Booking.com interview experience
Summary
I interviewed for an SDE-2 role at Booking.com, which involved an online machine coding assessment, a coding round focusing on JSON array comparisons, a system design round for a BNPL system, and a hiring manager round. Unfortunately, I received a rejection after a few days.
Full Experience
Background: SDE-2 in a top retail company
YOE: 6Y 5M
Round 1: Online Assessment (Machine Coding)
The problem was the same as described here:
https://leetcode.com/discuss/post/6819299/bookingcom-sde2-interview-experience-ben-nm2g/
Round 2, 3, 4 - onsite
The recruiter mentioned that each round was elimination-based.
Round 2 - Coding
This was a scenario-based problem. Given a couple of JSON arrays, I had to compare them and derive insights from the data. There were follow-up questions focused heavily on the choice of data structures and an in-depth discussion around trade-offs and optimizations.
Round 3 - System Design
I was asked to design and implement a BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) system.
The discussion covered core components, flows, and design considerations.
Round 4 - Hiring Manager
This round focused on my current project, along with a few behavioral and situational questions.
Result: After a couple of days, I received a rejection email. Unfortunately, there was no detailed feedback provided.
Keep Striving. Cheers.
Interview Questions (3)
Machine Coding Problem from Linked Post
The problem for the online assessment (Machine Coding) was described in detail at the provided link.
Compare JSON Arrays and Derive Insights
Given a couple of JSON arrays, I had to compare them and derive insights from the data. Follow-up questions focused heavily on the choice of data structures and an in-depth discussion around trade-offs and optimizations.
Design a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) System
I was asked to design and implement a BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) system. The discussion covered core components, flows, and design considerations.