Symantec is a global leader in cybersecurity, providing innovative solutions to protect digital experiences. The company is continually on the lookout for talented Software Engineers to join its ranks and contribute to its mission of safeguarding information. As a Software Engineer at Symantec, you will delve into areas such as software design, programming exercises, and overall software development principles.

The role requires a strong foundation in computer science, proficiency in development tools, and a collaborative mindset. Candidates should be prepared for a rigorous interview process, including phone screenings and in-person meetings with team members. This guide, provided by Interview Query, will assist you in navigating Symantec's interview landscape with insights and tips. Ready to advance your career with Symantec? Let’s get started!

Submitting Your Application

The first step to embark on your journey with Symantec as a Software Engineer begins with submitting a well-crafted application. Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience and skills in line with Symantec's job requirements. Carefully review the job description to include relevant keywords that will likely catch the hiring manager's eye. Don't forget to craft a compelling cover letter that aligns your experience with the role's demands.

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your application meets the criteria, a recruiter from Symantec will reach out to you for an initial screening. During this call, they will gauge your experience, skill level, and fit for the role. Expect some behavioral questions to understand your work style and approach to problem-solving. This call also offers an excellent opportunity for you to ask any preliminary questions you have about the role or the team you'll be working with.

Typically, this step takes about 30 minutes.

Technical Virtual Interview

Should you clear the recruiter screening, you will be invited for a technical virtual interview. This interview, usually conducted via a video call, will dive deep into your technical competencies. Questions will focus on your understanding of software engineering principles, programming exercises, and software design questions.

In some cases, candidates might be asked to solve coding problems live or complete a take-home assignment focusing on software design and development tasks. Expect to demonstrate your proficiency with technologies and tools mentioned in the job requirements, such as TypeScript, JavaScript, Node.js, and more.

Onsite Interview Rounds

After successfully passing the virtual technical interview, you'll proceed to the onsite interview rounds. These sessions are crucial as they include multiple rounds where your technical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are evaluated. You might be asked to solve complex coding problems, participate in design discussions, and work on whiteboard exercises.

If you completed a take-home project, you'll likely have a presentation round to discuss your approach and solution. Throughout the day, you'll meet with various team members, which provides a great opportunity to understand the team dynamics and company culture.

Quick Tips For Symantec Software Engineer Interviews

Here are three essential tips to help you excel in your Symantec Software Engineer interviews:

• Brush Up on Key Technologies: Symantec values practical experience with tools like TypeScript, Node.js, and automated testing frameworks. Make sure you're comfortable with these technologies and can demonstrate your knowledge effectively.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Be ready to showcase your problem-solving capabilities through coding exercises and algorithm challenges. Practice mock interviews on Interview Query to improve your skills.
• Understand the Company's Needs: Familiarize yourself with Symantec's product offerings and the role's responsibilities. Tailor your responses to show how your experience and skills align with their needs.

For more structured guidance and interview preparation, consider using Interview Query.

Typically, interviews at Broadcom vary by role and team, but commonly Software Engineer interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

• Create a function precision_recall to calculate precision and recall metrics from a 2-D matrix of predicted and actual values. Given a 2-D matrix P of predicted values and actual values, write a function precision_recall to calculate precision and recall metrics. Return the ordered pair (precision, recall).

• Develop an Array class simulating the functionality of fixed-size arrays with a size of 6. Create an Array class simulating the functionality of fixed-size arrays. The array’s size is 6. Implement methods for length, item retrieval, and element placement at the back, front, and specified index. Handle exceptions for full arrays and out-of-range indices.

• Extend the Array class to include deletion and search operations. Create a more extensive Array class simulating the functionality of fixed-size arrays with a size of 6. Implement methods for removing elements from the back, front, and specified index, searching for elements, checking containment, removing all instances of an element, and checking equality with another array.

• Build a logistic regression model from scratch using gradient descent and log-likelihood. Build a logistic regression model from scratch. Return the parameters of the regression without an intercept term. Use basic gradient descent with Newton's method as the optimization method and the log-likelihood as the loss function. Do not include a penalty term.

• Create a random forest model from scratch to classify a new data point. Build a random forest model from scratch. The model takes a dataframe data and an array new_point with binary values. Each tree in the forest uses every permutation of the value columns of the dataframe and splits the data according to the value seen in new_point. Return the majority vote on the class of new_point.

• - How would you build a fraud detection model with a text messaging service for transaction verification? You work at a bank that wants to detect fraud on its platform. The bank also wants to implement a text messaging service that will notify customers when a fraudulent transaction is detected, allowing them to approve or deny the transaction via text response. How would you build this model?

• How should we test, measure success, and roll out a new algorithm for Lyft Line? If you want to build a new algorithm for Lyft Line, how would you test it, measure the success of the test, and eventually roll it out?

• How would you decide whether Google should build a game feature for Google Home? If tasked with pitching a new feature for Google Home, how would you evaluate your co-worker's idea to build a game feature for it?

• - What is the downside of only using the R-Squared \((R^2)\) value to determine the relationship between two variables? If you are tasked with analyzing how well a model fits the data and want to determine a relationship between two variables, what are the limitations of relying solely on the R-Squared \((R^2)\) value?

What is the average salary for a Software Engineer at Symantec?

Q: What type of interview process can I expect for a Software Engineer position at Symantec?

A: The interview process typically involves an initial phone interview followed by an in-person interview with team members. You can expect programming exercises, as well as questions about overall software design and development.

Q: What skills and experience are required for a Software Engineer role at Symantec?

A: Requirements include a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, 0-2+ years of programming experience, familiarity with integrated development environments (IDE), Git, and experience in languages such as Java, JavaScript, and TypeScript. Additional skills in automated testing frameworks, Node.js, and REST architecture are also valuable.

Q: What responsibilities will I have as a Software Engineer at Symantec?

A: Responsibilities include designing and coding complex modules, performing unit and module testing, participating in design and code reviews, interacting with customers for support issues, and staying current with emerging software development and testing themes.

Q: What compensation and benefits does Symantec offer for the Software Engineer position?

A: The annual base salary range for this position is $107,000 - $171,000, with additional eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus and equity. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(K) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time.

Q: How can I prepare for an interview at Symantec?

A: Preparing for an interview at Symantec involves researching the company, practicing common interview questions, and reviewing your technical skills. Make use of platforms like Interview Query for practice and be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the position you are applying for.

Delving into a position at Symantec as a Software Engineer is both an exciting and rewarding experience. From the extensive range of responsibilities to the intricate skills required, this role is designed for individuals who are passionate about innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving. The interviews are meticulously structured to assess your expertise and readiness, with elements ranging from knowledge evaluations to practical coding exercises. Symantec offers a dynamic work environment with a comprehensive benefits package that underscores their commitment to employee satisfaction.

If you want more insights about the company, check out our main Broadcom Interview Guide, where we have covered many interview questions that could be asked. We’ve also created interview guides for other roles, such as software engineer and data analyst, where you can learn more about Broadcom’s interview process for different positions.

At Interview Query, we empower you to unlock your interview prowess with a comprehensive toolkit, equipping you with the knowledge, confidence, and strategic guidance to conquer every Broadcom software engineer interview question and challenge.

You can check out all our company interview guides for better preparation, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Good luck with your interview!