Hiring for this role?
Start free with this planFree for your first open role.
Why Hirezen?
- 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.
Software Engineer 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, Architecture, Scalability, API Design, Database Design.
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 URL shortening service like TinyURL. Describe the components, data flow, and how you would handle scalability.
What this question is for, and what to listen for
Purpose
Assess system design, architecture, scalability, and database design skills.
Signals to score
- Clear understanding of the problem
- Logical and structured approach
- Explains thought process
- Considers scalability and reliability
- Efficient, clean design
- Open to feedback and adjusts accordingly
- Considers security aspects
- Provides a clear data flow
Follow-up questions
- How would you ensure the system scales with increased usage?
- What database would you use and why?
- How would you handle data consistency?
- Can you describe the API endpoints needed?
If you had more time, what would you change in your design?
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 additional features would you consider adding?
- How would you improve the system's security?
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 closingSoftware Engineer interviews — common questions
- Who is this Software Engineer 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 Software Engineer 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, Architecture, Scalability, API Design, Database Design. It works through System Design Challenge, scoring against 14 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 Software Engineer?
A single round does not cover a whole role. The other rounds in this library for a Software Engineer:
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.