Preparing for an interview at XPO requires a balanced approach that covers core computer science fundamentals, practical database skills, and behavioral preparation. You should focus on demonstrating not just what you know, but how you apply your knowledge to solve practical, real-world problems.

Role-Related Knowledge – You must demonstrate a strong command of foundational software engineering principles. This includes solid object-oriented programming concepts, clean code practices, and a deep understanding of databases. Be ready to explain the "why" behind your technical choices, not just the "how."

Problem-Solving Ability – Interviewers want to see how you dissect complex, ambiguous problems. Whether you are writing code on a whiteboard, solving a logic puzzle, or designing a database schema, talk through your thought process out loud. Show that you can break a large problem down into manageable, logical steps.

Collaboration & Communication – With a highly distributed engineering team, communication is paramount at XPO. You will be evaluated on how clearly you explain technical concepts and how well you take feedback. Showing respect, active listening, and a collaborative mindset during panel interviews is critical.

Adaptability & Learning Agility – The logistics industry is dynamic, and technology environments change rapidly. Highlight your willingness to learn new technologies, adapt to changing requirements, and take on challenges outside your immediate comfort zone.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at XPO is structured to evaluate your technical capabilities, problem-solving skills, and cultural alignment over several stages. While the exact flow can vary slightly by location and team level, it typically consists of three main phases: an initial screening, a technical assessment phase, and a comprehensive panel or manager interview.

The process begins with a standard recruiter phone screen to discuss your background, career goals, and interest in XPO. Following this, you will transition into the technical evaluation phase. Depending on the team, this may involve an online coding assessment, a technical phone screen focusing on core computer science and networking fundamentals, or a practical skills test (such as a database or Excel/Access evaluation for specific logistics-focused engineering tracks).

The final stage is often a comprehensive panel interview, which can be conducted virtually or in person. It is common to be interviewed by multiple team members, architects, and managers simultaneously—sometimes in a single call with up to 6 interviewers. This round focuses heavily on technical deep dives, architectural discussions, logical puzzles, and behavioral scenarios to ensure you are a strong fit for the team's collaborative culture.

The timeline shown above represents the typical progression for engineering candidates at XPO. You should use this visual flow to pace your preparation, ensuring you master core CS fundamentals before moving on to system design and behavioral scenarios. Keep in mind that some teams may consolidate or add specific practical tests depending on the specialized nature of the role.

To succeed in the XPO interview process, you must understand the key areas where candidates are evaluated and tailor your preparation accordingly.

CS Fundamentals & Core Coding

This area evaluates your foundational knowledge of computer science and your ability to write clean, logical code. Interviewers want to ensure you have a strong grasp of data structures, algorithms, and basic programming paradigms.

Be ready to go over:

• Recursion vs. Iteration – Understanding when to use recursion, its memory implications (such as stack overflow risks), and how to convert recursive logic into iterative solutions.
• Basic Data Structures – Practical implementation and time complexity of arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and hash maps.
• Variable Manipulation – Solving classic programming puzzles and optimization problems without relying on unnecessary memory allocation.
• Advanced concepts (less common) – Memory management, garbage collection mechanics, and basic concurrency/multithreading principles.

Example scenarios:

• "Write a function to reverse a linked list, first using recursion and then using an iterative approach."
• "How would you optimize an algorithm to find duplicates in an array of one million elements under tight memory constraints?"

Databases & SQL Querying

Logistics systems deal with massive volumes of real-time transactional data. As a result, your ability to write efficient SQL queries and design robust schemas is heavily scrutinized.

Be ready to go over:

• Complex Joins – Utilizing inner, left, right, and full outer joins to retrieve data across multiple relational tables.
• Aggregation & Filtering – Mastering GROUP BY, HAVING, and window functions to generate analytical reports.
• Database Optimization – Understanding indexes, execution plans, and how to identify and resolve query bottlenecks.
• Advanced concepts (less common) – Database normalization levels, transactions (ACID properties), and denormalization strategies for high-read environments.

Example scenarios:

• "Given a schema with Shipments, Trucks, and Drivers tables, write a query to find the driver who has logged the most miles in the last 30 days."
• "How would you design a database schema to track warehouse inventory movements in real time?"

Systems, Networking & Infrastructure

Because XPO systems are highly integrated and distributed globally, candidates are expected to understand how applications communicate over networks and interact with infrastructure.

Be ready to go over:

• The OSI Model – A clear understanding of the seven layers and how data is encapsulated and transmitted.
• Common Protocols & Ports – Knowing the standard ports and functions of protocols like DNS (port 53), FTP (ports 20/21), SSH (port 22), and HTTP/HTTPS.
• Network Resolution – How ARP and DNS work to resolve addresses across local and global networks.
• Advanced concepts (less common) – Load balancing, caching strategies, and API gateway design.

Example scenarios:

• "Explain the difference between TCP and UDP, and give an example of a logistics use case where you would choose one over the other."
• "Walk me through what happens at the network layer when an IoT tracking device in a truck sends a location update to our servers."