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Snowflake new grad / entry level interview: how to prep when you have no idea where to start

bootcamp_bri · 4 replies

i'm a 2025 grad and i have a Snowflake university hiring screen coming up in two weeks. spent the last few days trying to figure out what to actually study. posting what i've found in case it helps anyone else in the same boat.

what the new grad / entry-level loop typically looks like (from everything i've gathered): recruiter call: background, interest in Snowflake, basic culture fit OA: usually 2 LeetCode-style problems, 60-90 min window technical phone screen: one coding problem, sometimes a SQL question depending on role virtual onsite: 2-3 technical rounds + 1 behavioral

how i'm prepping:

for coding: grinding LC mediums, specifically arrays, hashmaps, sliding window, BFS/DFS. i've seen reports that they go medium, not usually hard at new grad level, but don't assume easy.

for SQL: Snowflake is a data platform company. even for SWE roles they seem to appreciate basic SQL literacy. i'm doing Mode's SQL tutorial and practicing window functions.

behavioral: they have stated values around customer obsession, integrity, and getting things done. i'm writing out 6 STAR stories that map to those themes.

questions i still have: does anyone know if the new grad loop always includes a system design round? i've seen conflicting info. some people say yes (a light version), some say no for entry-level. also: is the onsite remote or do they fly you out?

i know this is more of a question post than a full report but hoping people who've been through it recently can fill in the gaps.

4 replies

jp_newgrad

went through it last fall for a different team. for new grad there was NO system design round. it was 2 coding rounds + 1 behavioral. totally remote. the OA had one medium array problem and one medium string problem. not LeetCode hard.

visa_vik

same experience here. no system design for new grad. if you can solve LC mediums consistently and have 2-3 solid behavioral stories you're in good shape. the SQL thing probably depends on the specific team you're interviewing for.

ux_uma

that's so reassuring. i've been overweighting system design prep. good to know i can focus on coding and behavioral for now.

sec_sasha

from what i understand about Snowflake's university program, the onsite is virtual. they've pulled back on fly-outs for new grad at most companies post-2023. the behavioral round is important, don't skip it. they really do calibrate on values fit.