The Standard Software Engineer Interview Guide

Getting ready for a Software Engineer interview at The Standard? The Standard Software Engineer interview process typically spans multiple question topics and evaluates skills in areas like system design, coding, technical problem-solving, and effective communication of complex technical concepts. Interview preparation is especially important for this role at The Standard, as engineers are expected to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including Product Owners, Data Engineers, and AI specialists—to deliver robust, scalable applications that enhance user experience and drive technological innovation.

In preparing for the interview, you should:

• Understand the core skills necessary for Software Engineer positions at The Standard.
• Gain insights into The Standard’s Software Engineer interview structure and process.
• Practice real The Standard Software Engineer interview questions to sharpen your performance.

At Interview Query, we regularly analyze interview experience data shared by candidates. This guide uses that data to provide an overview of the The Standard Software Engineer interview process, along with sample questions and preparation tips tailored to help you succeed.

The Standard is a leading online news organization in Thailand, recognized for its creative and constructive journalism. The platform delivers timely news, in-depth analysis, and multimedia content across a range of topics including current affairs, technology, business, and lifestyle. With a strong commitment to innovation and digital excellence, The Standard leverages advanced technologies to enhance user experience and content delivery. As a Software Engineer, you will contribute to developing AI-driven solutions that support The Standard’s mission to inform and engage its audience through modern, impactful digital journalism.

As a Software Engineer at The Standard, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining software solutions with a focus on artificial intelligence. You will collaborate closely with Product Owners, Data Engineers, Data Scientists, and Machine Learning Engineers to create modern applications that enhance user experience and drive business value. Your responsibilities will include writing robust code, integrating AI capabilities, and ensuring the scalability and reliability of technology platforms. This role is essential for advancing The Standard’s technology initiatives and delivering innovative solutions that support the company’s mission and operational goals.

2.1 Stage 1: Application & Resume Review

The process begins with an initial screening of your application and resume by the talent acquisition team. At this stage, the focus is on identifying relevant experience in software engineering, especially with modern application development, AI, and collaboration with cross-functional teams such as Product Owners, Data Engineers, and Machine Learning Engineers. Ensure your resume highlights technical skills, experience with scalable systems, and any AI or data-driven project work. Preparation should include tailoring your application to showcase impact, technical depth, and alignment with The Standard’s technology stack and user experience focus.

2.2 Stage 2: Recruiter Screen

Next, you’ll have a phone call with a recruiter, typically lasting 20–30 minutes. This conversation covers your motivation for applying, understanding of The Standard’s mission, and a high-level review of your background. Expect questions about your interest in the company, career goals, and general fit for the team. To prepare, research The Standard’s business, articulate why you’re interested in their engineering challenges, and be ready to discuss your career narrative succinctly.

2.3 Stage 3: Technical/Case/Skills Round

The technical round is usually conducted by the hiring manager or a senior engineer and may take place as a phone or video interview. This stage assesses your coding ability, problem-solving skills, and technical depth—often through a coding challenge or whiteboard session. You may be asked to solve algorithmic problems, implement data structures, or discuss system design relevant to scalable AI-powered applications. Preparation should focus on practicing coding under time constraints, reviewing system design principles, and being able to clearly communicate your approach and thought process.

2.4 Stage 4: Behavioral Interview

This stage, often with the hiring manager or future teammates, evaluates your collaboration, communication skills, and cultural fit. Expect questions about how you work in cross-functional teams, handle ambiguous requirements, and respond to challenges in software projects. You’ll be asked to share examples from past experiences—such as exceeding expectations on a project, resolving stakeholder misalignment, or making data-driven insights accessible to non-technical users. Prepare by reflecting on your key achievements, teamwork stories, and times you’ve demonstrated adaptability or leadership.

2.5 Stage 5: Final/Onsite Round

The final round may consist of multiple back-to-back interviews with various team members, including engineers, product owners, and possibly data scientists or AI specialists. This stage dives deeper into your technical expertise, system design skills, and ability to collaborate across functions. You’ll likely face both technical and behavioral scenarios, and may be asked to present your approach to a past project or discuss how you would architect a modern application. Prepare by reviewing end-to-end project experiences, practicing clear technical communication, and being ready to discuss trade-offs in design or technology choices.

2.6 Stage 6: Offer & Negotiation

If successful, you’ll receive an offer from The Standard’s HR or recruiting team. This stage covers compensation, benefits, and start date. Be prepared to discuss your expectations and clarify any questions about the role or company culture. Approach negotiations professionally and with clear, data-driven reasoning.

2.7 Average Timeline

The typical interview process at The Standard for a Software Engineer role spans 3–6 weeks from initial application to offer, with some variation depending on team schedules and candidate availability. Fast-tracked candidates with highly relevant experience may progress in as little as 2–3 weeks, while processes involving multiple teams or onsite rounds can extend closer to two months. Prompt communication and flexibility can help accelerate the timeline.

Now, let’s explore the specific types of interview questions you can expect throughout The Standard’s Software Engineer interview process.

3.1. Algorithms & Data Structures

Expect questions that test your understanding of core data structures, algorithmic problem solving, and the ability to optimize for time and space complexity. These are fundamental skills for a software engineering role and will often be evaluated using whiteboard or collaborative coding environments.

3.1.1 Write a function that tests whether a string of brackets is balanced.
Use a stack to process each bracket, pushing for opens and popping for closes, ensuring the stack is empty at the end. Be prepared to discuss edge cases such as mismatched or nested brackets.

3.1.2 Given a string, write a function to determine if it is palindrome or not.
Compare characters from both ends of the string moving toward the center, or use string reversal for a concise solution. Highlight how you would handle different character sets or ignore casing and punctuation if needed.

3.1.3 Implementing a priority queue used linked lists.
Describe how you would maintain the queue in sorted order upon insertion to ensure dequeue always removes the highest-priority element. Discuss trade-offs between linked lists and other implementations like heaps.

3.1.4 Implement Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm for a given graph with a known source node.
Explain your choice of data structures (e.g., min-heap or priority queue) and how you update shortest distances. Clarify how you would handle disconnected nodes and potential edge cases.

3.1.5 The task is to implement a shortest path algorithm (like Dijkstra's or Bellman-Ford) to find the shortest path from a start node to an end node in a given graph. The graph is represented as a 2D array where each cell represents a node and the value in the cell represents the cost to traverse to that node.
Discuss how you would traverse the grid efficiently, keeping track of visited nodes and minimizing the total cost. Address how you would adapt your approach for different types of graphs or constraints.

3.2. Systems Design & Scalability

These questions assess your ability to architect scalable, maintainable systems, and reason about trade-offs in design decisions. Focus on clarity, modularity, and how your designs fit real-world business needs.

3.2.1 System design for a digital classroom service.
Outline the system's core components, such as user management, content delivery, and real-time interaction. Address scalability, security, and how you would support different user roles (students, teachers, admins).

3.2.2 Design a database schema for a blogging platform.
Describe the tables and relationships needed for users, posts, comments, and tags. Explain normalization, indexing, and how you would handle user-generated content at scale.

3.2.3 Design a data warehouse for a new online retailer
Discuss the star or snowflake schema, fact and dimension tables, and how you would support analytics and reporting. Consider data ingestion, transformation, and long-term storage strategies.

3.2.4 Write a function to return the value of the nearest node that is a parent to both nodes.
Explain how you would traverse a tree structure to find the lowest common ancestor, considering both recursive and iterative approaches. Discuss how this pattern applies to various hierarchical data problems.

3.3. Data Handling & Optimization

You’ll be asked about manipulating large datasets, ensuring data quality, and optimizing data pipelines. Demonstrate your ability to write efficient code and make practical trade-offs under constraints.

3.3.1 This question requires the implementation of the Fibonacci sequence using three different methods: recursively, iteratively, and using memoization.
Compare the time and space complexities of each method, and explain when you’d use each in practice. Highlight the benefits of memoization for optimizing recursive solutions.

3.3.2 How would you approach improving the quality of airline data?
Describe techniques for identifying and resolving missing, inconsistent, or erroneous data. Emphasize automation, validation routines, and collaboration with stakeholders.

3.3.3 Modifying a billion rows
Discuss strategies for handling massive updates, such as batching, indexing, and minimizing downtime. Address considerations for transactional integrity and rollback in case of failure.

3.3.4 Describing a real-world data cleaning and organization project
Share your approach to profiling, cleaning, and validating data, including tools and frameworks you would use. Emphasize reproducibility and documentation of your process.

3.4. Communication & Data Presentation

As a software engineer, you’ll often present technical concepts to diverse audiences and translate insights into actionable recommendations. These questions test your ability to communicate clearly and tailor your message.

3.4.1 How to present complex data insights with clarity and adaptability tailored to a specific audience
Explain your process for understanding the audience’s needs, choosing the right visualizations, and simplifying technical jargon. Give examples of adapting your style for executives versus technical peers.

3.4.2 Making data-driven insights actionable for those without technical expertise
Discuss techniques for breaking down complex results, using analogies, and focusing on business impact. Highlight your experience bridging the gap between engineering and business teams.

3.4.3 Demystifying data for non-technical users through visualization and clear communication
Share how you use dashboards, storytelling, and interactive tools to make data accessible. Emphasize the importance of iterative feedback and continuous learning from your audience.

3.4.4 How would you answer when an Interviewer asks why you applied to their company?
Connect your career goals and values to the company’s mission, culture, and impact. Be specific about what excites you about their products, technology, or growth opportunities.

3.5 Behavioral Questions

3.5.1 Tell me about a time you used data to make a decision.
Describe a scenario where your analysis directly influenced a business or technical outcome. Focus on the data-driven recommendation, your decision-making process, and the measurable result.

3.5.2 Describe a challenging data project and how you handled it.
Explain the key hurdles you faced—such as technical complexity, tight deadlines, or unclear requirements—and how you overcame them. Emphasize problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability.

3.5.3 How do you handle unclear requirements or ambiguity?
Share a story where you proactively clarified expectations, iterated on deliverables, or used prototypes to align stakeholders. Highlight communication and adaptability.

3.5.4 Tell me about a time when your colleagues didn’t agree with your approach. What did you do to bring them into the conversation and address their concerns?
Discuss how you listened, explained your reasoning, and found common ground or compromise. Emphasize teamwork and openness to feedback.

3.5.5 Give an example of when you resolved a conflict with someone on the job—especially someone you didn’t particularly get along with.
Describe the situation, your approach to resolving the conflict, and the positive outcome. Focus on professionalism and empathy.

3.5.6 Talk about a time when you had trouble communicating with stakeholders. How were you able to overcome it?
Share how you adapted your communication style, sought feedback, or used visual aids to bridge the gap. Highlight your commitment to stakeholder alignment.

3.5.7 Tell me about a time you delivered critical insights even though 30% of the dataset had nulls. What analytical trade-offs did you make?
Explain how you assessed the impact of missing data, chose appropriate imputation or exclusion methods, and communicated limitations transparently.

3.5.8 Give an example of automating recurrent data-quality checks so the same dirty-data crisis doesn’t happen again.
Describe the tools or scripts you built, how they improved efficiency, and the long-term impact on data reliability.

3.5.9 Tell me about a time when you exceeded expectations during a project. What did you do, and how did you accomplish it?
Highlight your initiative, the extra value you delivered, and the recognition or impact that resulted.

3.5.10 Share a story where you used data prototypes or wireframes to align stakeholders with very different visions of the final deliverable.
Discuss how early visuals or mockups clarified requirements, reduced rework, and built consensus across teams.

4.1 Company-specific tips:

Demonstrate a clear understanding of The Standard’s mission as a leading digital news organization in Thailand. Be prepared to discuss how technology can enhance journalism, user engagement, and multimedia content delivery. Reference The Standard’s commitment to creative and constructive reporting, and highlight your enthusiasm for building software that supports impactful storytelling and real-time news.

Showcase your awareness of digital innovation in media. Research how The Standard leverages advanced technologies—such as AI-driven personalization, scalable content platforms, and interactive features—to improve the user experience. Be ready to suggest ways software engineering can address challenges unique to digital journalism, such as high traffic spikes, data privacy, and rapid feature iteration.

Familiarize yourself with The Standard’s cross-functional culture. Highlight your experience working closely with Product Owners, Data Engineers, and AI specialists to deliver robust applications. Prepare examples that illustrate your ability to collaborate, communicate technical ideas to non-engineers, and prioritize user-centric solutions in a fast-paced environment.

4.2 Role-specific tips:

4.2.1 Practice coding interview problems that emphasize both correctness and efficiency.
Focus on algorithms and data structures that are commonly used in scalable web applications, such as stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. Be ready to solve problems like balanced brackets, palindrome checks, and shortest path algorithms. When practicing, pay attention to edge cases, optimal time and space complexity, and clear code organization.

4.2.2 Prepare for system design questions by breaking down large problems into modular components.
When asked to design systems like a digital classroom or blogging platform, start by identifying the core features, data flow, and user roles. Discuss scalability strategies, fault tolerance, and security considerations. Use diagrams or pseudocode to communicate your design, and explain trade-offs between different architecture choices.

4.2.3 Show your ability to handle and optimize large datasets.
Be prepared to discuss how you would approach modifying billions of rows, cleaning messy data, and improving data quality in real-world scenarios. Emphasize techniques for batching, indexing, validation, and automation. Share stories of past projects where your data handling skills made a measurable impact.

4.2.4 Practice communicating technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Expect questions that assess your ability to present data insights, explain complex algorithms, or make recommendations accessible to business or editorial teams. Use analogies, visual aids, and clear language. Give examples of tailoring your communication style for different audiences and ensuring alignment on project goals.

4.2.5 Prepare behavioral stories that highlight teamwork, adaptability, and leadership.
Reflect on experiences where you resolved conflicts, clarified ambiguous requirements, or exceeded expectations on a project. Structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and connect your achievements to The Standard’s values of innovation and collaboration.

4.2.6 Be ready to discuss your motivation for joining The Standard.
Articulate how your technical skills, passion for digital media, and desire to work at the intersection of journalism and technology align with the company’s mission. Be specific about what excites you—whether it’s building AI-powered features, improving content accessibility, or driving business impact through engineering.

4.2.7 Review key concepts in AI and machine learning integration.
Since The Standard values AI-driven solutions, prepare to talk about how you would collaborate with Data Scientists and Machine Learning Engineers to integrate intelligent features into web applications. Discuss your experience with APIs, data pipelines, and deploying models in production environments.

4.2.8 Practice technical storytelling around end-to-end project delivery.
Be ready to walk interviewers through a complete project lifecycle—from requirements gathering and prototyping to deployment and post-launch improvements. Highlight how you managed trade-offs, communicated with diverse teams, and ensured the final product met user needs and business objectives.

5.1 How hard is the The Standard Software Engineer interview?
The Standard Software Engineer interview is challenging, particularly for candidates who have not previously worked in fast-paced digital media environments. Expect to be tested on your coding ability, system design skills, and capacity to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. The bar is high for practical problem-solving and collaboration, especially around scalable, AI-driven applications.

5.2 How many interview rounds does The Standard have for Software Engineer?
Typically, The Standard’s Software Engineer interview process consists of 5–6 rounds: initial application and resume screen, recruiter phone interview, technical/coding round, behavioral interview, final onsite or virtual interviews with team members, and a concluding offer/negotiation round. Some candidates may experience additional steps based on role specialization or team requirements.

5.3 Does The Standard ask for take-home assignments for Software Engineer?
While take-home assignments are not always required, The Standard may occasionally provide a coding or system design challenge for you to complete independently, especially if they want to assess your problem-solving process and code quality in more depth. Expect assignments that reflect real-world scenarios relevant to digital journalism or AI-powered content platforms.

5.4 What skills are required for the The Standard Software Engineer?
Key skills include strong coding proficiency (in languages such as Python, JavaScript, or Java), deep understanding of algorithms and data structures, experience with systems design and scalable architectures, and familiarity with AI or machine learning integration. Excellent communication, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and a user-centric mindset are also essential.

5.5 How long does the The Standard Software Engineer hiring process take?
The typical timeline is 3–6 weeks from initial application to offer. Fast-tracked candidates may complete the process in 2–3 weeks, while those interviewing with multiple teams or for specialized roles may experience a longer cycle. Timely responses and flexibility with scheduling can help accelerate your progress.

5.6 What types of questions are asked in the The Standard Software Engineer interview?
Expect a mix of coding challenges (such as balanced brackets, palindrome checks, and shortest path algorithms), system design scenarios (like digital classroom or blogging platforms), data handling and optimization problems, and behavioral questions about teamwork, adaptability, and communication. You’ll also be asked to discuss your motivation for joining The Standard and your experience integrating AI solutions.

5.7 Does The Standard give feedback after the Software Engineer interview?
The Standard usually provides high-level feedback through recruiters, focusing on overall strengths and areas for improvement. Detailed technical feedback may be limited, but you can expect to hear about your performance in key interview areas and fit for the team.

5.8 What is the acceptance rate for The Standard Software Engineer applicants?
While specific acceptance rates are not publicly available, the Software Engineer role at The Standard is competitive. Only a small percentage of applicants progress through all rounds and receive offers, reflecting the company’s high standards for technical excellence and cultural fit.

5.9 Does The Standard hire remote Software Engineer positions?
Yes, The Standard offers remote opportunities for Software Engineers, particularly for roles focused on platform development, AI integration, or cross-functional collaboration. Some positions may require occasional in-person meetings or team events, but remote work is increasingly supported to attract top talent.

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Ready to Ace Your Interview?

Ready to ace your The Standard Software Engineer interview? It’s not just about knowing the technical skills—you need to think like a The Standard Software Engineer, solve problems under pressure, and connect your expertise to real business impact. That’s where Interview Query comes in with company-specific learning paths, mock interviews, and curated question banks tailored toward roles at The Standard and similar companies.

With resources like the The Standard Software Engineer Interview Guide and our latest case study practice sets, you’ll get access to real interview questions, detailed walkthroughs, and coaching support designed to boost both your technical skills and domain intuition. Dive into sample questions on algorithms, system design, AI integration, and communication—each mapped to the unique challenges of building scalable, innovative digital journalism platforms at The Standard.

Take the next step—explore more case study questions, try mock interviews, and browse targeted prep materials on Interview Query. Bookmark this guide or share it with peers prepping for similar roles. It could be the difference between applying and offering. You’ve got this!