Linkedin Interview Questions: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Linkedin Interview Process

LinkedIn, a leader in the professional networking industry, operates as a vital hub for career development and job opportunities. For software engineers aspiring to join LinkedIn, it's crucial to focus on showcasing problem-solving and coding skills during interviews. Prepare to engage in discussions about past projects and possibly participate in whiteboard coding challenges, mirroring collaboration and technical scrutiny akin to Google's use of Docs and Jamboard.

LinkedIn's interview process initiates with a resume screening to ensure candidates' backgrounds align with the job requirements. Those who advance typically face an Online Assessment (OA) comprising coding challenges and technical questions. This phase rigorously tests algorithmic skills and problem-solving capabilities, setting the stage for further evaluation.

Following the OA, candidates undergo one or two phone screens with a focus on technical skills and cultural fit, assessing both coding proficiency and the ability to mesh with LinkedIn's core values. Successful candidates are then invited to the onsite rounds, which usually include multiple technical interviews and a system design assessment. These rounds are known for their difficulty and depth, aimed at thoroughly vetting the candidate's capabilities across various dimensions of software engineering.

Initial Screen

LinkedIn's initial resume screening emphasizes skilled endorsements and a clear demonstration of past project impacts. Resumes are parsed by algorithms that seek specific keywords related to the job role.

Applicants who meet criteria undergo online assessments (OAs), testing coding aptitude and problem-solving skills. Top performers are then invited for preliminary screening calls, which assess cultural fit and communication abilities.

Phone Screen

At LinkedIn, the interview process typically begins with one or two phone screens. These initial calls focus on assessing the candidate's technical skills and problem-solving abilities, often involving coding exercises or algorithmic questions to solve in real-time.

The phone screen is crucial as it determines whether the applicant progresses to the onsite interviews. It's a chance to showcase not only technical expertise but also communication skills and cultural fit for the LinkedIn environment.

Onsite Rounds

LinkedIn's onsite interview process typically consists of four to six interviews, each focusing on different areas such as coding, system design, and behavioral skills. These sessions are usually conducted back-to-back and can last an entire day.

During the onsite interviews, candidates will face two coding rounds that test their problem-solving abilities using algorithms and data structures, one or two system design rounds focusing on their capability to design scalable systems, and at least one behavioral interview to assess cultural fit and soft skills.

Final Rounds, Negotiation, Offer

After completing the interview rounds at LinkedIn, candidates may undergo team matching and discussions with executives. Final steps include negotiating the job offer and reviewing company policies before onboarding.

Linkedin Technical Interview Questions and Patterns

In preparation for the LinkedIn inteview, it’s crucial to prioritize depth-first and breadth-first search techniques respectively. Basic data structures and binary search often form the foundation of coding assessments with very feasible difficulty levels. What sets LinkedIn apart is the relatively higher emphasis on breadth-first search, which could signal the value they place on algorithmic efficiency and scalability in real-world scenarios.

Linkedin Interview Coding Question Difficulty

At LinkedIn, the coding interview problems are moderately challenging but not quite at the level of Google or Apple. Candidates frequently face questions that focus on Graph traversal and Binary Search. While the problems are demanding, they are typically more approachable than those at the top-tier of FAANG companies, offering a good mix of complexity and solvability.

Frequently Asked Linkedin Coding Questions

Problem + Solution	Patterns	Difficulty
Max Stack	Adv. Data Structure	Hard
Design Authentication Manager	Basic DSA	Medium
All O`one Data Structure	Basic DSA	Hard
Nested List Weight Sum II	Breadth-First Search, Depth-First Search	Medium
Closest Binary Search Tree Value II	Binary Search, Depth-First Search, Heap, Two Pointers	Hard
Paint House	Dynamic Programming	Medium
Building H2O	Basic DSA	Medium
Find Leaves of Binary Tree	Depth-First Search	Medium
Shortest Word Distance II	Two Pointers	Medium
Robot Bounded In Circle	Simulation	Medium

Sample Classical Behavioral Questions and Answers

Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology to complete a project.

• Focus on your ability to adapt and learn quickly. Highlight how you assessed the situation, your process for learning the new technology, and the successful outcome. Mention any specific tools or resources you used to master the technology.

Tell me about a time when you disagreed with a decision that was made at work.

• This question seeks to understand your conflict resolution skills. Describe the situation with respect for all parties involved, how you presented your case, and the steps you took toward a resolution. Emphasize your communication skills and ability to work collaboratively despite disagreements.

Can you provide an example of a project where you had to manage multiple deadlines?

• Showcase your time management and prioritization skills. Explain how you organized your tasks, how you dealt with potential roadblocks, and stress the successful completion of the project while meeting the deadlines. Highlight any tools or methods you used to keep track of progress and deadlines.

Sample Teamwork Behavioral Questions and Answers

Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a team on a challenging project. What was the project and what role did you play in the team?

• Focus on detailing a specific event, the strategies employed to tackle challenges, and your particular contributions to the team. Emphasize skills like communication, conflict resolution, and role adaptability.

Tell me about a moment when you helped resolve a dispute among team members. How did you handle it?

• Highlight your ability to mediate and bring differing viewpoints to a consensus. Discuss your approach to understanding each side and finding a mutually beneficial solution, reflecting your interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

LinkedIn values transformation through collaboration. Can you share an experience where teamwork led to an innovative solution at a previous job?

• Describe how collaboration fostered creativity, mentioning the diverse inputs from team members and how these contributed to a novel solution. Stress how synergy among different skill sets can lead to breakthrough innovations.

Sample Role Specifc Behavioral Questions and Answers

Describe a time when you had to use your programming skills to solve a problem that had no clear solution.

• Focus on a situation where analytical and creative thinking was required. Outline the challenge, your specific actions (including the technologies and tools used), and the outcome. Highlight any innovative approaches or optimizations that led to success.

How do you ensure the quality and reliability of your code?

• Discuss your use of testing frameworks, continuous integration, and code review practices. Emphasize the importance of maintainability and scalability in your work, along with any specific methodologies you follow, such as TDD or Agile.

LinkedIn values transformation and creating economic opportunity. Can you talk about a project or initiative you've undertaken that aligns with LinkedIn's vision?

• Choose a project where you made a significant impact, possibly improving software that benefits users in a meaningful way. Explain your role, the technologies involved, and the project's impact on users or stakeholders. This highlights your alignment with LinkedIn’s mission and values.