Handshake Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Handshake is a career platform designed for Gen Z, facilitating connections between students, alumni, and employers to streamline career opportunities.

As a Software Engineer at Handshake, you will be a key contributor to building and enhancing the platform that supports millions of users in their job search and career development. Your responsibilities will include architecting and developing features that enable seamless interactions between users and employers, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams comprising designers, product managers, and other engineers. You'll be expected to lead substantial projects through various stages, from brainstorming and requirements gathering to architectural design and execution, while ensuring high coding standards and providing mentorship to junior engineers.

Key skills for this role include proficiency in full-stack development, with a focus on both frontend and backend technologies such as Ruby on Rails, ReactJS, and PostgreSQL. An ideal candidate will have a strong ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and possess a collaborative mindset to work effectively across teams. Your experience in leading projects and guiding team members will be instrumental as you help shape the roadmap for innovative solutions that drive user engagement.

This guide will help you prepare by providing insights into the expectations and common interview questions you might face, enabling you to showcase your skills and align with Handshake's mission and values.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Handshake is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved:

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a 30-minute phone call with a recruiter. This initial conversation focuses on your background, experience, and motivations for applying to Handshake. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

2. Technical Screening

Following the initial screen, candidates typically undergo a technical screening, which lasts about an hour. This may involve live coding exercises where you will be asked to solve algorithmic problems or complete coding challenges in a language of your choice. The interviewer will assess your problem-solving approach, coding style, and ability to articulate your thought process.

3. Take-Home Assignment (Optional)

In some cases, candidates may be given a take-home assignment to complete before the onsite interview. This assignment usually involves building a small web application or completing a coding project that demonstrates your technical skills and understanding of software development principles.

4. Virtual Onsite Interview

The onsite interview is a comprehensive assessment that can last around 4 to 5 hours and may be split into two days if preferred. It typically includes several components: - Coding Exercise: You will work on a coding challenge, often involving building or enhancing a web application. This may include both solo and pair programming sessions where you collaborate with other engineers. - System Design Interview: This segment focuses on your ability to design scalable and efficient systems. You will be asked to discuss architectural decisions and how you would approach building complex features. - Behavioral Interviews: You will meet with various team members, including the hiring manager and other engineers, to discuss your experiences, teamwork, and how you handle challenges in a collaborative environment.

5. Final Interview

In some cases, there may be a final interview with senior leadership or cross-functional team members. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company’s vision, culture, and future projects, while also allowing the team to gauge your alignment with Handshake's values and mission.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and passion for the mission of Handshake.

Next, let’s explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Interview Process

The interview process at Handshake typically involves multiple stages, including a recruiter call, technical screenings, and a virtual onsite. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the interviews, which often include coding challenges, system design discussions, and behavioral assessments. Knowing what to expect will help you feel more prepared and confident.

Prepare for Technical Challenges

As a Software Engineer, you will likely face coding challenges that test your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge. Brush up on your coding skills in languages relevant to the role, such as Ruby on Rails, ReactJS, and PostgreSQL. Practice common coding problems and system design scenarios, as these are frequently mentioned in interview experiences. Be ready to explain your thought process during coding exercises, as interviewers appreciate candidates who can articulate their reasoning.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Handshake values collaboration and communication among team members. Be prepared to discuss your experiences working in cross-functional teams, particularly how you’ve collaborated with product managers and designers. Highlight instances where you’ve successfully communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, as this will demonstrate your ability to work effectively within a diverse team.

Showcase Your Leadership and Mentorship Skills

In this role, you will be expected to lead projects and mentor junior engineers. Share examples of how you’ve taken ownership of projects, guided team members, and contributed to a positive team culture. Discuss any experiences where you’ve provided constructive feedback during code reviews or helped others overcome challenges.

Align with Company Values

Handshake is committed to diversity and inclusion, and they encourage candidates from non-traditional backgrounds to apply. During your interview, express your alignment with these values and how you can contribute to fostering an inclusive environment. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to diversity and your ability to work with individuals from various backgrounds.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

At the end of your interviews, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful inquiries that reflect your interest in the company and the role. Consider asking about the team dynamics, the company’s approach to professional development, or how they measure success in the engineering team. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if Handshake is the right fit for you.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to your interviewers expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point from your conversation that resonated with you. This will leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Handshake. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Handshake. The interview process will assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge in full-stack development, system design, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with Ruby on Rails and how you have used it in your projects?

This question aims to gauge your familiarity with one of the key technologies used at Handshake.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized Ruby on Rails, focusing on the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Highlight your understanding of MVC architecture and any relevant gems or libraries you used.

Example

“In my last project, I developed a web application using Ruby on Rails that managed user authentication and data storage. I implemented Devise for user management and used Active Record for database interactions. One challenge was optimizing query performance, which I addressed by adding appropriate indexes and using eager loading to reduce N+1 query issues.”

2. Describe a time when you had to design a scalable system. What considerations did you take into account?

This question assesses your system design skills and understanding of scalability.

How to Answer

Explain the project context, the requirements for scalability, and the architectural decisions you made. Discuss load balancing, database sharding, or caching strategies you considered.

Example

“I was tasked with designing a content management system that could handle thousands of concurrent users. I opted for a microservices architecture to allow independent scaling of components. I also implemented Redis for caching frequently accessed data, which significantly reduced database load during peak times.”

3. How do you approach code reviews, and what do you look for when reviewing a peer's code?

This question evaluates your collaboration and mentorship skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your philosophy on code reviews, emphasizing constructive feedback and learning opportunities. Mention specific aspects you focus on, such as code readability, adherence to best practices, and potential performance issues.

Example

“I believe code reviews are a vital part of the development process. I focus on ensuring the code is clean and maintainable, checking for adherence to coding standards, and looking for opportunities to improve performance. I also encourage open discussions to help my peers learn and grow.”

4. Can you explain the concept of RESTful APIs and how you have implemented them in your projects?

This question tests your understanding of API design, which is crucial for a full-stack engineer.

How to Answer

Define RESTful APIs and discuss the principles behind them. Provide examples of how you have designed and implemented APIs in your previous work.

Example

“RESTful APIs are based on stateless communication and use standard HTTP methods. In a recent project, I designed an API for a mobile application that allowed users to fetch and update their profiles. I ensured that the API followed REST principles by using appropriate status codes and structuring endpoints logically.”

Behavioral Questions

5. Tell me about a time when you faced a significant challenge in a project. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Describe the challenge, your thought process in addressing it, and the outcome. Focus on what you learned from the experience.

Example

“During a project, we faced a tight deadline due to unexpected feature requests. I organized a team meeting to prioritize tasks and delegated responsibilities based on each member's strengths. By maintaining open communication and adjusting our workflow, we successfully delivered the project on time, and I learned the importance of adaptability in project management.”

6. How do you ensure effective communication within a cross-functional team?

This question evaluates your teamwork and communication skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for maintaining clear communication, such as regular check-ins, using collaboration tools, and fostering an inclusive environment for feedback.

Example

“I prioritize regular stand-up meetings to keep everyone aligned on project goals. I also use tools like Slack and Trello to facilitate ongoing communication and transparency. Encouraging team members to share their thoughts and concerns helps create a collaborative atmosphere where everyone feels valued.”

7. What motivates you to work in a team environment, and how do you contribute to team culture?

This question assesses your cultural fit and teamwork philosophy.

How to Answer

Share what you enjoy about teamwork and specific actions you take to foster a positive team culture, such as celebrating successes or supporting colleagues.

Example

“I thrive in team environments because I believe diverse perspectives lead to better solutions. I contribute to team culture by organizing team-building activities and recognizing individual contributions during meetings, which helps build camaraderie and trust among team members.”

System Design

8. How would you design a feature for a job application tracking system?

This question tests your system design and feature implementation skills.

How to Answer

Outline the key components of the system, including user roles, data flow, and any technologies you would use. Discuss how you would ensure scalability and maintainability.

Example

“I would start by defining user roles, such as job seekers and employers. The system would need a database to store job postings, applications, and user profiles. I would use a microservices architecture to allow independent scaling of the application and implement a RESTful API for communication between the frontend and backend. Additionally, I would consider using GraphQL for flexible data retrieval.”

9. Can you walk us through your thought process when debugging a complex issue in production?

This question evaluates your troubleshooting skills and approach to problem-solving.

How to Answer

Describe your systematic approach to debugging, including gathering information, isolating the issue, and testing potential solutions.

Example

“When debugging a production issue, I first gather logs and user reports to understand the context. I then reproduce the issue in a staging environment to isolate the problem. After identifying the root cause, I test potential fixes and monitor the system to ensure stability before deploying the solution.”

10. What strategies do you use to stay updated with the latest technologies and industry trends?

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use, such as online courses, tech blogs, or community events, and how you apply new knowledge to your work.

Example

“I regularly follow tech blogs and participate in online courses to stay current with industry trends. I also attend local meetups and conferences to network with other professionals and share knowledge. I apply what I learn by experimenting with new technologies in personal projects, which helps me bring fresh ideas to my team.”