Interview plan template

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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.

System Design Challenge

50 min
What this section 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 section 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 min
What this section is for

Purpose

Thanks the candidate for their time, provides next steps, and leaves a positive final impression.

•

Do you have any questions for me about the team or the company?

What this question is for, and what to listen for

Purpose

Gauge the candidate’s curiosity and interest in the role.

Signals to score

  • Thoughtful questions asked
  • Interest in company culture
  • Curiosity about growth expressed
  • Questions about role raised
  • Inquiries about team challenges
  • Engagement with responses shown
  • Desire to learn next steps
  • Focus on company values expressed

Follow-up questions

  • What interests you most about this team?
  • Are there any areas of the role you’d like to explore further?
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Interview Template
Position
Software Engineer
Round
System Design Interview for 60 min
Key skills
System Design, Architecture, Scalability, API Design, Database Design

Software 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 — 3 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 and Closing, scoring against 22 observable signals, with follow-up prompts on all 3 questions for going deeper where an answer is thin.
How is the 60 min split up?
System Design Challenge (50 min), Closing (5 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: