Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Taboola, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I went through a sequence that felt like a compact but real engineering drill. First there was a weekly homework test where I built a calculator CLI in Java. After that, I had about an hour-long technical interview where I presented my solution and talked through how I’d add new logic without turning the code into a mess.
I started with an interview with a manager, and after that there was a home task. The take-home wasn’t just about building something—it asked for insights and included creating a Tableau dashboard along with predictions tied to headquarters and hiring/terminations. I used a model of my choosing for the prediction portion.
The interview process typically begins with a recruiter call, followed by a mix of technical interviews, home assignments, and discussions with HR and management. The overall timeline can vary, but many candidates noted a lengthy process with multiple stages, often taking several weeks to complete.
Candidates often face a combination of coding challenges and design problems, with a focus on data structures, algorithms, and system design. Some interviews include practical assignments that require candidates to demonstrate their engineering skills in a real-world context, such as building applications or troubleshooting issues.
Many candidates are required to complete take-home assignments that can be time-consuming and involve significant technical work, such as building dashboards or implementing algorithms. The quality of these assignments is heavily evaluated in subsequent interviews, making them a critical part of the assessment process.
Interviews often include discussions about candidates' backgrounds, motivations for joining Taboola, and their fit within the company's culture. Some candidates reported that HR and managerial discussions felt disconnected from their technical skills, focusing instead on general fit and interest in the ad-tech industry.
The quality of interactions with interviewers can vary significantly, with some candidates experiencing interruptions or unprofessional behavior during technical discussions. This can impact the overall interview experience and candidates' ability to effectively communicate their thought processes.
Candidates reported mixed experiences regarding feedback and communication throughout the process, with some appreciating timely updates while others felt left in the dark after interviews. The lack of clear closure or rationale for decisions can lead to frustration and a negative impression of the overall experience.