Kayak Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Kayak, part of Booking Holdings, is the world’s leading travel search engine, helping millions of users find their ideal travel options through innovative technology and user-centric design.

As a Software Engineer at Kayak, you will be responsible for developing compelling user experiences on the Flights UI team, which directly impacts millions of users daily. Key responsibilities include end-to-end ownership of UI functionalities, making architectural decisions, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to drive innovative features. You will also be tasked with code optimization, technical debt reduction, and maintaining high code quality standards. A strong foundation in web application development, particularly with CSS, HTML, and JavaScript (preferably with frameworks like React), is essential. Additionally, experience in object-oriented programming languages, such as Java or C#, will be beneficial. The ideal candidate possesses excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently, and a knack for communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to excel in your interview for the Software Engineer role at Kayak, ensuring you stand out as a strong candidate.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at KAYAK is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the team. It typically consists of several stages, each aimed at evaluating different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and personality.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, usually conducted by a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation typically lasts around 30 to 45 minutes and focuses on understanding your background, motivations for applying, and general fit for the company culture. Expect to discuss your previous experiences, technical skills, and why you are interested in KAYAK.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could take the form of a coding challenge or a take-home assignment that tests your programming skills and problem-solving abilities. The assessment is designed to evaluate your proficiency in relevant programming languages and frameworks, as well as your ability to write clean, efficient code.

3. Technical Interviews

Candidates who perform well in the technical assessment will move on to a series of technical interviews. These interviews may be conducted via video call or in-person and typically involve multiple rounds. You can expect to engage with various team members, including engineers and technical leads, who will ask questions related to algorithms, data structures, and system design. Some interviews may also include "puzzle" questions to assess your analytical thinking and problem-solving approach.

4. Behavioral Interviews

In addition to technical interviews, candidates will participate in behavioral interviews. These discussions focus on your past experiences, teamwork, and how you handle challenges in a work environment. Interviewers will be interested in understanding your communication style, leadership qualities, and how you align with KAYAK's values and mission.

5. Final Round

The final round often includes interviews with higher-level management or cross-functional team members. This stage is more conversational and aims to gauge your fit within the broader team and company culture. You may be asked to discuss your approach to collaboration, project management, and how you would contribute to KAYAK's goals.

Throughout the interview process, candidates are encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions, as KAYAK values open communication and collaboration.

Now that you have an overview of the interview process, let's delve into the specific questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews.

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

Embrace the Collaborative Culture

KAYAK values a collaborative and friendly work environment. During your interviews, aim to engage in genuine conversations rather than just answering questions. Show your enthusiasm for teamwork and how you can contribute to a positive atmosphere. Be prepared to discuss your experiences working with cross-functional teams and how you’ve navigated challenges in a collaborative setting.

Prepare for a Mix of Technical and Behavioral Questions

The interview process at KAYAK typically includes a blend of technical and behavioral questions. Brush up on your coding skills, particularly in JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, as well as your understanding of modern UI frameworks like React. Additionally, be ready to share stories that highlight your problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and how you handle conflicting priorities. This dual focus will demonstrate your technical prowess and cultural fit.

Showcase Your Passion for Travel and Innovation

KAYAK is a company driven by innovation in the travel industry. Make sure to express your passion for travel and how it aligns with the company’s mission. Share any personal experiences that have shaped your interest in travel technology, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to developing innovative features that enhance user experiences.

Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios

Expect to encounter problem-solving or "puzzle" type questions during your interviews. These questions are designed to assess your critical thinking and analytical skills. Practice solving similar problems beforehand, and approach these questions with a clear thought process. Articulate your reasoning as you work through the problem, as interviewers appreciate seeing how you think.

Communicate Clearly and Effectively

Given the emphasis on communication at KAYAK, especially when working with geographically distributed teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to explain technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. This skill will be crucial in demonstrating your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical team members.

Follow Up and Stay Engaged

After your interviews, don’t hesitate to follow up with a thank-you note expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This not only shows your professionalism but also keeps you on the interviewers' radar. If you experience delays in communication, remain patient but proactive in seeking updates, as this reflects your interest in the position.

Prepare for a Lengthy Process

The interview process at KAYAK can be extensive, often involving multiple rounds and various stakeholders. Be mentally prepared for this and approach each round with the same level of enthusiasm and professionalism. Use this time to learn more about the company and its culture, as well as to showcase your skills and fit for the role.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the interview process at KAYAK and demonstrate that you are the right fit for their team. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at KAYAK. The interview process will likely assess both technical skills and cultural fit, so it's essential to prepare for a mix of technical and behavioral questions. Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving abilities, coding skills, and how you collaborate with teams.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between checked and unchecked exceptions in Java?

Understanding exception handling is crucial for any software engineer, especially in Java.

How to Answer

Discuss the definitions of checked and unchecked exceptions, providing examples of each. Highlight when to use them and the implications for error handling in your code.

Example

“Checked exceptions are exceptions that must be either caught or declared in the method signature, such as IOException. Unchecked exceptions, like NullPointerException, do not require explicit handling. I prefer using checked exceptions for recoverable conditions and unchecked for programming errors.”

2. What is a generator function and how is it used?

This question tests your knowledge of advanced JavaScript concepts.

How to Answer

Explain what generator functions are, how they differ from regular functions, and provide a use case where they can be beneficial.

Example

“A generator function is defined using the function* syntax and can yield multiple values over time. They are useful for managing asynchronous operations, allowing you to pause execution and resume later, which can simplify code that handles complex data flows.”

3. How do you debug issues in a full-stack environment?

Debugging is a critical skill for a software engineer, especially in a full-stack role.

How to Answer

Outline your debugging process, including tools and techniques you use to identify and resolve issues across the stack.

Example

“I start by replicating the issue and checking logs for errors. I use debugging tools like Chrome DevTools for front-end issues and logging frameworks for back-end. I also ensure to test different components in isolation to pinpoint the source of the problem.”

4. Can you describe your experience with CSS and HTML layouts?

Given the emphasis on UI development, this question assesses your front-end skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with CSS and HTML, including any frameworks or methodologies you’ve used.

Example

“I have extensive experience building responsive layouts using CSS Flexbox and Grid. I also utilize preprocessors like SASS to manage styles efficiently and ensure maintainability across large projects.”

5. What performance considerations do you keep in mind when developing web applications?

Performance is key in web development, especially for a high-traffic platform like KAYAK.

How to Answer

Mention specific performance metrics and techniques you use to optimize web applications.

Example

“I focus on minimizing load times by optimizing images, using lazy loading, and minimizing HTTP requests. I also leverage browser caching and content delivery networks (CDNs) to enhance performance.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time you had to deal with conflicting priorities. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your ability to manage time and prioritize tasks effectively.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example that illustrates your decision-making process and how you communicated with stakeholders.

Example

“In a previous project, I had to balance urgent bug fixes with a feature release. I communicated with my team to assess the impact of each task and prioritized the bug fixes that affected user experience, while keeping stakeholders informed about the timeline for the feature release.”

2. How do you usually work with a team of designers and developers?

Collaboration is essential in a cross-functional team environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to teamwork, communication, and how you ensure alignment on project goals.

Example

“I believe in regular check-ins and open communication. I use tools like Slack and Trello to keep everyone updated on progress and roadblocks. I also encourage feedback during design reviews to ensure that both developers and designers are aligned on the project vision.”

3. Why do you want to work at KAYAK?

This question gauges your motivation and cultural fit for the company.

How to Answer

Express your passion for travel and how KAYAK’s mission aligns with your career goals.

Example

“I’ve always been passionate about travel, and KAYAK’s commitment to innovation in the travel industry excites me. I want to contribute to building tools that enhance user experiences and make travel planning easier for everyone.”

4. Share with me a project that you have worked on. What was your role?

This question allows you to showcase your experience and contributions.

How to Answer

Choose a project that highlights your skills relevant to the role and explain your specific contributions.

Example

“I worked on a travel booking application where I was responsible for the front-end development using React. I collaborated closely with designers to implement a user-friendly interface and optimized the application for performance, resulting in a 30% increase in user engagement.”

5. How do you handle feedback and criticism?

This question assesses your ability to learn and grow from experiences.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and provide an example of how you’ve used it to improve.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. For instance, after receiving constructive criticism on my code quality, I took the initiative to learn more about best practices and implemented code reviews in my team, which improved our overall code quality.”