I applied online. I interviewed at Polarsteps in Jun 2026
Interview
The interview process followed the four stages, same as mentioned on the website. Communication was prompt, transparent, and consistent throughout, so I always knew what to expect.
The technical interview was an engaging discussion focused on real-world backend engineering challenges rather than just theoretical questions.
The day assignment involved spending a full day (8hrs) working on an actual problem with access to the team. It was challenging and intensive, but it also provided an authentic feel for the kind of work I'd be doing.
The final values interview was a relaxed conversation with two people from different parts of the company. It focused on how I approach work, what motivates me, and how well I aligned with the company's culture and values.
Everyone I met was welcoming and genuinely interested in getting to know me beyond what was on my CV.
Overall, it was one of the best hiring experiences I've had.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The discussion focused on the projects I've worked on and my past experience. From there, the interviewers asked follow-up questions to explore my technical decisions, problem-solving approach, the challenges I encountered, and the reasoning behind the solutions I implemented.
Four stages, exactly as described on their website. The whole process, from first interview to offer, took less than a month.
Communication was fast and consistent throughout, never left wondering where things stood. Everyone I met was warm and genuinely interested in getting to know me beyond my CV.
The technical interview was an in-depth conversation covering real-life backend challenges. The day assignment was a full day of hands-on work on a real problem, with access to the team throughout, intense, but a great way to experience the work. The values interview was a relaxed conversation with two people from different parts of the team, exploring how you work, what drives you, and how you align with their culture.
One of the best hiring experiences I've had.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Polarsteps (Amsterdam) in Nov 2024
Interview
The process was first a call with the recruiter, then a technical interview, then a day of working at the office (on-site or remote) where you get a task in the morning and present it by the end of the day.
Overall all my interviewers were very pleasant and it was a very enjoyable experience.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What you'd expect from a backend role. Discussed many topics between concurrency, multithreading, databases, system design, scaling challenges, troubleshooting challenges, etc...