Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Factset, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
The first round was a compact DSA-focused interview with basic questions. Then, about a week later in the overall flow, I went into a system-design interview where I was essentially asked to sketch a Kafka-like service. The final step was another technical round where I was hit with a hard leetcode-style problem.
After a recruiter screen, the process moved through three online rounds. I first hit a machine-coding round where I was given requirements and had to produce running code within about 90 minutes. The second round was DSA-focused and broke into two leetcode problems, one easy and one medium. By the time I got to the last round, it shifted into behavioral plus a higher-level design discussion, where I had to talk through my experience and also show how I approach design at a conceptual level.
The interview process typically consists of multiple rounds, starting with an online assessment followed by technical interviews that include coding, system design, and behavioral discussions. Candidates should expect a structured flow with clear expectations for each stage.
Candidates will encounter a mix of data structures and algorithms (DSA), object-oriented programming (OOP) design, and system design questions, often requiring both coding and conceptual explanations. Familiarity with SQL and practical problem-solving is also emphasized.
The coding rounds often involve live coding where candidates must explain their thought process and approach, with increasing difficulty across rounds. Candidates should be prepared to articulate solutions clearly and handle various coding challenges under time constraints.
Behavioral interviews focus on past experiences and communication skills, often tied to technical discussions. Candidates should be ready to discuss their project experiences and how they approach problem-solving in a team context.
Many candidates reported a lack of feedback or closure after the interview process, which can lead to uncertainty about their performance. It's advisable to follow up for feedback if not provided, as this can help clarify any misunderstandings.
The interview environment is generally described as professional and friendly, with a focus on clear communication and structured evaluations. Candidates should expect a supportive atmosphere, although the process can feel intense and demanding.