I applied through a recruiter. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at MongoDB (Palo Alto, CA) in Dec 2015
Interview
Initial description of the role was "software development consulting" Initial interviews were related to system architecture, algorithms, and coding. These initial phone interviews were excellent, challenging, stimulating, even fun. However, in the course of the interviews it came out that this is a helpdesk that primarily serves Sys Admins and DBAs. I have never been either and did not do well in that section of the interview. I was not offered a position. MongoDB was also a little slow in processing the travel expense reimbursement, but once I prompted them they got on it and sent me a check.
Net => Don't bother interviewing for this position if you don't have Linux SysAdmin skills nailed cold.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
So, which Linux CLIs would you use to isolate a performance problem?
interview process is designed to ensure that you and MongoDB are a great match, and, no matter how many interviews you have done in the past, being prepared is the key to being successful. At MongoDB, we do our best to make sure you have a great interview experience and an opportunity to learn about our company, culture, and the people you will be working with. To help you prepare for your technical interviews, we want to share some tips.
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at MongoDB (Sydney) in Jan 2025
Interview
Looking at all the positive feedback about this company, wanted to share some information based on my interview and real life,
They called me one month after applying for TSE opportunity, started with HR chat, then primary interview with hiring manager and two sequential technical interviews.
There was nothing wrong with HR and primary interview, however the reality about this company and level of their expertise and culture was kind of punch in the face during technical interview:
1. despite all the positive comments about interview feedback, I didn't find any of those two engineers friendly or welcoming but in some cases, I could see inappropriate tone of discussion since the poor guys were not able to understand technical side of discussion.
2. level of knowledge and expertise is a major concern. They assigned a DBA (Database Administrator) to ask me about coding and Linux and it was very obvious he didn't understand many of the things I said as Senior Linux Engineer. The second engineer, was responsible to test my diagnosis skills but he was not even aware of process that before raising 4-5 possible root cause, you are allowed to ask some questions to identify the root causes. I could see frustration in his face.
3. When you see the interviewer is struggling to open PDF file since Acrobat is not installed in his laptop or struggling to mute his mobile and continuously get message from his family during interview and not even prepared for the interview and drag the interview for 20 minutes to setup his screen to go through materials, then it raise a big question mark what kind of people are working in this company and how they manage their daily work.
4. Based on my understanding during interview, this company might be a suitable place for juniors who would like to start their journey in IT industry, but as senior engineer you will not enjoy spending time with this company during interview let alone working for them.
5. after 2 weeks from technical interviews, they sent me a message regretting that they don't proceed with my application while they were impressed by my technical knowledge and called it difficult decision to make. I did spend (or actually wasted my time) almost 5.5 hours in 4 sessions and was rejected while they were impressed with my technical knowledge and experience. comparing my knowledge and experience with those two engineers, have a feeling that I was overqualified for this company and the work they do.
Before applying for a job with MongoDB, ask yourself what level of knowledge and expertise you have and if they deserve having you as candidate or employee.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
right a code, starting with one, if the number is divided by three output fizz, if it is divided by 5 output buzz.
os , networking and linux
=> troubleshooting is must for this role
rest was based on basic coding.
overall good process and timely updates.
recruiters kept me updated at every process.