Sequoia Software Engineer Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 5 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Sequoia.
Sequoia
Intern Software Engineer
Intern Average Positive experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Technical screen Technical screen Recruiter call
Interview formats
Coding System Design Technical Behavioral
So at Sequoia Group, first they looked at my resume, then I had to do an online coding test. After that, there was a technical interview where they asked me about data structures and system design stuff. Finally, I had an HR round to check how well I communicate, work with others, and if I'd fit into the company culture.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Design a scalable REST API for a student management system, including how to handle authentication.
Sequoia
Software Engineer, Backend
Mid Average Positive experience Accept offer 5 rounds
Interview process
Technical screen Technical screen Technical screen Technical screen Background check
Interview formats
Technical Coding System Design Behavioral
So there were like 5 rounds in total, took about a week. The first 3 were face-to-face and focused on my past work. They got pretty deep into things. I had to explain how NodeJs, Redis, and the difference between Mongo and MySql worked. For NodeJs, I actually had to write code to show how the event loop, callbacks, and promises function and explain all the nitty-gritty. They also asked about application structure and design, and how I'd handle user-access management at both the application and database levels. Then there was a 2-hour Zoom call with HR, which was also pretty involved. It was all situational questions to see if I'd be a good fit for the team and if I'd uphold the company's culture. The recruiter warned me not to take it lightly, as it's a major reason people get rejected.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Why isn't Redis typically used as a main datastore?
- How would you most efficiently handle a promised call before others?
- Can you outline an application structure for managing access control, and also design the corresponding database management system?
Sequoia
Software Engineer
Entry Average Neutral experience Decline offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Onsite
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral
The interview process was relevant and manageable. It's advisable to brush up on the skills mentioned in your resume, along with fundamental Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) and aptitude. The hiring process is impartial and direct.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you walk me through your past projects?
Sequoia Software Engineer Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Sequoia interview reports.
“Why isn't Redis typically used as a main datastore?”
Read reports →“Can you solve the Two Sum problem?”
Read reports →“Can you answer a simple Python question?”
Read reports →“Design a scalable REST API for a student management system, including how to handle authentication.”
Read reports →“How would you most efficiently handle a promised call before others?”
Read report →“What was your CGPA in college?”
Read report →“Can you outline an application structure for managing access control, and also design the corresponding database management system?”
Read report →“Could you write some SQL queries and design a database model?”
Read report →“Tell me about your interest in this role.”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 5 Sequoia interview reports.