Mid Backend at Zendesk

BackendMidRejected◆ Commonly asked· 2023

Mid backend interview. Balanced across coding, design, and collaboration.

The loop · 5 rounds

Round 01 · 3 questions

DSA / Coding

Data structures & algorithms on a whiteboard or shared editor.

Min cost to connect all points.
MidMedium◆ Commonly asked
#graph#mst
PracticeLeetCode GeeksforGeeks
Subsets.
MidMedium◆ Commonly asked
#backtracking
PracticeLeetCode GeeksforGeeks
Kth largest element in an array.
MidMedium◆ Commonly asked
#heap#quickselect
PracticeLeetCode GeeksforGeeks

Round 02 · 2 questions

Machine Coding

Build a working component or service under time pressure.

Build a mini ORM query builder (select/where/join).
MidHard◆ Commonly asked
#parsing#sql
PracticeGeeksforGeeks Search
Build a webhook receiver with signature verification.
MidMedium◆ Commonly asked
#security#api
PracticeGeeksforGeeks Search

Round 03 · 1 question

Low-Level Design

Object-oriented / low-level design of a focused module.

Design a ride-hailing dispatch model (classes).
MidHard◆ Commonly asked
#oop#matching
PracticeGeeksforGeeks Search

Round 04 · 3 questions

Tech Deep-Dive

Deep questions on your core stack and fundamentals.

Explain the CAP theorem with a practical example.
MidHard◆ Commonly asked
#distributed
PracticeGeeksforGeeks Search
Explain JWT structure and common pitfalls.
MidMedium◆ Commonly asked
#auth#security
PracticeGeeksforGeeks Search
What is backpressure and how do you handle it?
MidHard◆ Commonly asked
#streaming#reliability
PracticeGeeksforGeeks Search

Round 05 · 2 questions

Behavioral / HR

Values, collaboration, and past-experience (STAR) questions.

Describe working with an ambiguous or shifting requirement.
Mid◆ Commonly asked
#ambiguity#star
Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned.
Mid◆ Commonly asked
#growth#star

◆ This experience is composed from commonly reported questions for this role and level. Real, individually-shared interviews will be layered in over time.