Opentable Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide 2024

OpenTable, a leading provider of online restaurant reservations, is recognized for its robust and innovative technology solutions in the hospitality industry. Offering comprehensive platforms for diners and restaurants alike, OpenTable stands as a key player in transforming dining experiences and restaurant operations on a global scale.

Here, we will walk you through the typical interview process, with details on each stage from initial screenings to sample OpenTable software engineer interview questions, and provide tips to help you succeed.

HR Screening

If your CV gets shortlisted, a Talent Acquisition Specialist from OpenTable will contact you for an initial screening. This initial phone call will cover topics about the company, its products, the team structure, and the job position. The HR will also discuss your experience, interests, and general fit for the role.

This stage usually lasts around 30 minutes.

Technical Phone Interview

Next, you’ll have a technical phone interview with a Software Engineering Manager from the team that owns the position. This interview focuses on discussing the project details, team structure, and your technical expertise. Expect to engage in conversations around various engineering practices, including:

• Design patterns
• Software architecture
• Threading and concurrency

It’s important to formulate strong opinions about each topic they ask, as it shows your depth of knowledge and your ability to think critically.

Virtual Technical Screening

If you perform well in the previous interview, you will be scheduled for a virtual technical screening. This interview often involves solving coding challenges, system design problems, or hypothetical scenarios. Typical subjects covered may include:

• Detailed coding exercises (algorithms, data structures, complexity)
• System design tasks
• Pair programming sessions
• Model REST API endpoints for given scenarios

This interview aims to assess your problem-solving ability, coding skills, and understanding of software engineering principles in real-world applications.

Onsite Interview Rounds

The final stage is a series of onsite interviews at OpenTable. This stage consists of multiple back-to-back interviews with various team members, including engineers, product managers, and senior leadership. The sessions often include:

• Detailed coding exercises
• System design challenges
• Culture fit discussions
• Presentation or whiteboarding sessions

Expect to demonstrate your technical prowess, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of complex systems. The onsite interview generally lasts half a day to a full day, depending on the role’s seniority.

If you perform well during these interviews, you’ll receive an offer call where HR will discuss details regarding the compensation package and next steps.

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

You should plan to brush up on any technical skills and try as many practice interview questions and mock interviews as possible. A few tips for acing your OpenTable software engineer interview include:

• Know Your Technical Fundamentals: Refresh your understanding of algorithms, data structures, and system design principles. Practice solving coding challenges similar to those on Interview Query to be well-prepared.

• Be Prepared for Pair Programming: Some interviews might include a pair programming session. Make sure you are comfortable collaborating with another engineer to solve problems efficiently.

• Understand OpenTable’s Products and Culture: Learn about OpenTable’s platforms, their technical challenges, and the company culture. This will help you answer behavioral questions and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

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

What types of questions can I expect during the OpenTable interviews?

You can expect a variety of questions, including technical ones on algorithms, data structures, system design, as well as practical coding exercises. There will also be questions about your understanding of specific technologies such as Java, Spring, Kafka, and your approach to software design and architecture. Additionally, you may be asked behavioral questions to assess cultural fit.

What is the company culture like at OpenTable?

OpenTable has a collaborative and friendly company culture. Interviewers are generally supportive and polite, making the process more comfortable. However, some candidates have noted variability in professionalism and responsiveness among the HR team. It’s important to convey your passion for the role and the company during interviews.

Embarking on the journey to secure a Software Engineer position at OpenTable entails an interview process designed to draw out the best in a candidate across multiple facets: technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. From initial HR screenings and technical phone interviews to extensive coding challenges and system design problems, each stage offers a glimpse into the dynamic and collaborative environment at OpenTable.

To enhance your preparation, visit our OpenTable Interview Guide, where we delve deeper into types of questions asked and provide additional insights. Furthermore, explore interview guides tailored for specific roles like Software Engineer to deepen your understanding of OpenTable’s interview process.

Good luck with your interview journey!