Semrush Software Engineer Interview Questions
& Process

First, there was a Recruiter Call where we chatted about my background, what the job is all about, what they expect, and also practical stuff like salary and when I can start. Then, a Technical Interview happened, which was all about my coding chops, how I solve problems, and if my experience lines up. This might have included live coding, designing systems, or looking at code. Lastly, I had a Team & Manager Interview with the folks I'd be working with and the boss, to see if I'd fit in, how I work with others, and how I tackle real problems. It was also my chance to ask them about the team and the job.

The interview process felt pretty laid-back and chatty, not at all high-pressure or formal. It was all about talking through theoretical stuff and system design ideas. There wasn't any coding, live algorithm challenges, or hands-on technical problems – just a deep dive into theory and how to think about architecture. It made the interview feel chill and interesting, not stressful at all.

The interview process started with a call from a recruiter, then a call with the VP of Engineering. After that, I had a two-hour homework assignment which was strictly timed by the recruiter. This was followed by a technical interview and a call with the team. There was also an online psychological test and a call with the HR Director, ending with an offer presentation. I found the process very clear, straightforward, and easy. I completed all stages in just one month, which is incredibly fast compared to other companies. Some stages were quite short, around 20 minutes, and overall the experience was very positive. The only hiccup was during the 'psychological' test where questions about leadership arose. I answered them from a non-management perspective, as I don't want to be a manager. However, it turned out my definition of leadership was different from the company's, which considers mentorship, helping others, developing architecture, and making tech decisions as leadership. This impacted my evaluation negatively, as mentioned by the HR officer.