How I Passed My 2026 Notion Software Engineer Interview

·2026年1月14日

·7分钟阅读

How I Passed My Notion Software Engineer Interview (Questions Included)

Based on my recent interview journey for a Backend Software Engineer position at Notion's Hyderabad office, I've compiled a detailed breakdown of the process and the actual technical problems I encountered. Below, I'll share my notes on each stage, along with the specific questions asked, my solution approaches, and the key takeaways I gathered. Whether you're preparing for your own Notion interview or just curious about their process, I hope this detailed recap proves helpful.

I’m really grateful to Linkjob.ai for helping me pass my interview, which is why I’m sharing my interview questions and experience here. Having an undetectable AI coding interview copilot during the interview indeed provides a significant edge.

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Interview Process Overview

Stages and Timeline

When I started my Notion software engineer interview journey, I noticed a clear structure. Each stage had a purpose and helped the team get to know me better. Here’s how the process unfolded for me:

1. Technical Screening (CoderPad)

The initial tech screen was conducted via CoderPad.I was asked to implement the functionality of a basic text editor by completing several pre-stubbed functions.The problem is reportedly available online through targeted searches.

2. Virtual Onsite Round 1: High-Level Design & Data Modeling

This round focused heavily on system design fundamentals, particularly data modeling and database indexes.I briefly discussed API design, but the interviewer prioritized deep diving into the database schema and crafting an efficient SQL query for a given requirement.Back-of-the-envelope calculations were not required in this session.

3. Virtual Onsite Round 2: Functional Implementation & Problem-Solving

This was not a traditional DSA round. Instead, I was given a functional requirement to implement.The task involved writing clean code, selecting appropriate data structures, and handling edge cases.The discussion centered on trade-offs,solution strategy, and justifying my design choices.

4. Final Rounds

After advancing through the technical interviews, I entered the final stage—which typically includes a Culture Fit interview followed by a discussion with Top Management. Despite facing challenges throughout the process, I’m pleased to share that I successfully passed all rounds and received an offer.

Looking back, I’ve gotta say — having Linkjob AI there during the remote rounds really made a difference. Honestly, it just made the whole online interview vibe way more manageable.

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Notion Software Engineer Interview Questions

When I started preparing for my Notion software engineer interview, I wanted to know exactly what to expect. I collected as many real questions as I could find and practiced answering them out loud. Here’s how I broke down the types of questions and what helped me tackle each one.

Behavioral and Product Questions

The behavioral and product-focused part of the Notion software engineer interview questions tested how I fit with the team and how well I understood Notion as a product. Some questions I encountered included:

I prepared for these by reflecting on my past experiences and thinking about how I could contribute to Notion’s culture. I also spent time using Notion daily, exploring its features, and reading user feedback online. This helped me answer product questions with real examples and ideas.

Pro Tip: I practiced answering behavioral questions out loud, focusing on clear stories and lessons learned. I also made sure to connect my answers back to Notion’s values and product vision.

Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA) Questions

This section evaluates your fundamental knowledge of data structures and algorithms, with a focus on problemsrelevant to Notion's product.

I noticed that practicing LeetCode problems helped a lot, especially medium and hard ones. I also reviewed SQL basics and practiced writing queries from scratch. I made sure to explain my thought process as I coded. That way, the interviewer could follow my logic and see how I approached problems.

Tip: I always asked clarifying questions before jumping into code. This showed that I cared about edge cases and real user scenarios.

System Design Questions

The system design part of the Notion software engineer interview questions felt different from other big tech interviews. Instead of abstract puzzles, I got practical scenarios that related to Notion’s actual challenges. Here are some questions that came up:

I realized that Notion’s system design questions focus more on real-world applications than on textbook answers. The interviewers wanted to see how I would solve problems that Notion engineers actually face. I made sure to read about operational transformation (OT) and conflict-free replicated data types (CRDTs), since these come up in collaborative editing. I also brushed up on scaling strategies and data security.

Notion’s questions are less standardized than those at bigger companies.
They mix coding, design, and product thinking in one session.
The focus stays on practical skills, not just algorithms.

Note: Drawing diagrams or using a virtual whiteboard helped me organize my thoughts and communicate my ideas clearly.

I get it – preparing for all these questions is tough. But there’s a way to ease the load during the actual interview: using an AI tool like Linkjob AI.I actually used it in my interviews, and it worked smoothly without the interviewer noticing anything — even when I was sharing my screen It helped me respond smoothly in real-time without relying on pure memorization.

How I Used These Questions to Prepare

I built my study plan around the most common Notion software engineer interview questions. I solved LeetCode problems every day, focusing on patterns that matched what I saw in past interviews. I read about Notion’s architecture and tried to think like a product engineer. I also practiced explaining my answers, not just writing code.

If you want to stand out, I recommend you do the same. Focus on real-world coding, practical system design, and deep product understanding. The more you practice with actual Notion software engineer interview questions, the more confident you’ll feel on interview day.

Interview Preparation Strategies

Study Resources and Practice

When I started prepping for my Notion interview, I realized that having a solid plan made everything less overwhelming. I built my own question bank with a mix of technical, behavioral, and situational questions. Practicing with mock interviews helped me get comfortable with the format and timing. I always recorded my answers so I could spot areas for improvement. Here’s what worked best for me:

use a comprehensive question bank that covered all types of scenarios.
set up mock interviews to simulate real conditions.
track feedback on my answers and focused on weak spots.
collect resource links, including articles and videos, to deepen my understanding.

One resource I found super helpful was the Notion Bookshelf. It offered curated learning materials and templates, including a Notion template for tracking progress. I also tried the Software Engineering Interview Prep template by Aurelio Benito from the Notion Marketplace. These tools kept me organized and motivated.

Tip: Practice out loud and treat every mock interview like the real thing. It makes a huge difference when you face actual Notion software engineer interview questions.

Mindset and Time Management

Staying positive during interview prep isn’t easy, but I learned a few tricks. I treated every interview as a learning opportunity. This helped me stay curious and relaxed. I saw each session as practice, not just a test. I created a personal knowledge base to reflect on my experiences and prepare better for the next round.

break my study sessions into short, focused blocks.
set small goals for each day and celebrated progress.
remind myself that every interview, even the tough ones, helped me grow.

Pro Tip: Keep your mindset flexible. If you stumble on a question, treat it as a chance to learn, not a failure.

Practice with an AI Interview Simulator

One of the most effective ways I prepared was by using an AI tool like ChatGPT and linkjob AI to run realistic mock interviews. I treated each session just like the real thing—talking through problems out loud, structuring my answers on the fly, and getting instant feedback on clarity and logic.

As I progressed, I began simulating full interview sessions—integrating behavioral questions, whiteboard discussions, and live coding under timed conditions. The AI’s ability to ask unpredictable follow-up questions pushed me to articulate my reasoning more thoroughly and adapt my responses dynamically, mirroring the adaptive nature of real interviews. This repetitive exposure reduced my anxiety and sharpened my ability to communicate complex ideas with both precision and calm.

If you’re preparing an interview, I’d really recommend adding an AI simulator to your routine. It builds confidence, sharpens your delivery, and helps you stay calm when it really counts.

FAQ

How long did I spend preparing for the Notion interview?

I spent about four weeks. I practiced coding daily, reviewed system design basics, and used AI for mock interviews. I also explored Notion’s product features every day.

What resources helped me the most?

LeetCode, Notion templates, and Linkjob AI made the biggest difference. I also watched YouTube videos about Notion’s engineering culture. Practicing with real questions boosted my confidence.

Did I use Linkjob AI during the actual interview?

Yes! Linkjob AI gave me real-time support and personalized answers. I felt like I had a coach by my side. The tool worked smoothly with Zoom and Google Meet.

What should I focus on for the technical rounds?

Focus on problem-solving, clear communication, and understanding Notion’s product. Practice coding with real-world scenarios. Explain your thought process out loud. Interviewers want to see how you think.