Udemy Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Udemy is dedicated to transforming lives through accessible learning, supporting over 70 million learners globally with a robust platform that connects them to a diverse range of skills and knowledge.

As a Software Engineer at Udemy, you will play a pivotal role in developing user-facing features that enhance the overall learning experience. Your responsibilities will include implementing product features using ReactJS, Typescript, and MobX, while ensuring smooth execution through technologies like GraphQL and NextJS. A strong foundation in problem-solving and the ability to navigate complex projects with ambiguity are essential traits for success in this role. Collaboration and effective communication with cross-functional teams will be key, as you generate value across various initiatives and continuously optimize code and processes to meet team objectives.

This guide aims to prepare you thoroughly for your interview by equipping you with insights into the role and the expectations at Udemy, empowering you to showcase your skills and fit for the position confidently.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Udemy is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, ensuring candidates align with the company's values and mission. The process typically unfolds as follows:

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step is a 30-minute phone interview with a recruiter. This conversation focuses on your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to Udemy. Expect to discuss your technical skills and how they relate to the role, as well as your understanding of Udemy's mission and culture. The recruiter will also provide insights into the next steps in the interview process.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates are usually required to complete a technical assessment, often conducted through a platform like HackerRank. This assessment typically includes two coding challenges that test your problem-solving abilities and understanding of algorithms and data structures. The questions may vary in difficulty, but they generally focus on practical coding skills relevant to the role.

3. Technical Phone Interview

After successfully completing the technical assessment, candidates will have a technical phone interview with a senior engineer or manager. This interview lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours and includes a mix of coding questions, system design discussions, and behavioral questions. You may be asked to solve problems in real-time, demonstrating your thought process and coding proficiency.

4. Onsite Interview

The final stage is an onsite interview, which typically consists of multiple rounds (usually 4 to 5) with different team members. Each round lasts approximately 45 minutes and covers various topics, including object-oriented design, database queries, and specific technologies relevant to the role, such as ReactJS, Typescript, and GraphQL. The onsite also includes a cultural fit interview, often conducted over lunch, where you can engage with potential colleagues in a more relaxed setting.

Throughout the process, Udemy emphasizes a collaborative and supportive atmosphere, encouraging candidates to ask questions and engage in discussions about their experiences and the role.

Now that you have an overview of the interview process, let's delve into the specific questions you might encounter during your interviews.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

Udemy's interview process typically includes a recruiter phone screen, followed by a technical phone interview, and then an onsite interview that consists of multiple rounds. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Knowing what to expect can help you manage your time and energy effectively during the interview process.

Prepare for Technical Challenges

Expect to face coding challenges that test your knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and system design. Practice on platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode, focusing on problems that involve graph algorithms, linked lists, and RESTful API design. Given the emphasis on ReactJS, Typescript, and GraphQL, ensure you are comfortable with these technologies and can demonstrate your proficiency during coding exercises.

Emphasize Problem-Solving Skills

During the interviews, you will likely be asked to solve problems in real-time. Focus on articulating your thought process clearly as you work through challenges. Interviewers at Udemy appreciate candidates who can navigate ambiguity and demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects and how you tackled complex issues.

Showcase Your Cultural Fit

Udemy values a culture of continuous learning, humility, and collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work. Share examples of how you have contributed to team success, learned from failures, and engaged in constructive debates. This will help you align with their mission of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is key in Udemy's interview process. Be clear and concise in your responses, and don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions if you don’t understand something. This shows your willingness to engage and collaborate, which is highly valued at Udemy.

Be Prepared for Behavioral Questions

In addition to technical skills, expect behavioral questions that assess your fit within the team and company culture. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to discuss how you handle challenges, work with others, and contribute to a positive team dynamic. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, consider sending a thank-you email to your interviewers. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. This not only demonstrates professionalism but also keeps you on their radar as they make their hiring decisions.

By preparing thoroughly and aligning your approach with Udemy's values and expectations, you can enhance your chances of success in the interview process. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Udemy. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, demonstrate your coding skills, and showcase your understanding of software engineering principles.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between REST and GraphQL?

Understanding the differences between these two API design approaches is crucial for a Software Engineer at Udemy.

How to Answer

Discuss the fundamental principles of REST and GraphQL, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Mention scenarios where one might be preferred over the other.

Example

"REST is a resource-based architecture that uses standard HTTP methods, while GraphQL allows clients to request only the data they need, reducing over-fetching. For instance, if a client needs specific user data, GraphQL can fetch it in a single request, whereas REST might require multiple endpoints."

2. How would you design a file system at the object level?

This question tests your understanding of system design and object-oriented principles.

How to Answer

Outline the key components of a file system, such as directories, files, and metadata. Discuss how you would structure these components using classes and relationships.

Example

"I would create a File class with attributes like name, size, and type, and a Directory class that contains a list of File and Directory objects. This structure allows for easy navigation and management of files within the system."

3. Describe a time you optimized a piece of code. What was the problem, and what was your solution?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to improve existing code.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example where you identified a performance issue, the steps you took to analyze it, and the optimizations you implemented.

Example

"In a previous project, I noticed that a data processing function was taking too long to execute. I profiled the code and found that a nested loop was causing inefficiencies. By refactoring it to use a hash map for lookups, I reduced the time complexity from O(n^2) to O(n), significantly improving performance."

4. What are some common design patterns you have used in your projects?

Familiarity with design patterns is essential for building scalable and maintainable software.

How to Answer

Mention a few design patterns you have implemented, explaining their purpose and how they improved your code.

Example

"I frequently use the Singleton pattern to ensure a class has only one instance, especially for managing configuration settings. Additionally, I’ve used the Observer pattern to implement event-driven architectures, allowing different components to react to changes without tight coupling."

5. How do you handle version control in your projects?

Version control is critical for collaborative software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with version control systems, particularly Git, and how you manage branches, merges, and conflicts.

Example

"I use Git for version control, following a branching strategy where I create feature branches for new developments. I regularly merge changes from the main branch to keep my branch updated and resolve conflicts promptly. This approach helps maintain a clean project history and facilitates collaboration."

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a challenging project you worked on. What was your role, and how did you contribute?

This question evaluates your teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

How to Answer

Share a specific project, your responsibilities, and how you overcame challenges.

Example

"I worked on a team project to develop a new feature for our application. As the lead developer, I coordinated tasks, conducted code reviews, and ensured we met deadlines. When we faced a significant bug close to the release date, I led a debugging session that helped us identify the root cause and implement a fix in time."

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

Time management is crucial in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use.

Example

"I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and project impact. I use tools like Trello to visualize my workload and set daily goals. If urgent issues arise, I reassess my priorities and communicate with my team to ensure we stay aligned."

3. Can you give an example of how you’ve contributed to a positive team culture?

Udemy values a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

How to Answer

Discuss specific actions you’ve taken to foster a positive team atmosphere.

Example

"I believe in celebrating team achievements, no matter how small. In my last role, I initiated weekly shout-outs during team meetings to recognize individual contributions. This practice boosted morale and encouraged everyone to support one another."

4. How do you approach learning new technologies or programming languages?

Continuous learning is a core value at Udemy.

How to Answer

Describe your learning process and how you stay updated with industry trends.

Example

"I approach learning by setting aside dedicated time each week to explore new technologies. I often take online courses, read documentation, and work on small projects to apply what I’ve learned. This hands-on experience helps solidify my understanding."

5. What motivates you to work in software engineering?

Understanding your motivation can help assess cultural fit.

How to Answer

Share your passion for technology and how it aligns with Udemy’s mission.

Example

"I’m motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create impactful software. Working at Udemy excites me because I can contribute to a platform that empowers learners worldwide, aligning my skills with a meaningful mission."