Preparing answers in STAR format for behavioral interview questions.
The interviews:
Meta mock phone screen:
Two questions were asked.
First question: Array Partitioning
Second question: Array Sum
I solved the first question but struggled with the second. I proposed different approaches until the interviewer asked if I was sure about my solution. My solution was correct, and I communicated that to the interviewer.
Takeaway: Not every interviewer comment is a hint. Thoroughly study the questions.
Meta phone screen:
Two questions were asked directly from frequently asked questions.
First question: Array Sum
Second question: Tree BFS
I successfully answered both questions and was notified the next day that I had advanced to the onsite interviews.
Preparing for onsite:
Preparing for the onsite interviews was demanding, including coding and behavioral preparation, and my first system design interview. I spent considerable time learning fundamentals before tackling common Meta system design problems.
Meta onsite 1 (coding):
This round was challenging.
First question: Tree BFS (achieved optimal runtime but not optimal space)
Second question: Multiple binary searches on an array (did not achieve the optimal solution)
I realized my mistakes after the interview but could not correct them.
I struggled with the second question because it was unlike most other frequently asked questions.
Meta onsite 2 (behavioral):
This round included standard behavioral questions, focusing on my ability to work with others.
Meta onsite 3 (system design):
This round was mixed. I felt my points were valid/somewhat correct.
Meta onsite 4 (coding):
This was my strongest performance. I solved both questions optimally.
First question: Number Verification (similar to a hard problem)
Second question: Tree BFS
The recruiter called the day after my final onsite. I was informed that the hiring committee was on the fence and that a follow-up coding round was needed.
Meta onsite 5 (follow-up coding):
I struggled in this round.
First question: Palindrome (similar to a hard problem)
Second question: Grid DFS
I was unable to solve the first question and needed hints for the second.
The recruiter notified me the same day that I was rejected. This was an eye-opening experience, and I know I have more work to do.