Scale Engineer

New Grad

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The Yelp New Grad Software Engineer interview process is designed to assess foundational technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit for entry-level engineers. It typically involves multiple rounds focusing on data structures, algorithms, coding proficiency, and behavioral aspects.

Rounds·4

Timeline·~7d

Experience·0 - 2 yrs

Comp band·US$90000 - US$110000

Interview time·210 min

Evaluation

What they measure.

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Coding proficiency (cleanliness, efficiency, correctness)
  • Data structures and algorithms knowledge
  • Communication skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Enthusiasm and cultural fit

Preparation

How to prepare.

Tips

  1. Review fundamental data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, graph traversal, dynamic programming).
  2. Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Coderbyte, focusing on easy and medium difficulty.
  3. Understand Big O notation for time and space complexity.
  4. Prepare to discuss your resume, projects, and any internship experiences in detail.
  5. Research Yelp's mission, values, and recent news.
  6. Prepare answers to common behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  7. Practice explaining your thought process out loud as you solve coding problems.
  8. Prepare a few insightful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, or company culture.

Study plan

Fig · Study plan — 04 phases

01 / 04
01

Phase 01 of 04

Data Structures and Algorithms Fundamentals

Weeks 1-2: Data Structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Hash Maps) & Basic Algorithms (Sorting, Searching, Big O).

Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and hash maps. Practice basic algorithm concepts like sorting (bubble, insertion, merge, quick) and searching (binary search). Understand Big O notation for analyzing complexity.

Questions

Commonly asked.

  • 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 binary tree is a valid Binary Search Tree.
  • Describe a time you faced a technical challenge and how you overcame it.
  • How would you design a URL shortener?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Why are you interested in Yelp?
  • Tell me about a project you are proud of.

Locations

Regional differences.

Fig · Regions — 01 locations

01 / 01

Location

All Locations

Interview focus

Emphasis on fundamental computer science concepts.Assessment of coding style and clarity.Evaluation of eagerness to learn and adapt.Understanding of teamwork and communication skills.

Common questions

  • Tell me about a challenging project you worked on during your studies.
  • How do you approach debugging a complex issue?
  • Describe a time you had to learn a new technology quickly.
  • What are your favorite programming languages and why?
  • How do you collaborate with team members on a project?

Tips

  • Be prepared to discuss academic projects in detail.
  • Showcase your problem-solving process clearly.
  • Highlight any internship or relevant project experience.
  • Research Yelp's products and values.
  • Ask thoughtful questions about the team and culture.

Rounds

Round-by-round.

Expand a step for evaluation criteria, sample questions, and prep notes.

DSA

Coding questions at Yelp.

Frequently reported on Yelp loops

View all at Yelp

Other guides

More at Yelp.