Meta Backend Developer Interview Questions (2026)

Landing a Backend Developer role at Meta requires targeted preparation. Meta uses a structured interview process with a coding round, system design round, and behavioral round. Coding interviews focus on algorithms and data structures with emphasis on optimal solutions. System design questions test your ability to build scalable social and real-time applications. Behavioral questions focus on your ability to move fast and create impact. This guide covers the most frequently asked questions and insider tips to help you succeed in your Meta Backend Developer interview.

About the Meta Interview Process

Meta interviews combine coding assessments with system design and behavioral questions focused on impact and moving fast.

Meta uses a structured interview process with a coding round, system design round, and behavioral round. Coding interviews focus on algorithms and data structures with emphasis on optimal solutions. System design questions test your ability to build scalable social and real-time applications. Behavioral questions focus on your ability to move fast and create impact.

Why Meta Backend Developer Interviews Are Different

Meta Backend Developer interviews differ from standard Backend Developer interviews in several key ways. The company has a unique interview culture, specific evaluation criteria, and expects candidates to demonstrate alignment with their values and mission. Understanding these differences gives you a significant advantage over other candidates.

Top 10 Backend Developer Interview Questions at Meta

1. At Meta, you might be asked: How would you design a rate-limiting system?
2. At Meta, you might be asked: Explain the differences between REST and GraphQL.
3. Meta candidates should prepare for: How do you handle database migrations in production?
4. Expect this at Meta: What is the CAP theorem?
5. Meta interviewers often ask: Describe how you would implement authentication and authorization.
6. At Meta, you might be asked: How do you handle error handling and logging in a production system?
7. Expect this at Meta: What is the difference between horizontal and vertical scaling?
8. A common Meta interview question: Explain microservices architecture and its trade-offs.
9. Meta candidates should prepare for: How do you secure an API endpoint?
10. Meta interviewers often ask: Describe your experience with message queues and event-driven architecture.

Meta-Specific Preparation Tips for Backend Developer Candidates

• Practice medium to hard coding problems focusing on optimal time and space complexity
• Study system design for social networks, messaging, and real-time feeds
• Prepare stories demonstrating bold decisions and moving fast with impact
• Be ready to discuss how you handle disagreements and drive consensus
• Practice coding on a shared screen or whiteboard environment

General Backend Developer Interview Tips

• Understand database design and normalization
• Practice designing scalable system architectures
• Know common security vulnerabilities and how to prevent them
• Be ready to discuss trade-offs in architectural decisions

Preparation Timeline for Meta Backend Developer Interviews

• 4 weeks before: Research Meta culture, recent news, and the specific team you are applying to.
• 2-3 weeks before: Practice technical questions daily and prepare behavioral stories using the STAR method.
• 1 week before: Do full mock interviews with HireFlow AI simulating Meta interview style.
• Day before: Review your notes, prepare questions for the interviewer, and get a good night of rest.

Practice Meta Backend Developer Interview with HireFlow AI — our AI adapts to Meta's interview style and gives real-time feedback.