Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Notion Labs, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
My experience started with a recruiter outreach and then quickly moved through the next stages, with a surprisingly fast turnaround after each step. I’d receive updates by email shortly after rounds, and every interviewer I spoke with was friendly and easy to work with. The whole process gave off the feeling that they care about candidate experience.
My process felt pretty straightforward from the start, and the biggest pattern was how practical the technical work was. I didn’t see much “LeetCode-style” focus; instead, I got questions and coding tasks that leaned more toward working with a real codebase—especially around React proficiency and how I’d reason about abstractions and engineering tradeoffs.
The interview process typically begins with a recruiter call that is warm and informative, setting clear expectations for the subsequent steps. However, candidates have reported inconsistencies in follow-up communication, with some experiencing significant delays and a lack of updates after initial screenings.
Candidates can expect a technical screening that focuses on practical coding tasks rather than traditional algorithmic problems, often involving real-world scenarios and technologies like React and SQL. The interviews emphasize collaboration and practical problem-solving, although some candidates noted varying levels of engagement from interviewers during these sessions.
The onsite interviews typically consist of multiple rounds that include coding, systems design, and behavioral questions, all aimed at assessing real engineering skills and cultural fit. While many found the process organized and respectful, some experienced a lack of clarity and engagement from certain interviewers.
Overall, candidates reported a mixed experience regarding feedback and communication post-interview, with some feeling well-treated and others left in limbo with little closure. The quality of feedback varied, and many expressed a desire for more constructive insights after their interviews.
The tone of the interviews generally ranges from friendly and supportive to, in some cases, unprofessional or dismissive, impacting candidates' comfort levels and performance. A collaborative atmosphere is preferred, but some candidates reported feeling lectured or pressured during technical discussions.
Candidates noted that the timeline for the interview process can vary significantly, with some experiencing quick turnarounds while others faced lengthy delays and uncertainty. This inconsistency can affect candidates' perceptions of the company's organization and respect for their time.