Topics: System Design, Behavioral, REST API, Spring Boot
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Interview date: 2026-03-01
Got offer: False
Summary
Round 1: Coding
Question: Implement a simple system that can serve REST requests, similar to Stack Overflow, with functionalities to post questions and query them. I used Spring Boot and IntelliJ.
Round 2: Hiring Manager
Question: Discussion about my past experiences and reasons for wanting to join the company.
Round 3: System Design
Question: Design a logging system.
Round 4: Project Deep Dive
Question: Discuss a project of my own, including a PPT presentation.
Details
Preparation Tips & Key Takeaways
What I Learned
The coding round required building a functional system from scratch, so strong practical skills in a framework like Spring Boot are crucial.
System design knowledge is important, especially for classic problems like designing a logging system.
Being able to present and discuss my own projects in detail, with a PPT, was a key part of the interview process.
Recommended Preparation
Coding Practice
Practice building RESTful APIs using frameworks like Spring Boot or similar.
Focus on implementing common functionalities such as data posting and querying.
System Design
Study classic system design problems like logging systems, rate limiters, and caching strategies.
Review design patterns and best practices for building scalable and reliable systems.
Behavioral Questions
Prepare STAR stories to highlight relevant experiences and skills.
Practice discussing my past projects in detail, including technical challenges and solutions.
Resources I Recommend
Online courses and tutorials for Spring Boot and REST API development.
System design interview preparation materials and practice questions.
Presentation skills training to effectively communicate project details.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Neglecting the practical coding aspect and focusing solely on theoretical knowledge.
Failing to adequately prepare for system design questions, especially classic problems.
Being unable to clearly and concisely present my own projects and experiences.