This interview process is for a Software Engineer (L3) position at Zeta. It is designed to assess a candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company.
Rounds·4
Timeline·~7d
Experience·2 - 5 yrs
Comp band·US$90000 - US$120000
Interview time·210 min
Evaluation
Preparation
Tips
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 04 phases
01 / 04Phase 01 of 04
Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms fundamentals. Solve 40+ coding problems.
Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming, recursion). Practice implementing these in your preferred language. Solve at least 20 problems per week.
Phase 02 of 04
Weeks 3-4: System Design basics. Study scalability, databases, caching.
Weeks 3-4: Dive into system design concepts. Study topics like scalability, availability, databases (SQL vs. NoSQL), caching, load balancing, and microservices. Work through system design case studies.
Phase 03 of 04
Week 5: Behavioral questions preparation using STAR method.
Week 5: Prepare for behavioral questions. Reflect on your past experiences and prepare stories using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for common questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.
Phase 04 of 04
Week 6: Company research and question preparation.
Week 6: Research Zeta thoroughly. Understand our mission, values, products, and recent news. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company.
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 · 45 min · Recruiter/HR
This initial round is conducted by an HR representative or a recruiter to assess your overall fit with Zeta's culture and values. They will ask about your background, career aspirations, and motivation for applying. It's also an opportunity for you to learn more about the company and the role.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Tell me about yourself.
Why are you interested in Zeta?
What are your salary expectations?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Technical Interview - Data Structures And Algorithms · 60 min · Software Engineer
This is a technical round focused on data structures and algorithms. You will be asked to solve coding problems, typically on a shared online editor. The interviewer will assess your ability to analyze problems, choose appropriate data structures and algorithms, write efficient code, and explain your solution.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Given a binary tree, find its inorder traversal.
Implement a function to find the kth smallest element in an unsorted array.
Write a program to detect a cycle in a linked list.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Technical Interview - System Design · 60 min · Senior Software Engineer / Architect
This round evaluates your ability to design scalable and robust software systems. You'll be presented with a high-level problem (e.g., design Twitter's feed, design a URL shortener) and expected to discuss various aspects of the system, including data models, APIs, scalability strategies, and potential bottlenecks.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Design a system like Instagram.
How would you design a rate limiter?
Design a distributed cache.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Managerial Interview · 45 min · Hiring Manager
This round is with the hiring manager, who will assess your overall fit for the team and the role. They will delve deeper into your experience, behavioral aspects, and career aspirations. This is also your chance to understand the team dynamics, projects, and expectations.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Tell me about a time you disagreed with a teammate and how you resolved it.
What are your career goals for the next 3-5 years?
Describe a project you are particularly proud of and your role in it.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
DSA
Frequently reported on Zeta loops
Other guides
