SmartNews Interview Guide
Everything we know about interviewing at SmartNews: the process stage by stage, what each round tests, and compensation by level.
Interviewing at SmartNews
What the process looks like, and what SmartNews is really testing for.
SmartNews uses a multi-stage loop that mixes coding, deeper technical evaluation, and multiple rounds focused on fit. Across roles, you will see interviews with hiring managers, technical interviews, behavioral interviews, and meetings with team members, which indicates they want both technical strength and alignment with how you work with others.
The technical topics they emphasize include SQL and Python at the high end of their topic prominence, and heavy coverage of system design and machine learning systems design. They also commonly test problem solving, data structures and algorithms, algorithms, system design and architecture, query optimization, and window functions, plus Android development and backend development for the roles where those apply.
From the candidate reports you provided, the difficulty mix is mostly medium (59.3%), with meaningful hard (19.8%) and very hard (2.5%) portions. However, the reported offer rate is 0.0%, and positive sentiment is 50.0%, so you should expect a strict process and focus on demonstrating depth across the areas they test.
The single most useful non-obvious fact is that they heavily overlap system design with data-focused technical topics, including query optimization and window functions alongside SQL and Python. You will likely need to connect data and performance thinking, not only implement correct logic.
The SmartNews interview process
5 stages, based on 84 candidate reports.
Recruiter call
unspecifiedYou may start with a recruiter call to discuss your background and the role. Use this time to align your experience with the technical and product instincts they later assess in technical and hiring manager interviews.
Online coding screening
unspecifiedYou may complete an online coding test or an online coding assessment to evaluate immediate coding capabilities. Expect coding and problem solving to appear early, since online coding steps are reported by multiple roles.
Technical exercises and assessments
unspecifiedSome candidates encounter technical exercises, and at least one role reports a take-home assessment to evaluate technical skills. Use this stage to demonstrate how you approach analytical problems and produce working solutions.
Technical interviews
unspecifiedA series of technical interviews evaluates machine learning knowledge, problem solving, and engineering background. You should prepare for system design and machine learning systems design, plus data structures and algorithms, algorithms, SQL, query optimization, and window functions, depending on your role.
Behavioral and team-fit rounds
unspecifiedYou will likely meet with hiring managers and team members to assess technical skills, cultural fit, collaboration, and communication. Behavioral rounds and behavioral assessments also appear in the reported process, so be ready to discuss past decisions and how you work with others.
What SmartNews evaluates
How often each skill shows up across reported interview loops.
Interview guides by role
Each guide has the questions SmartNews interviewers actually ask, the loop structure, and total compensation by level.
What SmartNews pays, by level
Estimated total compensation: base salary plus stock and annual cash bonus.
Insider tips
Patterns from candidates who got offers, and the mistakes that most often sink a loop.
SmartNews interview FAQ
Answered from real candidate and workplace data, marked up for rich results.
Related company guides
Companies that hire for the same data roles, with the same depth of prep.
