PayPal Senior Software Engineer (Python) Interview Experience

Role: Senior Software Engineer – Python at PayPal

Online Assessment Conducted on HackerRank, the assessment consisted of four questions covering SQL, Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), and

Role: Senior Software Engineer – Python at PayPal

Online Assessment Conducted on HackerRank, the assessment consisted of four questions covering SQL, Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), and a machine coding style problem.

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Round 1 Role Specialization** The session focused on project discussions and Python theory, specifically multithreading and asynchronous programming. A DSA problem was presented afterward. Due to the time spent on theoretical questions, the coding solution was limited to a brute force approach that

passed only a few test cases.

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Round 2 System Design** The problem statement required designing a system similar to BookMyShow, with a specific focus on ticket searching and the payment process. The design requirements were met and explained effectively within the allotted time.

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Round 3 Data Structures and Algorithms** The interviewer presented three problems: 1.

Problem 1: Solved using a brute force approach; explained the logic but did not pass all test cases. 2.

Problem 2: "Remove All Adjacent Duplicates in String II." Solved successfully using a Stack-based approach. 3.

Problem 3: Explained and provided a brute force solution that

passed the majority of test cases.

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Round 4 Bar Raiser** The interview covered the motivation for changing jobs, technologies used, and project specifics. The interviewer appeared rushed, concluding the session in 20 minutes. Feedback indicated this round did not meet expectations.

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Round 5 Bar Raiser (Second Manager)** A second management round was conducted to re-evaluate. The discussion centered on project experience and situational behavioral questions, including achievements outside of work and instances of learning new technologies.

Verdict The entire process spanned approximately two months. Despite confidence following the second Bar Raiser round, the final outcome was a rejection as the company moved forward with another candidate without providing specific feedback.