Applied with my CV and got a hackerrank code challenge invitation. 2 coding questions, 1 SQL and 1 streaming. SQL was easy, streaming not difficult but wasn't able to finish it in the given time box (62 minutes).
I would need a few minutes more to deliver, unfortunately these coding challenges are most of times unfair, just because I cannot provide a solution for the problem in the given time box I'm not capable to be hired?
I believe the company loses many good candidates by filtering them this way. I also think one person can easily pass this filter just by asking the questions to chatGPT, of course there would be other technical interviews but if the person is minimally good both technically and personally, can get the offer.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
already described above, typical hackerrank challenge
First there was coding challenge with 1 hour time which you do on your own, Then screening call in which you are asked general questions about your background and experience, then technical interview, then system design, and ultimately cultural fit.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The technical interview is Python only. In general not hard. First part is some Python coding with three sections. There is a second part which also has 3 parts but its about data aggregation and computing insight
Remote test, call with hr, followed by live coding session with fellow engineers, didn't make it further but good luck with the steps. Questions were not hard, I stressed too much
I applied online. I interviewed at Booking.com (Amsterdam)
Interview
The first screening round consists of SQL and Python coding tasks. If you clear this screening round, you will be invited to the second round, which is an HR introduction call. During this call, the HR representative will discuss your motivation and assess your skills.
The third round is a live core Python coding session, where three data engineers will evaluate your Python programming abilities. The coding problem will be related to a booking platform, involving trip analysis queries that need to be implemented in Python.
The fourth round focuses on system design, and the fifth and final round is a behavioral interview.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
why do you want to join booking.com?
Python coding questions related to trip analysis
Data Engineer applicants have rated the interview process at Booking.com with 2.9 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 60% positive. To compare, the company-average is 59% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Data Engineer roles take an average of 39 days to get hired, when considering 10 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at Booking.com overall takes an average of 25 days.
Common stages of the interview process at Booking.com as a Data Engineer according to 10 Glassdoor interviews include:
Skills test: 29%
Phone interview: 24%
Background check: 18%
Group panel interview: 12%
One on one interview: 12%
Presentation: 6%
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