer.com/companies/workday)
**Difficulty:** Medium to Hard
**Salary:** US$130000 - US$165000
**Experience:** 4 - 8
**Timeline:** ~14 days
The SWE III (P3) interview at Workday is designed to assess a candidate's technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit for a mid-level software engineering role. This process typically involves multiple rounds, including technical interviews focusing on data structures, algorithms, and system design, as well as behavioral interviews to gauge collaboration and communication skills.
Canonical: https://scaleengineer.com/interviews/workday/p3-software-engineer
---
## Overall evaluation

- Technical Skills
- Communication & Collaboration
- Behavioral & Cultural Fit

## Questions asked

- Given an array of integers, find the contiguous subarray with the largest sum.
- Design an API for a simple e-commerce product catalog.
- Tell me about a time you disagreed with a team member. How did you handle it?
- How would you design a system to handle millions of concurrent users for a chat application?
- Implement a function to check if a binary tree is a valid Binary Search Tree.
- Describe a situation where you had to learn a new technology quickly for a project.
- What are the trade-offs between using a relational database and a NoSQL database for a specific use case?
- How do you approach debugging a complex issue in a large codebase?
- Tell me about a project you are particularly proud of and your role in it.
- Design a rate limiter for an API.

## Preparation tips

### lists

- Review fundamental data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming, recursion).
- Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or AlgoExpert, focusing on medium to hard difficulty.
- Study system design principles, including scalability, availability, consistency, and common design patterns (e.g., load balancing, caching, message queues).
- Prepare for behavioral questions by recalling specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Research Workday's products, culture, and values to understand how your experience aligns.
- Understand the specific technologies and languages mentioned in the job description.
- Practice explaining your thought process out loud as you solve problems.

### studyPlan

- {"title":"Data Structures & Algorithms Fundamentals","longDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Hash Maps) and basic algorithms (Sorting, Searching). Practice implementing these from scratch and analyze their time/space complexity. Solve 10-15 LeetCode Easy/Medium problems related to these topics.","shortDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Basic Algorithms. Practice implementation and complexity analysis. Solve 10-15 Easy/Medium problems."}
- {"title":"Advanced Data Structures & Algorithms","longDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Dive into more advanced data structures (Trees, Graphs, Heaps) and algorithms (Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms, Graph Traversal). Work on problems that require combining multiple concepts. Aim for 15-20 LeetCode Medium/Hard problems.","shortDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Advanced DS&A. Focus on Trees, Graphs, DP. Solve 15-20 Medium/Hard problems."}
- {"title":"System Design Basics","longDescription":"Weeks 5-6: Begin system design preparation. Study concepts like API design, database choices (SQL vs. NoSQL), caching strategies, load balancing, message queues, and distributed system trade-offs. Review common system design interview questions and practice designing systems like Twitter feed, URL shortener, etc.","shortDescription":"Weeks 5-6: System Design Fundamentals. Study scalability, databases, caching, load balancing. Practice common design problems."}
- {"title":"Behavioral Interview Preparation","longDescription":"Week 7: Focus on behavioral preparation. Identify key Workday values and prepare specific examples from your past experience using the STAR method for questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and handling conflict. Practice articulating these stories clearly and concisely.","shortDescription":"Week 7: Behavioral Prep. Use STAR method for Workday values (teamwork, problem-solving, leadership)."}
- {"title":"Mock Interviews & Refinement","longDescription":"Week 8: Mock interviews! Conduct mock interviews with peers or use online platforms to simulate the actual interview experience. Focus on both technical problem-solving and behavioral responses. Get feedback and refine your approach.","shortDescription":"Week 8: Mock Interviews. Practice technical and behavioral rounds. Seek feedback."}

## Location differences

- {"location":"Austin, TX","differences":{"tips":["Be prepared to whiteboard solutions for common algorithm problems.","Familiarize yourself with distributed system concepts.","Have specific examples ready for behavioral questions, using the STAR method."],"interviewFocus":["Emphasis on practical application of algorithms and data structures.","System design questions may lean towards scalability and distributed systems.","Behavioral questions often probe for experience in cross-functional team collaboration."],"commonQuestions":["Given a binary tree, find the lowest common ancestor of two given nodes in the tree.","Design a URL shortening service like bit.ly.","Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult stakeholder."]}}
- {"location":"Pleasanton, CA","differences":{"tips":["Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, focusing on optimal solutions.","Understand different database types and their trade-offs.","Be ready to articulate your thought process clearly during technical discussions."],"interviewFocus":["Strong focus on coding proficiency and clean code practices.","System design may involve more focus on data modeling and database choices.","Behavioral questions might explore adaptability and learning agility."],"commonQuestions":["Implement a function to reverse a linked list in place.","Design a system to handle real-time notifications for a social media platform.","Describe a challenging technical problem you solved and how you approached it."]}}

## Round 1: Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) Interview
**Type:** Technical - Coding · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Coding challenge focusing on algorithms and data structures.
This round typically involves a coding challenge, often presented as a problem to solve on a shared editor or whiteboard. The interviewer will assess your ability to understand the problem, devise an efficient algorithm, write clean and correct code, and explain your reasoning. Expect questions on arrays, strings, linked lists, trees, or graphs.
**Interviewers look for:** Strong understanding of fundamental data structures and algorithms.; Ability to translate a problem into a working code solution.; Clear explanation of the chosen approach and its trade-offs.; Attention to detail in implementation.
**Evaluation criteria:** Correctness of the solution; Efficiency of the solution (time and space complexity); Code clarity and readability; Ability to handle edge cases; Communication of approach
**Common rejection reasons:** Inability to articulate thought process clearly.; Suboptimal or incorrect algorithmic solutions.; Poor coding practices (e.g., lack of comments, inefficient variable naming).; Failure to consider edge cases.
## Questions

- Given an array of integers, find the contiguous subarray with the largest sum.
- Implement a function to reverse a linked list in place.
- Find the kth smallest element in a Binary Search Tree.

## Preparation tips

- Practice coding problems focusing on time and space complexity analysis.
- Be prepared to explain your solution step-by-step.
- Write clean, well-commented code.
- Test your code with various inputs, including edge cases.

## Round 2: Architecture & Scalability Interview
**Type:** System Design · **Difficulty:** Hard · **Duration:** 60 min
Design a scalable software system.
This round assesses your ability to design and architect software systems. You'll be given an open-ended problem (e.g., design Twitter, design a URL shortener) and expected to break it down into components, discuss trade-offs, and justify your design decisions. Focus on scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
**Interviewers look for:** Ability to design complex, scalable systems.; Knowledge of various architectural patterns and technologies.; Sound reasoning for design choices.; Consideration of non-functional requirements (performance, security, etc.).
**Evaluation criteria:** System design principles (scalability, availability, reliability); Trade-off analysis; Component design and interaction; Data modeling; Understanding of distributed systems concepts
**Common rejection reasons:** Lack of understanding of distributed system principles.; Inability to design scalable and reliable systems.; Poor trade-off analysis.; Not considering failure scenarios or bottlenecks.
## Questions

- Design a URL shortening service like bit.ly.
- Design a system to handle real-time notifications for a social media platform.
- Design a rate limiter for an API.

## Preparation tips

- Study common system design patterns and concepts.
- Practice designing various systems, considering different requirements.
- Be prepared to discuss databases, caching, load balancing, and APIs.
- Clearly articulate your design choices and the reasoning behind them.

## Round 3: Managerial / Behavioral Interview
**Type:** Behavioral Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Assesses past experiences, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
This round focuses on your past experiences and how you handle various work situations. Expect questions about teamwork, conflict resolution, overcoming challenges, leadership, and your career aspirations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide concrete examples.
**Interviewers look for:** Evidence of collaboration and teamwork.; Ability to handle challenges and learn from mistakes.; Proactive approach to problem-solving.; Alignment with Workday's culture and values.; Good communication and interpersonal skills.
**Evaluation criteria:** Teamwork and collaboration skills; Problem-solving approach in past situations; Communication effectiveness; Adaptability and learning agility; Alignment with Workday values
**Common rejection reasons:** Lack of self-awareness.; Inability to provide specific examples.; Poor communication or interpersonal skills.; Negative attitude or lack of enthusiasm.; Poor cultural fit.
## Questions

- Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult stakeholder.
- Describe a challenging technical problem you solved and how you approached it.
- Tell me about a time you failed. What did you learn from it?
- How do you prioritize your work when you have multiple competing deadlines?

## Preparation tips

- Prepare specific examples using the STAR method for common behavioral questions.
- Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and career goals.
- Understand Workday's core values and how you embody them.
- Be enthusiastic and genuine in your responses.