Sendbird Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Sendbird is a leading provider of chat and messaging APIs for mobile apps and websites, enabling developers to create seamless communication experiences for users.

As a Software Engineer at Sendbird, you will play a critical role in developing and maintaining scalable software solutions that enhance the user experience in chat applications. Your key responsibilities will include designing, coding, and testing software components, collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate APIs, and troubleshooting any issues that arise in production environments. A strong understanding of software engineering principles, proficiency in programming languages such as JavaScript, Python, or Java, and experience with cloud technologies will be essential to excel in this role. Ideal candidates will possess excellent problem-solving skills, a proactive approach to learning, and a passion for building user-centric applications that align with Sendbird's commitment to providing top-notch communication solutions.

This guide will help you prepare for your job interview by providing insights into the role and what the company values in its candidates, equipping you with the knowledge to make a strong impression.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Sendbird is structured yet can vary in execution, reflecting the company's evolving hiring practices. Typically, candidates can expect the following stages:

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a 30-minute phone screen conducted by a recruiter. This initial conversation is designed to assess your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to Sendbird. The recruiter may ask about your past projects and technical skills, but candidates have noted that the recruiter may not always be fully engaged, which can affect the flow of the conversation.

2. Coding Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates are usually given a coding assessment to complete within a week. This assessment is often conducted on a coding platform and focuses on evaluating your problem-solving abilities and coding proficiency. The nature of the problems can vary, but they typically require a solid understanding of algorithms and data structures.

3. Technical Interviews

Candidates will then participate in two technical interviews, each lasting about an hour. These interviews delve deeper into your coding skills and software engineering knowledge. Expect to tackle coding problems in real-time, often using collaborative coding tools. Interviewers may also explore your understanding of software design principles and system architecture.

4. Managerial and Team Interviews

The next step involves interviews with the hiring manager, a business analyst, and possibly a platform manager. Each of these interviews lasts about an hour and focuses on both technical and behavioral aspects. You may be asked to discuss your approach to teamwork, conflict resolution, and how you align with Sendbird's company culture. This stage is crucial for assessing your fit within the team and the organization.

5. Final Interview

In some cases, there may be a final interview that serves as a wrap-up of the process. This could involve a discussion about your long-term career goals and how they align with Sendbird's vision. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask any lingering questions about the role or the company.

As you prepare for your interviews, be ready to tackle a variety of questions that reflect both your technical expertise and your ability to fit into Sendbird's culture.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

Familiarize yourself with the typical interview process at Sendbird, which often includes a phone screen, coding assessments, and multiple technical interviews. Knowing that the process can take several weeks, be prepared for a variety of interview formats, including coding tests on platforms like CoderPad. This will help you manage your time and expectations effectively.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Given the emphasis on coding skills, ensure you are well-versed in the programming languages and technologies relevant to the role. Practice coding problems that reflect real-world scenarios, focusing on algorithmic thinking and problem-solving. Additionally, be ready to discuss your approach to building data pipelines and other software engineering concepts, as these topics have been highlighted in past interviews.

Showcase Your Soft Skills

While technical skills are crucial, Sendbird also values cultural fit and teamwork. Be prepared to discuss how you handle conflicts within a team, as this has been a common question in interviews. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others.

Be Ready for Value-Fit Questions

The value-fit interview at Sendbird may feel somewhat experimental, so approach it with an open mind. Research the company’s culture and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss your motivations and what you can bring to the team beyond technical skills.

Stay Professional and Patient

Some candidates have reported a lack of professionalism in the interview process, including delays and unresponsive recruiters. Regardless of your experience, maintain a professional demeanor throughout your interactions. If you encounter any issues, such as a lack of communication, consider following up politely to express your continued interest in the position.

Embrace the Company Culture

Sendbird is evolving its work culture, moving away from a workaholic environment. Show that you are adaptable and open to contributing to a positive team atmosphere. Highlight your willingness to collaborate and support your colleagues, as this aligns with the company’s current direction.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interviews, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This not only demonstrates your professionalism but also keeps you on the interviewers' radar. If you don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe, a polite follow-up can help you stay informed about your application status.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence and professionalism, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Sendbird. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Sendbird. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. Be prepared to demonstrate your coding proficiency, discuss your past experiences, and articulate how you handle team dynamics and conflicts.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain your approach to building a data pipeline from scratch?

This question assesses your understanding of data architecture and your ability to design scalable systems.

How to Answer

Discuss the key components of a data pipeline, including data ingestion, processing, storage, and visualization. Highlight any relevant technologies or frameworks you have experience with.

Example

“I would start by identifying the data sources and determining the best methods for ingestion, whether through APIs or batch processing. Next, I would choose a processing framework like Apache Spark for real-time analytics, followed by selecting a suitable storage solution, such as AWS S3 or a relational database, depending on the use case. Finally, I would implement visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI to present the data effectively.”

2. Describe a challenging coding problem you faced and how you solved it.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and coding proficiency.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that demonstrates your analytical thinking and technical skills. Explain the problem, your approach to solving it, and the outcome.

Example

“I once encountered a performance issue in a web application where the response time was significantly delayed. I profiled the application and discovered that a specific database query was inefficient. I optimized the query by adding appropriate indexes and restructuring it, which reduced the response time by over 50%.”

3. How do you ensure the quality of your code?

This question gauges your understanding of software development best practices.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to writing clean, maintainable code, including testing strategies and code reviews.

Example

“I follow best practices such as writing unit tests and conducting code reviews with my peers. I also use static code analysis tools to catch potential issues early. This ensures that my code is not only functional but also maintainable in the long run.”

4. What programming languages are you most comfortable with, and why?

This question assesses your technical background and preferences.

How to Answer

Mention the languages you are proficient in and explain why you prefer them, focusing on their strengths and your experiences.

Example

“I am most comfortable with Python and JavaScript. Python’s simplicity and extensive libraries make it ideal for data manipulation and machine learning tasks, while JavaScript is essential for building interactive web applications. I have used both extensively in my previous projects.”

5. Can you walk us through a project where you had to collaborate with other engineers?

This question evaluates your teamwork and communication skills.

How to Answer

Describe a specific project, your role in it, and how you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal.

Example

“In a recent project, I worked with a team of engineers to develop a real-time chat application. My role involved backend development, and I coordinated closely with frontend developers to ensure seamless integration. We held regular stand-up meetings to discuss progress and address any blockers, which helped us deliver the project on time.”

Behavioral Questions

1. How do you handle conflicts among project members?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and conflict resolution strategies.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to resolving conflicts, emphasizing communication and collaboration.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I believe in addressing them directly and openly. I encourage team members to express their concerns and facilitate a discussion to find common ground. By focusing on the project goals and fostering a collaborative environment, we can often resolve issues amicably.”

2. Can you explain a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project?

This question evaluates your adaptability and resilience.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you had to adjust your approach due to changes in project requirements or team dynamics.

Example

“During a project, the client changed their requirements midway, which required us to pivot our development strategy. I quickly organized a meeting with the team to reassess our priorities and reallocate tasks. This adaptability allowed us to meet the new requirements without significantly delaying the project timeline.”

3. What motivates you to work in software engineering?

This question gauges your passion for the field and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Share your motivations and what aspects of software engineering you find most fulfilling.

Example

“I am motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create impactful software solutions. I enjoy the continuous learning aspect of the field, as technology is always evolving, and I strive to stay updated with the latest trends and best practices.”

4. How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use to manage your workload.

Example

“I prioritize my tasks based on deadlines and project impact. I use project management tools like Trello to keep track of my tasks and their statuses. I also regularly communicate with my team to ensure alignment on priorities and adjust as needed.”

5. Describe a time when you received constructive criticism. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your openness to feedback and personal growth.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of receiving feedback, how you responded, and what you learned from the experience.

Example

“During a code review, a colleague pointed out that my code could be more efficient. I took their feedback positively and asked for suggestions on how to improve. I implemented their advice and learned valuable techniques that I now apply in my coding practices.”