Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Zalando, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
My experience soured very quickly. I went through complex rounds and was ultimately rejected for a mid-level role, and it felt like the bar or expectations didn’t match what was communicated—like they wanted more years of experience while offering less pay. The process also didn’t feel welcoming; the interviewer interactions felt rude and unfriendly, and the overall tone made it hard to stay motivated.
After a recruiter screen, I moved through a pretty classic sequence. The HR call focused on my past experience, my salary expectations, and gave me a detailed rundown of how the process would work and who I’d be speaking with. Roughly after that, I was scheduled for multiple technical rounds in a structured order that still felt flexible—my interviews ended up clustering around general technical depth, then a system design step, and finally behavioral/managerial evaluation.
The interview process typically follows a structured sequence starting with an HR call, followed by coding assessments, technical interviews, and a final discussion with the hiring manager. Candidates noted that the timeline can vary, with some experiencing delays in communication and scheduling issues.
Candidates faced a mix of coding challenges, system design discussions, and general technical questions, often emphasizing practical problem-solving and core engineering concepts. The difficulty level varied, with some candidates finding the assessments aligned with their experience while others felt they were disconnected from real-world applications.
Behavioral interviews were included to assess cultural fit and alignment with company values, often focusing on past experiences and motivations. The interaction style varied, with some candidates experiencing supportive and engaging discussions, while others felt the interviews were more rigid and less collaborative.
Many candidates reported issues with communication throughout the process, particularly regarding follow-up after interviews. Delays in feedback and a lack of closure after the final rounds were common frustrations, leading to feelings of disrespect and uncertainty.
The overall candidate experience varied significantly depending on the interviewers and the specific rounds, with some candidates finding the atmosphere supportive and others encountering disorganization and unprofessionalism. This inconsistency affected their perception of the company.
Candidates suggested focusing on practical coding skills and system design principles, as well as preparing for behavioral questions that align with the company's values. Some wished they had better anticipated the variability in interview styles and expectations.