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- Every interviewer runs the same script and marks the same signals.
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Backend Developer interview questionsSystem Design Interview round
A 60 min interview plan with a time-boxed script, what each question is for, and the signals to score against. Key skills: System Design, Scalability, Microservices, Caching Strategies, Load Balancing.
Opening
· 5 minWho is interviewing, how the round will run, and a question to settle the candidate in. The standard openingSystem Design Challenge
What this part is for
Purpose
Evaluate technical knowledge and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.
Design a scalable URL shortening service like TinyURL. Consider aspects like database schema, API design, and handling high traffic.
What this question is for, and what to listen for
Purpose
Assess system design, scalability, microservices, caching strategies, and load balancing skills.
Signals to score
- Clear understanding of the problem
- Logical and structured approach
- Considers scalability and performance
- Explains thought process
- Considers edge cases
- Efficient, clean, well-formatted design
- Open to feedback and adjusts accordingly
Follow-up questions
- How would you handle a large number of requests?
- What database would you choose and why?
- How would you ensure the system is scalable?
- Can you explain your thought process on handling data consistency?
If you had more time, what would you change in your solution?
What this question is for, and what to listen for
Purpose
Assess the candidate's ability to reflect on their work, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Signals to score
- Recognizes limits in their original answer.
- Points out clear areas to improve.
- Suggests specific changes.
- Talks about how changes could help performance.
- Shares ideas clearly and logically.
- Shows a desire to learn and improve.
Follow-up questions
- What would you do differently if you had more time?
- Are there any additional features you would consider?
- How would you improve the system's reliability?
Great job on the system design challenge!
What this line is for
Purpose
Provides positive reinforcement to the candidate, helping to build confidence and create a supportive atmosphere before moving into the final part of the interview.
Closing
· 5 minTheir questions for you, and what happens next. The standard closingBackend Developer interviews — common questions
- Who is this Backend Developer interview plan for?
- It is written for the interviewer, not the candidate: the hiring manager, engineer or panel member running the System Design Interview round for a Backend Developer role. It gives you a 60 min script to follow in the conversation — 2 questions with what each one is for and the signals to score against — so you are not writing the round from scratch the night before.
- What does the System Design Interview round assess?
- This round is focused on: System Design, Scalability, Microservices, Caching Strategies, Load Balancing. It works through System Design Challenge, scoring against 13 observable signals, with follow-up prompts on both questions for going deeper where an answer is thin.
- How is the 60 min split up?
- 5 min opening, 50 min on 2 questions and 5 min closing. The questions take in System Design Challenge (50 min). The timings are there so the round stays on schedule and every candidate gets the same shape of interview — which is what makes two candidates comparable afterwards.
- What other rounds should I run for a Backend Developer?
A single round does not cover a whole role. The other rounds in this library for a Backend Developer:
Hiring for this role?
Open this plan in Hirezen and make it a position in one click.
- Every interviewer runs the same script and marks the same signals.
- AI drafts the write-ups, and the debrief puts every read side by side.
- No ATS to set up first, and no bot in the call.
Free for your first open role.