Shopify’s Technical Interview Process: What to Expect and How to Prepare

The interview process can be one of the most daunting aspects of finding a new gig—but it doesn’t have to be. This guide pulls back the curtain on what to expect during the interview process for technical roles at Shopify and sets you up for success with tips for each stage.

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Shopify
•
Ashley Sawatsky
•9 min read•intermediate•
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Overview

This article provides an in-depth look at Shopify's technical interview process, detailing what candidates can expect at each stage and offering preparation tips. It covers various interview formats including the Life Story, Coding Exercise, Pair Programming, and Technical Deep Dive, emphasizing the importance of communication and problem-solving skills.

What You'll Learn

1

How to effectively communicate your personal and professional experiences during the Life Story interview

2

How to approach algorithmic problem-solving during the Coding Exercise

3

How to collaborate effectively during a Pair Programming session

4

How to discuss your past projects in detail during the Technical Deep Dive

Key Questions Answered

What should I expect during the Life Story interview at Shopify?
The Life Story interview is a one-hour conversational session with a recruiter where you discuss your personal and professional experiences. It's designed to be an organic conversation rather than a traditional Q&A, allowing you to share your triumphs, failures, and technical passions.
How is the Coding Exercise structured at Shopify?
The Coding Exercise lasts 40 minutes and focuses on algorithmic thinking and problem-solving. Candidates work on a problem using their preferred programming language while being guided by a Shopify developer, who provides feedback and answers questions throughout the exercise.
What is the purpose of the Pair Programming interview?
In the Pair Programming interview, candidates collaborate with a Shopify developer to solve a programming problem. This 75-90 minute session emphasizes communication and teamwork, as candidates must articulate their thought process while coding.
What topics should I cover during the Technical Deep Dive?
During the Technical Deep Dive, candidates should discuss their impact on previous projects, including business impact, architecture setup, technical decisions, trade-offs, challenges, and lessons learned. This interview is conversational and allows for questions about the role and teams at Shopify.

Technologies & Tools

Communication
Google Meet
Used for conducting interviews and coding exercises.
Development
Coderpad
Platform used for conducting coding exercises.
Communication
Google Hangouts
Used for the Pair Programming interview.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Reflect on your experiences before the Life Story interview to articulate your journey effectively.
This preparation helps you feel more confident and allows you to connect your experiences to the role you're applying for, making a stronger impression on the interviewer.
2
During the Coding Exercise, prioritize understanding the problem before coding.
Asking clarifying questions ensures you grasp the requirements fully, which can lead to a more effective and efficient solution.
3
In Pair Programming, communicate your thought process clearly as you code.
This not only demonstrates your technical skills but also shows your ability to collaborate and engage with others, which is crucial in a team environment.
4
Choose relevant projects to discuss in the Technical Deep Dive that align with the role.
Focusing on projects that showcase your skills and impact will resonate more with interviewers and provide a clearer picture of your capabilities.

Common Pitfalls

1
Failing to communicate your thought process during coding exercises.
This can lead to misunderstandings with the interviewer and may not showcase your full capabilities as a developer. Always articulate your reasoning and approach.
2
Choosing projects that are too vague or not relevant for the Technical Deep Dive.
Discussing projects without clear business impact or technical depth can weaken your case. Select projects that highlight your skills and contributions effectively.