Looker Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Looker is a data platform that empowers organizations to explore and visualize their data, transforming insights into actionable results.

As a Software Engineer at Looker, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining scalable data solutions, which involves writing clean and efficient code, designing robust data models, and ensuring seamless integration with Looker’s BI tools. You will utilize SQL extensively to manipulate and analyze large datasets, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful data-driven insights. A great fit for this role will possess strong problem-solving skills, a solid understanding of database management and data visualization techniques, and an eagerness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment. Looker values innovation, teamwork, and a customer-centric approach, so demonstrating alignment with these principles will be crucial during your interview.

This guide aims to equip you with the necessary insights and knowledge to effectively prepare for your interview, ensuring you can confidently discuss your skills and experiences in relation to Looker's unique culture and expectations.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Looker is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the team. It typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step is an initial phone screen, which usually lasts about 30 minutes. This conversation is often casual and focuses on your background, experiences, and how they align with Looker's mission and values. Expect to discuss your understanding of the company and the role, as well as any relevant skills you possess, particularly in SQL and software development.

2. Technical Phone Screen

Following the initial screen, candidates typically undergo a technical phone interview. This session is more focused on assessing your technical abilities, particularly in SQL, as this role involves data analysis and business intelligence. You may be asked to solve basic SQL problems or discuss your approach to data-related challenges.

3. Technical Homework Assignment

In some cases, candidates may be required to complete a technical homework assignment. This task is designed to evaluate your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge in a practical context. You will usually have about a week to complete this assignment.

4. Onsite Interviews

The onsite interview process generally consists of multiple rounds, often around five or six, where you will meet with various team members of different seniorities. These interviews typically include a mix of technical assessments, such as SQL tests, and behavioral questions. The atmosphere is usually friendly and collaborative, allowing you to engage with interviewers and ask questions about the team and projects.

5. Final Interviews

In the final stages, candidates may have discussions with higher-level management, such as the director or even the founder. These conversations often delve deeper into your fit within the company culture and your long-term career aspirations.

After completing the onsite interviews, candidates can expect a verbal offer shortly after, followed by a written offer within a week.

As you prepare for your interview, it’s essential to be ready for the types of questions that may arise during this process.

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

Understand the Role and Company Culture

Before your interview, take the time to familiarize yourself with Looker’s products, services, and recent developments in the business intelligence space. Understanding how Looker positions itself in the market and the specific challenges it faces will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company. Additionally, Looker values a collaborative and friendly work environment, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to and thrive in such a culture.

Prepare for SQL Proficiency

Given that SQL is a core component of the role, ensure you are comfortable with various SQL concepts, including joins (left, right, inner), subqueries, and window functions. Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode to sharpen your skills. You may encounter technical assessments during the interview process, so being able to demonstrate your SQL knowledge confidently will set you apart.

Embrace Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant portion of your interview to focus on behavioral questions. Looker’s interviewers are known to be friendly and open, so approach these questions as a two-way conversation. Prepare to share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses effectively.

Engage with Your Interviewers

During the interview, be proactive in asking questions. Looker’s interview process is described as a two-way street, where both parties assess fit. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, project challenges, and company culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if Looker is the right place for you.

Be Ready for a Technical Homework Assignment

Some candidates have reported completing a technical homework assignment as part of the interview process. Treat this assignment seriously, as it is an opportunity to showcase your skills and thought process. Ensure you allocate enough time to complete it thoroughly and thoughtfully.

Stay Positive and Professional

While experiences can vary, it’s essential to maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview process. If you encounter an interviewer who seems disengaged, don’t let it affect your performance. Focus on presenting your best self and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

Follow Up

After your interviews, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is a chance to reiterate your interest in the position and reflect on any specific points discussed during the interview that resonated with you.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the interview process at Looker and make a lasting impression. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at Looker. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, particularly in SQL, as well as your ability to work collaboratively and fit within the company culture. Be prepared to discuss your experiences and how they relate to the role.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between a LEFT JOIN and a RIGHT JOIN in SQL?

Understanding SQL joins is crucial for this role, as data manipulation is a key part of the job.

How to Answer

Clearly articulate the definitions of both joins and provide a brief example of when you would use each.

Example

“A LEFT JOIN returns all records from the left table and the matched records from the right table. If there is no match, NULL values are returned for columns from the right table. Conversely, a RIGHT JOIN returns all records from the right table and the matched records from the left table. I would use a LEFT JOIN when I want to ensure all records from the left table are included, regardless of whether there is a match in the right table.”

2. Describe a complex SQL query you have written. What was the purpose and outcome?

This question assesses your practical experience with SQL and your problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Discuss the context of the query, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them to achieve the desired results.

Example

“I once wrote a complex SQL query to analyze customer purchase patterns over a year. The query involved multiple joins and subqueries to aggregate data by month and product category. The outcome was a detailed report that helped the marketing team tailor their campaigns, resulting in a 15% increase in sales for the targeted products.”

Behavioral Questions

3. How would your friends describe you?

This question aims to gauge your self-awareness and interpersonal skills.

How to Answer

Reflect on your personal qualities and how they contribute to teamwork and collaboration.

Example

“My friends would describe me as reliable and supportive. They often say I’m the one they can count on to help them through challenges, whether it’s providing technical assistance or just being a good listener. I believe these qualities help me foster a positive team environment.”

4. Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge at work. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your problem-solving abilities and resilience.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that highlights your critical thinking and adaptability.

Example

“In my previous role, we faced a tight deadline for a project due to unexpected changes in client requirements. I organized a team meeting to reassess our priorities and delegated tasks based on each member’s strengths. By maintaining open communication and focusing on collaboration, we successfully delivered the project on time.”

Company Fit

5. What do you know about Looker and why do you want to work here?

This question assesses your knowledge of the company and your motivation for applying.

How to Answer

Demonstrate your understanding of Looker’s products and values, and connect them to your career goals.

Example

“I admire Looker’s commitment to data-driven decision-making and its innovative approach to business intelligence. I want to work here because I believe in the power of data to transform organizations, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a company that is at the forefront of this movement.”

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

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization and how you ensure deadlines are met without compromising quality.

Example

“I prioritize my tasks by assessing deadlines and the impact of each project. I use a project management tool to keep track of my responsibilities and regularly communicate with my team to ensure alignment. This approach allows me to stay organized and focused, even when juggling multiple projects.”