Top 42
Prep plan
Updated weekly · Last refresh Aug 30

SmartNews Software Engineer Interview Questions

The questions to prepare for a SmartNews Software Engineer interview. Questions from real interview reports rank first. Updated weekly.

42questions
~6htotal time
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1
CodingStart here. 14 questions · ~122 min
Unique Characters FunctionEasy
Practice

Use a hash set to determine whether a Cvent event code contains only unique characters.

Hash TablesStringsSmartNews
Algorithm Under Time ConstraintsMedium

Tests your ability to deliver a working solution quickly while managing complexity and correctness.

Hash TablesArraysTwo PointersSmartNews
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2
System Design4 questions · ~35 min
System Design: Local News RecommendationHard

Evaluates end-to-end design for personalized recommendations and content delivery.

SmartNews
System Design: Social TimelineHard

Evaluates system design fundamentals for feed generation, ranking, and scalability.

timelinesocial mediaSmartNews
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3
Behavioral & Leadership20 questions · ~174 min
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4
More topics4 questions · ~35 min
Database Schema Design ConsiderationsMedium

Tests your ability to design schemas that support correctness, performance, and maintainability.

InfrastructureData ModelingQualitySmartNews
Optimize Database Query PerformanceMedium

Tests your query optimization approach and performance measurement skills.

JoinsData WranglingAggregationsSmartNews
Microservices vs Monolith Trade-offsMedium

Tests architecture judgment around scalability, complexity, and operational overhead.

Trade-offsRisk AssessmentScope ManagementSmartNews
Feed Schema and API DesignHard

Tests your end-to-end design skills for data modeling and API contracts supporting a high-scale feed.

JoinsData WranglingAggregationsSmartNews

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Hands-on SQL practiceWrite and run real queries in the editor. 3 drills · ~30 min
The finish line: interview-readyComplete all 42 questions plus 3 hands-on drills to finish this plan.