Meta(Former Facebook) software engineer interviews are known for their high intensity and multiple links, from Online Assessment (OA), System Design, to behavioral interviews (Behavioral Questions) and financial and SEC Reporting examinations. Each link poses a challenge to the candidate's technical ability, logical thinking and communication skills.
During the preparation process, many people will find that it is difficult to clarify the test points and master the rhythm of the interview in a short period of time just by answering questions or self-study, and it is also easy to panic in the face of complex questions. Based on our long-term experience in coaching candidates at ProgramHelp, this article will systematically review the entire Meta interview process. Through this article, you can not only understand the real question types and high-frequency test points of the Meta interview, but also learn from practical experience and thinking framework to fully prepare for the interview.
Meta interview time node overview
Software engineer interviews at Meta typically include OA, System Design, Behavioral Questions, SEC/Financial Investigation Etc., the time nodes and rhythm of each link are roughly as follows (based on real coaching cases, for reference only):
| Interview session | Duration | Typical schedule | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Assessment (OA) | 60–120 minutes | Typically completed within 1–2 weeks of receiving invitation to interview | Contains algorithm questions and data structure questions that are completed online and must be submitted within the specified time. |
| System Design Interview | 45–60 minutes | Scheduled within 1–2 weeks after OA | Interviewers discuss system architecture, module teardown, scalability and reliability trade-offs via video/phone Q&A |
| Behavioral Interview (Behavioral / SEC Reporting) | 30–45 minutes | The system design interview may be on the same day or the next day | Focus on SEC Reporting, financial disclosure experience, cross-team collaboration and internal control enforcement |
| Finance/Tool Review (Oracle, Hyperion, Workiva) | 30–60 minutes | Possibly as part of a behavioral interview | Examine candidates’ familiarity with actual tool usage and reporting processes |
| Feedback and Offer Decision | 1–2 weeks | HR follow-up after all interviews are completed | Final evaluation based on interview performance and team feedback |
Preparation Rhythm Suggestions
- 1–2 weeks before OA: Focus on reviewing algorithm question types, boundary condition processing and time management
- System design before interview: Practice large-scale system disassembly, architectural trade-offs and module design logic
- Conduct/SEC Pre-Interview: Sorting out real work experience, simulating high-frequency problems, and becoming familiar with the use of financial tools
- The day before the interview: Do an overall review, clarify the key points of each link, and prepare answer ideas and cases.
Tip: Meta interviews are fast-paced. It is recommended that candidates arrange exercises and simulations in advance to avoid panic on the day of the interview.
Meta OA real questions & answers sharing
Q1:Simulate the cd command, the initial directory is /, there are four commands: cd / cd . Cd .. Cd dir, and finally return the absolute path.
Idea: Use the stack to store path levels, clear the stack when encountering cd /, and pop the top of the stack when encountering cd .. When the stack is not empty.
Encounter cd dir Push dir, encounter cd . Ignore
Finally, use / to connect the elements in the stack and add / at the beginning.
Q2:Given a binary array state and an operation array, there are two types of operations. L changes the leftmost 0 to 1. If there is no 0, it remains unchanged. C is followed by a number. Set the element at the specified position to 0. After performing all operations, return the binary string of state.
Idea: Traverse each operation. If it is L, scan the array to find the first 0 and change it to 1. If it is C and add a number, set the corresponding position to 0, and finally convert the array to a string.
Q3: Given an initial score and an array of changes, calculate the final score and return the corresponding grade.
Idea: Starting from the initial score, add each value in changes in sequence. After the traversal is completed, determine the interval based on the final score: < 1000 → Regiment, 1000~1499 → Intermediate, 1500~1999 → Advanced, ≥ 2000 → pro, and return the corresponding string.
Q4:There are multiple batteries with different capacities and different charging times. The task requires continuous use for t minutes, and the battery is cycled in sequence. The dead battery must be charged for the recharge time before it can be used again. How many different batteries were used in total? Idea: The initial available time of each battery is recorded as 0. Starting from time 0, find the first available battery in order, use the battery, increase the time, update the available time of the battery, record the used batteries, repeat until time ≥ t, and return the number of used batteries.
Meta VO interview
Coding Face Sutra
Behavior Questions
In the Meta interview, Behavioral Questions mainly examine your practical experience in SEC reporting, financial compliance, and cross-team collaboration. The interviewer won't just look at how many rules you have memorized, but will want to know how you handle complex situations, cope with pressure, and make judgments in real work.
Common question types roughly include:
- How to ensure XBRL annotation compliance for 10-Q, 10-K, or Proxy Filing
- Follow up on updates to GAAP and disclosure requirements and determine the impact of these changes on the financial statements
- How to properly arrange priorities and time management when multiple deadlines come at the same time
- Ideas for financial statement review and discrepancy investigation, as well as ways to communicate with the audit team
- SOX Compliance and Internal Controls Implementation Experience
- Use tools such as Oracle and Essbase Hyperion for data analysis or report integration
- Specific practices in financial modeling, audit support, benchmark studies or automated improvements
- Experience working with cross-teams such as Legal, FP&A, HR, etc. In a technology driven company
In general, this type of question values your working methods, judgment and communication skills more than memorizing a standard answer. The key is to impress upon the interviewer your ability to handle financial compliance and cross-functional matters under pressure.
System Design
The System Design interview does not test whether you have memorized a "standard architecture diagram", but uses an open-ended question to observe how you analyze requirements, disassemble problems, and make reasonable technical decisions under constraints.
In the process of actually helping candidates prepare for interviews with major manufacturers, System Design is more like an engineering discussion than a question-answering exam. Interviewers typically focus on whether you can understand the business goals, whether you have the ability to abstract complex systems, and whether you have a clear idea of the trade-offs between scale, performance, and reliability. Refer to:Design Log System
Review of common failure reasons
In a large number of reviews, we found that even if the ideas are correct, many students still fail in Meta OA, mainly focusing on the following points:
First, the code stability is insufficient. Confusing variable naming, temporary logic changes leading to bugs, and missing boundary conditions will directly cause failure in OA.
Second, the time allocation is unreasonable. The first question took too long, resulting in subsequent questions not being fully completed.
Third, there is a lack of self-examination awareness of "interview standards". Many students do not systematically check complexity, abnormal input and potential errors before submitting.
Immediately on the field: real-time interview assistance
Financial interview at Meta or a large company. Time is tight, reports are complex, and pressure is high?ProgramHelp will give you real-time thinking tips and key assists to help you grasp the key points and avoid pitfalls, allowing you to be stable on the field and easily sort out complex problems. Tools such as Oracle, Hyperion, and Workiva are also easier to use.
Rather than fighting alone, it is better to contact us to overtake the curve, so that your interview rhythm will be more stable, the key points will be clearer, and you will seize every opportunity.
