What happens at the world’s largest professional networking platform that paves the way for everyone else’s hiring?
How does LinkedIn do their hiring?
Sounds like a million-dollar question.
A career at LinkedIn offers exciting challenges, endless growth opportunities, and the chance to impact millions of users.
Yet with a success rate of just 1%, LinkedIn’s coding interview ranks among the toughest in the tech industry.
Have you mastered System Design concepts to build and scale products that serve millions of users?
Are you ready to tackle complex algorithmic problems while keeping scalability in mind?
Can you explain your solutions with clarity and confidence under pressure?
If it’s a big, bold YES, then let’s begin!
LinkedIn coding interview process
It’s no shocker that LinkedIn hires the best of the best.
LinkedIn’s coding interview process is designed to identify candidates with technical proficiency, cultural alignment, and problem-solving skills.
The LinkedIn coding interview process includes several stages.
Candidates must go through four stages of the interview process, each testing different aspects of their personality and expertise.
Online assessment
The LinkedIn interview journey begins with an online coding test. This stage is a preliminary filter where candidates solve 2–3 algorithmic problems. The test evaluates your ability to work with data structures, algorithms, and efficient coding solutions.
Phone screen
Candidates who pass the online assessment proceed to the phone screen. This is typically a 30–60-minute session with a recruiter or engineer during which candidates solve real-time coding problems.
On-site interviews
On-site interviews are the most intensive part of the process, typically comprising multiple rounds that test a different skill set:
- Coding rounds: Questions on algorithms and data structures.
- System Design: Questions involving the design of scalable, high-performance systems.
Behavioral interviews
This stage covers the assessment of cultural alignment and soft skills. Candidates are often asked questions about past experiences, teamwork, and handling challenging situations.
LinkedIn coding interview questions
Acing coding interview at LinkedIn requires dedicated preparation.
From breaking down interview patterns to providing practice that mirrors LinkedIn’s expectations, we’re here to help you prepare like never before.
LinkedIn coding interview prep should focus on these key areas:
Data structures and algorithms
A strong foundation in data structures and algorithms is essential for solving LinkedIn’s coding problems. Focus on the following key areas:
- Arrays and strings
- Trees and graphs
- Hash maps and sets
- Sorting algorithms
- Dynamic programming
System Design principles
For senior-level or experienced roles, system design is a crucial part of the interview. Develop a strong understanding of the following:
- Scalability: Designing systems that handle high traffic efficiently
- Database design: Choosing between SQL and NoSQL databases based on use cases
- Load balancing and caching: Ensuring fast and reliable performance
- Security: Protecting data and systems from vulnerabilities
Coding problems
Consistency is key. Dedicate time daily to solve coding problems, gradually increasing their difficulty. Begin with easy problems to build confidence, then move on to medium and hard questions.
Tip: Track your progress and revisit problems you initially struggled with to reinforce learning.
Problem-solving patterns
Learning patterns for common problem types will save time during the interview. Important problem-solving patterns include:
- Sliding Window: Used for problems involving substrings or subarrays.
- Two Pointers: Effective for array-based problems like finding pairs.
- Divide and Conquer: Solving problems by breaking them into smaller parts.
Pros and cons of LinkedIn’s coding interview
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear structure: LinkedIn’s interview process is transparent and well-defined, allowing candidates to prepare methodically. | Highly competitive: With many talented applicants, the rigorous process demands extensive preparation. |
| Holistic evaluation: The combination of technical, problem-solving, and cultural assessments ensures a fair evaluation. | Time-consuming: Multiple interview rounds and preparation time can be challenging for candidates who must balance work or studies. |
| Positive candidate experience: Candidates often report that interviewers are professional, accommodating, and focused on creating a supportive environment. | _________ |
Why work at LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is a dream place for anyone wanting to grow, innovate, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in tech. At LinkedIn, you get a chance to experience:
- Mission-driven environment: LinkedIn’s vision of creating economic opportunity for every professional inspires employees to make a difference.
- Impactful projects: LinkedIn engineers work on projects that connect people to opportunities, create meaningful relationships, and promote professional growth.
- Collaborative culture: LinkedIn values teamwork and encourages employees to support and learn from one another.
- Continuous learning: With access to resources like LinkedIn Learning, employees are empowered to develop their skills and stay ahead in their fields.
What do people say about the LinkedIn coding interview process?
Start today and take that first step toward a rewarding career at LinkedIn.
Who knows? Your dream job might be just one interview away!
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