BuzzFeed Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

BuzzFeed, Inc. is dedicated to creating and distributing engaging content that spreads joy and truth across various genres, including entertainment, news, and commerce.

As a Software Engineer at BuzzFeed, you will be part of the RevTech team, which plays a crucial role in the company's earnings by developing and maintaining advertising and commerce products. Your key responsibilities will include creating, optimizing, and supporting critical services and APIs that power these business units. This role involves collaborating closely with product managers, analysts, and designers to ensure that projects are executed effectively throughout their lifecycle.

To excel in this position, you should bring 1 to 3 years of experience in building and using web APIs, along with programming expertise in languages such as Python or Go. An ability to adapt quickly to changes and work with large datasets is essential. Additionally, being an empathetic team player who enjoys leading technical projects will make you a fantastic fit for BuzzFeed’s innovative and collaborative culture.

This guide aims to equip you with insights and knowledge specific to the Software Engineer role at BuzzFeed, allowing you to confidently navigate the interview process and showcase how your skills align with the company's mission and values.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at BuzzFeed is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. It typically consists of several stages, each focusing on different aspects of the candidate's qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a 30-minute phone interview, usually conducted by a recruiter. This initial conversation is an opportunity for the recruiter to gauge your interest in the role and the company, as well as to discuss your background and experiences. Expect questions about your resume, your motivations for applying to BuzzFeed, and your understanding of the company’s mission and culture.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a coding challenge on platforms like HackerRank or a take-home assignment that tests your programming skills, particularly in languages such as Python or Go. The assessment is designed to evaluate your ability to write clean, efficient code and solve problems relevant to the role.

3. Technical Interview

Candidates who perform well in the technical assessment will move on to a technical interview, which typically lasts about an hour. This interview may involve discussing your previous projects, system design, and problem-solving approaches. Interviewers will likely ask you to explain your thought process and the technical decisions you made in past work. Be prepared for questions that assess your understanding of web APIs and your ability to work with large data sets.

4. Behavioral Interview

In addition to technical skills, BuzzFeed places a strong emphasis on cultural fit. Expect a behavioral interview where you will be asked about your experiences working in teams, handling conflicts, and adapting to change. Questions may focus on how you promote a positive work culture and your approach to collaboration with cross-functional teams, including product managers and designers.

5. Final Interview

The final stage often involves a more in-depth interview with multiple team members, including engineers and managers. This round may include discussions about your technical skills, your approach to project management, and your vision for future projects at BuzzFeed. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team dynamics and the company’s direction.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to your technical expertise and your alignment with BuzzFeed's values.

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

Embrace the Company Culture

BuzzFeed is known for its friendly and inclusive atmosphere. During your interview, reflect this culture by being personable and approachable. Share experiences that highlight your ability to work collaboratively and contribute positively to team dynamics. Be prepared to discuss how you can promote a positive culture within the team, as this is a valued trait at BuzzFeed.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions that assess your soft skills and cultural fit. Prepare to discuss your past experiences, particularly how you handle challenges, conflicts, and differing opinions. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your thought process and the impact of your actions.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

While the interview process may not heavily emphasize technical questions, it’s essential to demonstrate your proficiency in relevant technologies. Brush up on your knowledge of Python and web APIs, as these are crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss your experience with large data sets and any projects where you’ve built or optimized APIs. If you have examples of your work, be prepared to share them.

Be Ready for Project Discussions

You may be asked about projects you would like to work on at BuzzFeed. Think creatively about how your skills can contribute to their mission and the RevTech team. Prepare a few project ideas that leverage machine learning and AI, as these are areas of focus for the company. Articulate your thought process and how you would approach these projects.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Throughout the interview, maintain clear and confident communication. If you encounter any disinterest or lack of engagement from the interviewer, don’t let it deter you. Keep the conversation flowing by asking insightful questions about the team, projects, and company direction. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if BuzzFeed is the right fit for you.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thoughtful follow-up email thanking your interviewers for their time. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly mention a key point from your discussion that resonated with you. This demonstrates professionalism and keeps you top of mind as they make their decision.

By preparing thoroughly and aligning your approach with BuzzFeed's values and culture, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at BuzzFeed. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects, your approach to software development, and how you can contribute to BuzzFeed's mission.

Technical Skills

1. Describe a project where you had to develop and maintain a web API. What challenges did you face?

This question assesses your hands-on experience with web APIs and your problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Discuss the specific project, the technologies you used, and the challenges you encountered, such as performance issues or integration difficulties.

Example

“I developed a RESTful API for an e-commerce platform that handled user authentication and product listings. One challenge was ensuring the API could handle high traffic during sales events, which I addressed by implementing caching strategies and optimizing database queries.”

2. How do you ensure the software you build is resilient and high-performing?

This question evaluates your understanding of software quality and performance optimization.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to writing clean code, conducting performance testing, and using monitoring tools to ensure reliability.

Example

“I focus on writing modular code and conducting thorough unit tests. Additionally, I use performance monitoring tools to identify bottlenecks and optimize them, ensuring the software remains responsive under load.”

3. Can you explain how you would approach a new technology or problem?

This question gauges your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Outline your process for researching new technologies, experimenting with them, and applying them to solve problems.

Example

“When faced with a new technology, I start by reading documentation and tutorials. I then create small prototypes to understand its capabilities and limitations before integrating it into larger projects.”

4. What is your experience with Python or Go, and how have you used these languages in your projects?

This question assesses your proficiency in the languages relevant to the role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized Python or Go, highlighting any frameworks or libraries you used.

Example

“I have used Python extensively for data processing tasks, leveraging libraries like Pandas and Flask to build web applications. In one project, I created a data pipeline that processed user interactions in real-time.”

5. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a conflict and how you resolved it, emphasizing communication and compromise.

Example

“In a previous project, there was a disagreement about the implementation approach. I facilitated a meeting where each team member could present their perspective, and we collaboratively decided on a solution that incorporated the best ideas from both sides.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Why do you want to work at BuzzFeed?

This question assesses your motivation and cultural fit.

How to Answer

Express your enthusiasm for BuzzFeed’s mission and how your values align with the company’s culture.

Example

“I admire BuzzFeed’s commitment to creating inclusive and engaging content. I believe my skills in software development can contribute to enhancing user experiences and driving innovation in your products.”

2. Describe a time you managed a project from start to finish. What was the outcome?

This question evaluates your project management skills and ability to deliver results.

How to Answer

Detail the project scope, your role, and the final results, including any metrics that demonstrate success.

Example

“I led a team to develop a mobile app that increased user engagement by 30%. I coordinated tasks, set deadlines, and ensured we met our milestones, resulting in a successful launch.”

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

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, such as using project management tools or methodologies.

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and project management tools like Trello to prioritize tasks based on deadlines and project impact. This helps me stay organized and focused on high-priority items.”

4. How do you promote a positive culture within your team?

This question evaluates your leadership and team-building skills.

How to Answer

Share specific actions you take to foster a supportive and inclusive environment.

Example

“I encourage open communication and regular feedback within the team. I also organize team-building activities to strengthen relationships and ensure everyone feels valued and included.”

5. What do you think is the biggest challenge for a software engineer at BuzzFeed?

This question assesses your understanding of the role and the company’s environment.

How to Answer

Reflect on the fast-paced nature of the industry and the need for continuous learning and adaptation.

Example

“I believe the biggest challenge is staying ahead of rapidly changing technologies while ensuring that our products remain user-friendly and engaging. It requires a commitment to ongoing learning and collaboration across teams.”