Notion Labs Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Notion Labs is on a mission to empower individuals and teams to customize their software solutions to tackle any challenge they face.

As a Software Engineer at Notion Labs, you will play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining the technical foundation that facilitates Notion’s dynamic product environment. Your key responsibilities will include designing and building features that enhance user experience across various platforms, ensuring high performance and reliability of applications, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovative solutions. You will be expected to have proficiency in web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, along with experience in frameworks like React. Furthermore, empathy in communication and a user-first mindset are essential traits, as you will be responsible for understanding the impact of your work on real users. A strong emphasis on pragmatic problem-solving and a balance between technical excellence and business impact will be crucial to your success in this role.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into the expectations and culture at Notion Labs, as well as the technical and interpersonal skills that are valued in a Software Engineer.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Notion Labs is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. It typically consists of several structured steps that allow candidates to showcase their abilities while also getting a sense of the team dynamics and company culture.

1. Initial Recruiter Call

The process begins with a brief introductory call with a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts around 30 minutes and serves to discuss the role, the company culture, and the candidate's background. The recruiter will ask about your experience, motivations, and what you are looking for in your next role. This is also an opportunity for candidates to ask questions about the company and the team.

2. Technical Screening

Following the initial call, candidates typically undergo a technical screening. This may be conducted via a video call and focuses on problem-solving skills. Candidates can expect to tackle coding challenges that assess their proficiency in relevant programming languages and technologies. The technical screening may also include discussions about past projects and experiences, allowing candidates to demonstrate their technical knowledge and thought processes.

3. Take-Home Project (Optional)

In some cases, candidates may be asked to complete a take-home project. This project is designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to apply their skills to real-world problems. Candidates will be expected to implement a solution and may later discuss their approach and any challenges faced during the project in a follow-up call with an engineer.

4. Onsite Interviews

The onsite interview typically consists of multiple rounds, often including both technical and behavioral interviews. Candidates can expect to participate in coding exercises, system design discussions, and cultural fit interviews. Each round is usually conducted by different team members, including engineers and managers, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate's skills and compatibility with the team.

5. Leadership Interview

As part of the final stages, candidates may have a conversation with a member of the leadership team. This interview focuses on the candidate's alignment with Notion's values and long-term vision. It provides an opportunity for candidates to discuss their career aspirations and how they see themselves contributing to the company's mission.

6. Reference Check

If a candidate successfully passes all interview stages, a reference check is conducted to validate their previous work experiences and performance. This step is crucial for ensuring that the candidate is a good fit for the team and the company culture.

The interview process at Notion Labs is thorough and aims to create a positive experience for candidates. As you prepare for your interviews, be ready to discuss your technical skills, past experiences, and how you can contribute to Notion's mission.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

Familiarize yourself with the typical interview process at Notion, which often includes a recruiter call, a technical screening, and an on-site interview with multiple rounds. Each round may focus on different aspects, such as coding, systems design, and behavioral questions. Knowing the structure will help you prepare effectively and manage your time during the interview.

Prepare for Technical Challenges

Expect to face practical coding challenges that may involve implementing features or solving problems relevant to Notion's technology stack. Brush up on your skills in languages like JavaScript, TypeScript, and frameworks such as React. Additionally, be ready to discuss your thought process and approach to problem-solving, as interviewers appreciate candidates who can articulate their reasoning clearly.

Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit

Notion values teamwork and cross-functional collaboration. Be prepared to discuss your experiences working with diverse teams, including product managers, designers, and other engineers. Highlight instances where you contributed to a team’s success and how you navigated challenges together. This will demonstrate your alignment with Notion's culture of collaboration.

Emphasize User-Centric Design

As a software engineer, your work will impact real users. Be ready to discuss how you prioritize user experience in your projects. Share examples of how you’ve considered user feedback in your development process or how you’ve designed features with the end-user in mind. This aligns with Notion's mission to create tools that empower users.

Communicate with Empathy

Effective communication is crucial at Notion. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and concisely, especially when discussing technical concepts. Be open to feedback and demonstrate your ability to engage thoughtfully with different perspectives. This will show that you can collaborate effectively and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

Be Pragmatic and Impact-Oriented

Notion looks for engineers who understand the balance between technical excellence and business impact. Prepare to discuss how you prioritize projects based on their potential impact on the company and its users. Share examples of how you’ve made decisions that reflect this balance in your previous work.

Stay Informed About Notion's Products

Familiarize yourself with Notion's product offerings and recent developments. Understanding the company's mission and how your role contributes to it will help you articulate why you want to work there. This knowledge will also enable you to ask insightful questions during the interview, demonstrating your genuine interest in the company.

Reflect on Company Culture

Notion emphasizes a diverse and inclusive workplace. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with this culture. Share experiences that highlight your commitment to diversity and inclusion, and how you’ve contributed to creating an inclusive environment in your previous roles.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After the interview, consider sending a thank-you note to your interviewers. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and reinforce your interest in joining the team.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a great cultural fit for Notion. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Notion Labs. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how well you align with the company's values and culture. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of software development, your experience with relevant technologies, and your ability to work collaboratively.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with building and maintaining user interfaces?

This question aims to assess your practical experience in creating user interfaces and your familiarity with relevant technologies.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you contributed to user interface development, highlighting the technologies you used and the impact of your work.

Example

“I worked on a project where I developed a responsive web application using React and TypeScript. I collaborated closely with designers to ensure the UI was both functional and visually appealing, which resulted in a 30% increase in user engagement.”

2. How do you approach problem-solving when faced with a complex technical challenge?

This question evaluates your problem-solving methodology and critical thinking skills.

How to Answer

Explain your process for breaking down complex problems, including how you gather information, analyze options, and implement solutions.

Example

“When faced with a complex issue, I first gather all relevant data and try to understand the context. I then break the problem down into smaller, manageable parts, and brainstorm potential solutions. For instance, when optimizing a slow-loading page, I identified bottlenecks in the code and implemented lazy loading, which improved performance significantly.”

3. What is your experience with backend technologies, and how do you ensure the performance and reliability of your applications?

This question assesses your backend development skills and your understanding of application performance.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with backend technologies, your approach to performance optimization, and any relevant metrics you track.

Example

“I have experience working with Node.js and Express for backend development. To ensure performance, I implement caching strategies and monitor application metrics using tools like New Relic. For example, I reduced API response times by 40% by optimizing database queries and implementing caching.”

4. Can you explain how you would integrate a new feature into an existing application?

This question tests your understanding of software development processes and your ability to work within a team.

How to Answer

Outline the steps you would take to integrate a new feature, including planning, development, testing, and deployment.

Example

“I would start by discussing the feature with the team to gather requirements and understand its impact. Then, I would create a design document outlining the implementation plan. After developing the feature, I would conduct thorough testing, including unit and integration tests, before deploying it to production.”

5. How do you stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in software development?

This question gauges your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

How to Answer

Share the resources you use to stay informed, such as blogs, podcasts, or online courses, and mention any recent technologies you’ve learned.

Example

“I regularly follow tech blogs like Hacker News and subscribe to podcasts like ‘Software Engineering Daily.’ Recently, I completed a course on GraphQL, which I found particularly interesting and relevant to my work.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to work collaboratively with a cross-functional team.

This question assesses your teamwork and communication skills.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a project where you collaborated with team members from different functions, emphasizing your role and contributions.

Example

“I worked on a project where I collaborated with product managers and designers to launch a new feature. I facilitated regular meetings to ensure everyone was aligned and shared updates on progress. This collaboration led to a successful launch that exceeded our user engagement goals.”

2. How do you handle disagreements with team members?

This question evaluates your conflict resolution skills and ability to work in a team environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to resolving conflicts, emphasizing empathy and open communication.

Example

“When disagreements arise, I believe in addressing them directly and respectfully. I listen to the other person’s perspective and try to find common ground. For instance, during a project, I disagreed with a teammate on the implementation approach. We discussed our viewpoints and ultimately reached a compromise that incorporated both of our ideas.”

3. What motivates you to work in software engineering?

This question seeks to understand your passion for the field and what drives you.

How to Answer

Share your motivations, whether they are related to problem-solving, creativity, or making an impact through technology.

Example

“I’m motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create products that improve people’s lives. I find it rewarding to see how my work can have a positive impact on users and contribute to a team’s success.”

4. Can you give an example of a project you are particularly proud of?

This question allows you to showcase your achievements and what you value in your work.

How to Answer

Choose a project that highlights your skills and contributions, and explain why it was significant to you.

Example

“I’m particularly proud of a project where I led the development of a new feature that streamlined user onboarding. By implementing a guided tutorial, we reduced the time it took for new users to get started by 50%. Seeing the positive feedback from users was incredibly fulfilling.”

5. Why do you want to work at Notion?

This question assesses your alignment with the company’s mission and values.

How to Answer

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

Example

“I admire Notion’s mission to empower users to tailor their software experiences. I believe my background in building user-centric applications aligns well with this vision, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a product that has such a meaningful impact on users’ productivity.”