Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Booking, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I went through the earlier stages already, and by the time I was scheduling my next conversation I’d completed an OA and a machine-coding round. The recruiter had set expectations that the next step would be a conversation with an Engineering Manager, which was the stage I was trying to understand better.
My application process felt straightforward and low-drama. I went through the technical part and, honestly, the technical interview itself was enjoyable. The problems weren’t that hard in absolute terms, but the part that made a difference was how well I could optimize my solution once I had something working. Overall, it didn’t feel like a brutal grilling so much as a place where execution and efficiency mattered.
Candidates typically start with an online assessment (OA) that includes coding challenges, often focused on data structures, algorithms, REST APIs, and SQL. The OA is usually followed by a technical interview or a screening call, which may vary in structure and content.
Technical interviews often consist of live coding sessions and system design discussions, where candidates are assessed on their problem-solving skills and ability to optimize solutions. The focus is not just on correctness but also on the reasoning and efficiency of the solutions provided.
Behavioral interviews are conducted to evaluate candidates' cultural fit and collaboration skills, often using questions about past experiences and conflict resolution. These discussions typically follow technical assessments and are seen as an important part of the evaluation process.
The interview process is generally structured with a clear sequence, starting from the OA, moving to technical assessments, and concluding with behavioral interviews. However, candidates have reported variability in the clarity and communication regarding the next steps.
Candidates have experienced varying timelines, with some reporting quick responses while others faced long waits without updates. The lack of communication post-interview can lead to frustration and uncertainty about the outcome.
The overall difficulty of the interviews is often described as moderate, with candidates feeling that the interviews were respectful and fair, though some found the assessments challenging. Many candidates reflected on the importance of preparation for both technical and behavioral components.