I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Xero (Auckland, Auckland) in May 2022
Interview
1. Hackerrank.
2. Recorded video interview.
3. Grad day. This is comprises of a group work session, a research project presentation and a standard behavioral interview.
The Hackerrank was easy. The recorded video interview was also easy as you're given 10 minutes per question to think through your answer. Grad day was also standard except the research and presentation. They were looking for depth instead of breadth in the presentation. Apparently depth shows more dedication and interest in technical topics.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
1. Hackerrank. SQL, problem solving and basic Data structures and algorithm questions.
2. Recorded video interview.
3. Grad day. Group work sessions was on solving a problem together and presenting your solution. Research project was on improving a theoretical web service.
I interviewed at Xero (Auckland, Auckland) in Mar 2026
Interview
The questions are difficult. Coding assessments: Can be live or take-home. pair programming with a given question. Behavioral + teamwork: how you work in teams, handle conflict, and resolve issues.
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Xero (Melbourne) in Mar 2026
Interview
It takes too long. The questions are difficult. Also there is a behavior test, not sure whether this test is useful. The technical questions are good:
Lead technical design and implementation of complex features and systems
Write high-quality, maintainable code and automated tests
Make pragmatic architectural and technical decisions that balance short-term delivery with long-term sustainability
Coding assessments: Can be live or take-home. pair programming with a given codebase.
Behavioral + teamwork: Interview with non-engineers (e.g., PMs) to probe how you work in teams, handle conflict, and resolve issues.
Software Engineer applicants have rated the interview process at Xero with 3 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 82% positive. To compare, the company-average is 57.5% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Software Engineer roles take an average of 17 days to get hired, when considering 11 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at Xero overall takes an average of 23 days.
Common stages of the interview process at Xero as a Software Engineer according to 11 Glassdoor interviews include:
Phone interview: 24%
Group panel interview: 20%
Skills test: 16%
Presentation: 12%
One on one interview: 12%
IQ intelligence test: 4%
Personality test: 4%
Drug test: 4%
Background check: 4%
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