Meta Software Engineer Interview Questions (2026)
Landing a Software Engineer 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 Software Engineer 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 Software Engineer Interviews Are Different
Meta Software Engineer interviews differ from standard Software Engineer 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 Software Engineer Interview Questions at Meta
- A common Meta interview question: Explain the difference between a stack and a queue. When would you use each?
- Meta candidates should prepare for: How would you design a URL shortening service like bit.ly?
- Expect this at Meta: What is the difference between SQL and NoSQL databases?
- A common Meta interview question: Describe a time you had to debug a complex production issue.
- At Meta, you might be asked: How do you approach code reviews?
- A common Meta interview question: Explain RESTful API design principles.
- A common Meta interview question: What is the difference between concurrency and parallelism?
- A common Meta interview question: How would you optimize a slow database query?
- Meta interviewers often ask: Describe your experience with version control and Git workflows.
- Meta interviewers often ask: How do you ensure code quality in your projects?
Meta-Specific Preparation Tips for Software Engineer 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 Software Engineer Interview Tips
- Practice coding problems and mock interviews with HireFlow to sharpen your skills
- Study system design fundamentals for senior-level interviews
- Prepare STAR-method stories for behavioral questions
- Review the company's tech stack before the interview
Preparation Timeline for Meta Software Engineer 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 Software Engineer Interview with HireFlow AI — our AI adapts to Meta's interview style and gives real-time feedback.