Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at eBay, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I went through what felt like a pretty standard loop for eBay, even though it didn’t feel like there was one rigid “template” they always followed. Over the process I ended up with three DSA-focused rounds plus one system design round. The expectations were very much the same style I’d practiced for—talking through solutions, walking through reasoning, and showing how I’d approach the problem step by step.
My journey didn’t start with a technical screen at all. First I had a hiring manager conversation, and it leaned heavily on my past work history rather than probing current technical ability. The manager had long tenure and background tied to native Android development, which made the whole setup feel a bit mismatched for an iOS-focused role.
The interview process typically starts with a recruiter call, followed by a technical screen, and culminates in an onsite interview that may include multiple rounds focused on coding, system design, and behavioral questions. Candidates should expect a mix of DSA and system design questions, with some variation in the number of rounds and their focus depending on the specific role level.
Candidates often face a coding assessment that includes DSA problems, typically modeled after LeetCode-style questions. The focus is on problem-solving ability and understanding of data structures, with some candidates reporting specific topics like graph problems and Java-related questions.
The onsite interviews generally include a system design component where candidates are expected to discuss architecture and design scenarios, often involving transaction flows or real-world applications. Preparation should emphasize clear reasoning and trade-off discussions.
Some candidates experience behavioral interviews that focus on past work history and situational responses rather than technical skills. It's important to prepare for questions that assess cultural fit and teamwork, as well as technical alignment with the role.
Candidates report variability in the interview experience, with some describing disorganized or chaotic processes that impacted their performance. It's advisable to remain adaptable and prepared for potential logistical issues or unexpected changes in format.
Candidates recommend focusing on a mix of coding practice, system design principles, and specific technologies relevant to the role, such as Java or Android development. Familiarity with common problem types and frameworks can enhance confidence during the interview.