Meta | IC5 / E5 | Frontend | London | Rejected

I applied for a Meta frontend software engineer position in January via their careers website. After an initial HR phone call, I completed a phone screen interview.

Phone Screen: I was asked two JavaScript questions:

• Write a function to clear all setTimeout calls.
• Optimize a function that filters an object of arrays based on another object of arrays.

Verdict: I passed, but there were concerns about my coding performance.

I then had one month to prepare for a final interview loop consisting of four interviews on the same day.

Interview Loop: First Coding Interview: I was asked two JavaScript questions:

• Write a function to implement Array.flat().
• Write a function to find the corresponding node in two identical DOM trees.

My Feedback: I felt it went well; we discussed multiple approaches and selected the best one based on time and space complexity.

Recruiter Feedback: It went well, but they felt I lacked some deep JavaScript knowledge. (Passed)

Second Coding Interview: I was asked two JavaScript questions:

• Write a function to implement classNames as in React.
• Write a function to implement Test() and expect() as in Jest.

My Feedback: I think it went well. I implemented the requirements but needed one hint for implementing Test().

Recruiter Feedback: It was good, but the first interview was better. They had an issue with the hint given by the interviewer, as it suggested I lacked knowledge. (Passed)

System Design: I was asked to design an autocomplete widget.

My Feedback: I thought it went well and I provided what they were looking for.

Recruiter Feedback: They had significant concerns because my solution was too perfect, suggesting potential misconduct. The interviewer felt I had accessed internal wiki pages and copied the answer from them. (Failed)

Behavioral Interview: I was asked typical behavioral questions about past experiences, specific situations, and future plans.

My Feedback: I think the outcome depends on the interviewer's perspective and the answers they seek. I felt it went well.

Recruiter Feedback: They had two issues with my answers. First, I stated a preference for a structured work environment, which they said doesn't align with Meta's less structured approach. Second, my preference for work-life balance and moderate workload didn't match Meta's expectation of employees handling high workloads. The interviewer recommended me for an IC4, but not an IC5 position. (Failed)

Final Verdict: My application was rejected due to the system design and behavioral interview results. They suggested I reapply in a year if still interested.