Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Mobile Engineer at Pinterest, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
After a first step where I was put through LeetCode-style problems, I ended up doing medium-difficulty coding tasks under a tight time constraint. They gave me four problems to solve in 90 minutes, but the pacing ended up being such that I could realistically only finish about three.
My screening focused on topics that matched the role, with emphasis on data structures and algorithms. The difficulty landed in the middle to hard range, but it didn’t feel out of place for the company’s expectations.
The interview process typically begins with a recruiter call followed by a technical screening, leading into multiple rounds that include coding challenges, system design, and behavioral interviews. Candidates can expect a mix of individual problem-solving and collaborative discussions throughout the stages.
Candidates face a series of coding challenges that often include medium to hard difficulty problems, primarily focusing on data structures and algorithms. The time constraints can make it feel like a test of time management as well as coding ability.
There is a significant emphasis on system design, particularly for iOS and Android applications, where candidates are required to build solutions based on verbal descriptions without written specifications. This round is noted as particularly challenging and important for evaluation.
Behavioral interviews are included to assess candidates' past experiences and soft skills, with questions often centered around motivation and problem-solving challenges. This part of the interview helps to gauge cultural fit and interpersonal skills.
Candidates generally report a positive and supportive atmosphere during interviews, with interviewers providing hints and fostering a collaborative environment. This approach helps to alleviate pressure and encourages open communication.
Candidates should be aware that despite initial training allowing for language choice, they may be required to use a specific programming language during the coding assessments. This can add pressure if candidates are not as comfortable with the required language.