Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Zscaler, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
After a recruiter touchpoint, I ended up with a pretty focused first technical round that started out with networking questions and then shifted into coding. I had two coding problems, and after that I was handed a system design prompt with an open-ended problem statement. That last part was the hardest for me to wrap my head around, especially because the interviewer didn’t really feel encouraging or helpful as I was trying to structure my approach.
I came out of an 8-month job hunt, and once things started moving at Zscaler they moved quickly. I’d been working at Oracle as an SMTS (IC3) until I was laid off in September 2025, and the timeline from my start of applying was roughly November 2025 to May 2026.
The application process at Zscaler typically begins with a recruiter call followed by an online assessment (OA) and multiple technical interviews. Candidates noted that the timeline can be quick once the process starts, often leading to a decisive outcome after a structured series of evaluations.
Candidates experienced a variety of technical interviews focusing on data structures and algorithms (DSA), with questions ranging from easy to hard difficulty. The coding challenges often included specific language requirements and were structured to assess problem-solving skills under time constraints.
Some candidates faced a system design component that involved open-ended problem statements, which were perceived as challenging and sometimes poorly guided by interviewers. This aspect of the interview process was noted to significantly impact candidates' confidence and overall experience.
The HR rounds typically included behavioral questions focused on past experiences and cultural fit, with a mix of technical and managerial discussions. Candidates appreciated when these rounds were conversational and engaging, but noted that the quality of interaction varied significantly.
The overall interview environment was described as inconsistent, with some candidates experiencing disinterest from interviewers or unprofessional behavior that detracted from their performance. Positive interactions were noted when interviewers were engaged and supportive.
Candidates generally found the difficulty of the interviews to be average, but noted that the structure and clarity of the process could greatly influence their performance. Many expressed disappointment when outcomes did not align with their perceived performance during interviews.