Asana Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Asana is a leading work management platform that empowers teams to orchestrate their work effectively, enabling better collaboration and productivity for millions of users worldwide.

The Software Engineer role at Asana is integral to the development and enhancement of the platform's features and functionalities. Engineers are expected to work across the full stack, contributing to both front-end and back-end development. Key responsibilities include designing, building, and deploying new features, as well as optimizing existing functionalities to improve user experience. Successful candidates will possess strong problem-solving skills, a deep understanding of software development methodologies, and proficiency in programming languages commonly used in the industry, such as JavaScript, Python, or TypeScript.

A strong fit for this role will demonstrate an eagerness to take on complex challenges, an ability to navigate ambiguity, and a passion for building user-centric products. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including Product Managers and UI Designers—is essential, as is a commitment to technical excellence and mentorship of fellow engineers.

This guide aims to equip candidates with the insights and preparation needed to excel in their interviews at Asana, focusing on the skills and experiences that align with the company’s values and the demands of the Software Engineer role.

The interview process for a Software Engineer role at Asana is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. It typically consists of several stages, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's abilities and experiences.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a brief phone screen conducted by a recruiter. This initial conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on understanding your background, motivations for applying to Asana, and your general fit for the company culture. The recruiter may also provide insights into the role and the team dynamics.

2. Technical Phone Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates typically participate in a technical phone interview with an engineer. This interview lasts about an hour and includes coding questions, algorithm challenges, and object-oriented design (OOD) discussions. Candidates may be asked to solve problems collaboratively, often using a shared document to write and explain their code. Expect questions that assess your understanding of data structures, algorithms, and system design principles.

3. Online Assessment (if applicable)

In some cases, candidates may be required to complete an online assessment prior to the technical phone interview. This assessment usually consists of coding challenges that test your problem-solving skills and coding proficiency. The assessment is designed to gauge your ability to write clean, efficient code and understand algorithmic complexity.

4. Onsite Interview

The onsite interview is a more comprehensive evaluation, typically lasting several hours and consisting of multiple rounds. Candidates can expect a mix of technical and behavioral interviews. The technical rounds will focus on coding exercises, system design, and OOD questions, while the behavioral interviews will assess your teamwork, communication skills, and alignment with Asana's values.

During the technical rounds, you may be given a coding challenge to complete independently, followed by a review session where you discuss your approach and thought process with the interviewer. The onsite may also include a lunch break where you can interact informally with team members, providing a glimpse into the company culture.

5. Final Interview Round

In some instances, there may be a final round with senior engineers or team leads. This round often focuses on deeper technical discussions, project experiences, and your potential contributions to the team. It may also include discussions about your career aspirations and how they align with Asana's goals.

Throughout the interview process, Asana emphasizes a collaborative and engaging atmosphere, encouraging candidates to think out loud and communicate their thought processes clearly.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked, particularly those related to coding, system design, and your past experiences.

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

Understand Asana's Culture and Values

Asana places a strong emphasis on collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation. Familiarize yourself with their mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Highlight your experiences that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a positive team environment. This will show that you are not only a technical fit but also a cultural fit for the company.

Prepare for Design and System Questions

Given the emphasis on design in the interview process, be ready to tackle object-oriented design (OOD) and system design questions. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your design choices and the reasoning behind them. Remember, the interviewers are looking for your ability to think critically and solve complex problems, so don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions if needed.

Brush Up on Coding Fundamentals

While the interviews may not focus solely on coding, you should still be prepared for algorithm and data structure questions. Review common coding problems, especially those related to arrays, trees, and graphs. Practice writing clean, efficient code and be ready to explain your solutions, including time and space complexity. Familiarity with LeetCode-style questions will be beneficial, as many candidates have reported similar experiences.

Emphasize Communication Skills

Asana values excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration. During your interview, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and engaging with your interviewers. Treat the interview as a conversation rather than a one-sided Q&A. Be open to feedback and demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Leverage the Interview Format

The interview process at Asana often includes multiple rounds, including behavioral and technical assessments. Use the opportunity to showcase your personality and technical skills. In behavioral interviews, prepare to discuss your past experiences, challenges you've faced, and how you've contributed to team success. In technical interviews, remember to think out loud and explain your reasoning as you work through problems.

Be Ready for a Long Interview Process

Candidates have reported that the onsite interviews can be lengthy, often lasting several hours. Prepare yourself mentally for this format, and take advantage of the breaks to recharge. Use the time to connect with your interviewers and ask questions about their experiences at Asana. This will not only help you gauge if the company is the right fit for you but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

Follow Up and Seek Feedback

After your interviews, don’t hesitate to follow up with your recruiter or interviewers for feedback. While some candidates have reported a lack of communication post-interview, expressing your interest in feedback shows your commitment to growth and improvement. It also keeps the lines of communication open, which can be beneficial for future opportunities.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Asana. The interview process will likely focus on a combination of coding skills, system design, and behavioral questions, reflecting the collaborative and innovative culture at Asana. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and how they can contribute to Asana's mission of improving team collaboration.

Coding and Algorithms

1. Can you explain the time and space complexity of your solution for a given algorithm?

Understanding complexity is crucial for optimizing code. Be prepared to analyze your solution and discuss trade-offs.

How to Answer

Discuss the algorithm's efficiency in terms of Big O notation, explaining both the best and worst-case scenarios.

Example

"The algorithm I implemented has a time complexity of O(n log n) due to the sorting step, while the space complexity is O(n) because of the additional data structures used to store intermediate results."

2. How would you find the K closest points to the origin in a 2D plane?

This question tests your ability to apply algorithms to real-world problems.

How to Answer

Outline a plan using a priority queue or a sorting approach, and discuss the efficiency of your chosen method.

Example

"I would use a max-heap to keep track of the K closest points. By iterating through the points and maintaining the heap size, I can ensure that we only keep the closest K points, resulting in an O(n log k) time complexity."

3. Describe how you would implement a jigsaw puzzle solver.

This question assesses your problem-solving and algorithmic thinking.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to breaking down the problem, such as using backtracking or dynamic programming.

Example

"I would represent the puzzle pieces as objects and use a backtracking algorithm to try fitting pieces together, checking for valid configurations at each step until the puzzle is solved."

4. Can you explain how you would design a chess game?

This question evaluates your object-oriented design skills.

How to Answer

Discuss the classes you would create, such as Piece, Board, and Game, and how they would interact.

Example

"I would create a Piece class with subclasses for each type of piece, a Board class to manage the state of the game, and a Game class to handle the rules and player turns."

5. How would you design an LRU (Least Recently Used) cache?

This question tests your understanding of data structures and caching strategies.

How to Answer

Explain the use of a combination of a hash map and a doubly linked list to achieve O(1) time complexity for both get and put operations.

Example

"I would use a hash map to store the keys and their corresponding nodes in a doubly linked list, which maintains the order of usage. When accessing a key, I would move its node to the front of the list, and when the cache exceeds its limit, I would remove the node at the back."

System Design

1. How would you approach designing a scalable web application?

This question assesses your understanding of system architecture.

How to Answer

Discuss key components such as load balancing, database sharding, and caching strategies.

Example

"I would start by defining the application's requirements, then design a microservices architecture with load balancers to distribute traffic. I would also implement caching to reduce database load and ensure data consistency across services."

2. Describe how you would implement a feature for real-time collaboration in a project management tool.

This question evaluates your ability to design interactive features.

How to Answer

Discuss the use of WebSockets for real-time communication and how you would handle data synchronization.

Example

"I would use WebSockets to establish a persistent connection between clients and the server, allowing for real-time updates. I would implement a conflict resolution strategy to handle simultaneous edits."

3. How would you design a notification system for a web application?

This question tests your ability to create user-centric features.

How to Answer

Explain how you would manage notifications, including delivery methods and user preferences.

Example

"I would create a notification service that queues messages and sends them via email, push notifications, or in-app alerts based on user preferences. I would also implement a system for users to manage their notification settings."

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge in a project. How did you overcome it?

This question assesses your problem-solving and teamwork skills.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.

Example

"In a previous project, we faced a tight deadline due to unexpected changes in requirements. I organized daily stand-ups to ensure clear communication and reallocated tasks based on team strengths, which allowed us to deliver the project on time."

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

This question evaluates your time management skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, such as using a task management tool or framework.

Example

"I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, using a Kanban board to visualize progress. I also regularly communicate with stakeholders to ensure alignment on priorities."

3. Can you give an example of how you contributed to a team culture?

This question assesses your ability to foster a positive work environment.

How to Answer

Share specific actions you took to promote collaboration and inclusivity.

Example

"I initiated a weekly lunch-and-learn session where team members could share their expertise on various topics, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration."

4. What motivates you to work in software engineering?

This question helps interviewers understand your passion for the field.

How to Answer

Discuss your interests in technology and how they align with Asana's mission.

Example

"I'm motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems and create tools that enhance productivity. I believe in Asana's mission to help teams work more effectively, and I'm excited to contribute to that vision."

5. Why do you want to work at Asana?

This question assesses your fit with the company culture and values.

How to Answer

Express your alignment with Asana's mission and values, and how you can contribute.

Example

"I admire Asana's commitment to improving team collaboration and its focus on user experience. I want to be part of a team that values innovation and inclusivity, and I believe my skills can help drive Asana's mission forward."