Top 25 Snap Inc. Interview Questions And Answers in 2024

Editorial Team

Snap Inc. Interview Questions And Answers 

Snap Inc. is one of the world’s largest technology companies that offer social media, consumer electronics, social network advertising, and augmented Reality. It provides image messaging, social networking, and multimedia through popular apps like Bitmoji, Spectacles, and Snapchat. The company also offers rewarding career opportunities for various professions making the interview process highly competitive. With adequate preparation and the right strategy, you can tackle tricky Snap Inc. interview questions and land that lucrative career opportunity you’ve always dreamt of. 

In this article, we look at some top Snap Inc. interview questions with possible answers to give you practical ideas on handling the process.  

1. Why Do You Want To Work At Snap Inc.? 

I’ve always admired the work culture at Snap Inc. because of the opportunities it presents to its employees in developing in their careers. For instance, there are numerous opportunities to explore modern technologies like Augmented Reality. I also love the professionalism, which will allow me to interact with top talent and get mentorship opportunities from experts. I’m also confident that my vast experience in design will come in handy in growing the brand’s image by creating user-friendly apps for its wide-range clientele. 

2. If You Get This Position At Snapchat, Which Data Cleaning Procedures Are You Comfortable Using? 

     To enhance data quality and increase the productivity of a system, a data analyst must use data cleaning methods to ensure efficiency within the system. In my previous position, I used a systematic technique in data cleaning. First, I would remove duplicate and irrelevant observations within the data. Then scan the data to take out extra spaces, eliminate duplicate data and convert numbers stored as text. With these steps, I am confident that the data is clean and accurate. However, I am open and willing to learn and adjust to the current methods at Snap Inc. 

3. How Would You Describe The Curse Of Dimensionality? 

To understand the curse of dimensionality, we need first to understand dimension reduction.   Dimension reduction is a method of converting higher-dimension datasets into lesser-dimension datasets while retaining similar information. Dimension reduction is widely used in machine learning to help obtain better-fit predictive models to solve regression and classification challenges. 

     For instance, dimension reduction helps deal with high-dimensional data like signal processing,            speech recognition, or bioinformatics. It is beneficial in data visualization, cluster analysis, and noise reduction. Managing high-dimensional data can be challenging in practice, a process commonly referred to as the curse of dimensionality. An upsurge in the dimensionality of the input dataset can complicate any machine learning algorithm. 

4. From Your Experience, What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Applying Dimensionality Reduction? 

     Some of the benefits I’ve noticed while applying the dimensionality reduction technique include          the following: 

  • There’s minimal computation training time needed for reduced dimensions of features.
  • By taking care of multicollinearity, dimensionality reduction takes care of any present redundant features. 
  • Reduced dimensions of features of a dataset are beneficial in quickly visualizing the data. 
  • Reducing the dimensions of features also decreases the storage space for the dataset. 

     Although applying dimensionality reduction has significant benefits, it also has drawbacks,      including data loss. Also, the principal components required in Principal Component Analysis dimensionality, are sometimes unknown. 

5. From Your Experience, What Approaches Of Dimension Reduction Are You Familiar With? 

There are two ways of applying the dimension reduction technique. These are feature selection and feature extraction. Feature selection is the process of picking a subset of the relevant features while eliminating irrelevant features present in a dataset which helps build a highly accurate model. On the other hand, feature extraction transforms a space with many dimensions into a space with fewer dimensions. Feature extraction is beneficial when you desire to retain all the information while using fewer resources when processing that information. 

6. Which Feature Selection Methods Are You Familiar With? 

Feature selection has three main methods: Filters, Wrappers, and Embedded Methods. In Filter           Methods, the dataset is filtered, and a subset containing only relevant features is picked. Correlation, ANOVA, Chi-Square Test, and Information Gain are standard filter methods techniques. 

Though the Wrappers Method has a similar goal as Filters Method, the process incorporates a   machine learning model for its evaluation. In this method, some features are fed to the machine learning model to evaluate its performance. Feedback from the performance will help decide whether to add or eliminate those features to help improve the model’s accuracy. While this method is more accurate than the Filters Method, it is more complicated to operate. Some common Wrapper Method techniques include Backward Selection, Forward Selection, and Bi-directional Elimination. 

In the Embedded Method, the process examines different training iterations of the machine learning model. It also assesses the significance of each feature. Elastic Net, Ridge Regression, and LASSO are some standard Embedded Method techniques currently in use. 

7. Which Familiar Feature Extraction Techniques Do You Know? 

     There are many common Feature Extraction Techniques, but those that I know of include the   following: 

  • Kernel Principal Component Analysis
  • Quadratic Discriminant Analysis
  • Linear Discriminant Analysis 
  • Principal Component Analysis

8. How Can A Machine Learning Engineer Prevent The Curse Of Dimensionality In Designs? 

Usually, a database containing many input features complicates the predictive modeling task.

Since it becomes difficult to visualize or predict specific datasets with multiple features, a dimensionality reduction technique is required. 

There are different techniques of dimensionality reduction, including: 

  • Random forest
  • Score comparison 
  • Forward selection 
  • Backward elimination 
  • Principal component analysis 
  • Missing value ratio
  • High correlation filter 
  • Low variance filter 

9. If Hired For This Position, Are You Confident In Handling Project Management Responsibilities For New Software Development? 

My career in software engineering started from an entry-level position which has given me exposure to what happened in different departments within this industry. I’ve also learned so much from experts who have been instrumental in helping me sharpen my technical skills.

In my previous role, I had numerous leadership opportunities where I handled projects from development to completion. I can conduct a feasibility study on a project and estimate the time, cost, staffing needed, and overall planning requirements. I have been in charge of a department supervising teams tasked with handling different projects for multiple clients. 

10. Which Sdlc Models Do You Have Experience Operating? 

Some SDLC models I am familiar with include agile, waterfall, iterative, spiral, and V-shaped. I had extensive experience working with the waterfall model. In my previous role, I was able to complete complex projects. The waterfall is a reliable model since its approach eliminates mistakes resulting in pervasive documentation development. The method benefits developers who may need to work on the project in the future by saving time writing everything down. I love this method because it is simple and easy to understand, making it perfect for smaller projects where requirements are straightforward and not equivocal. 

Previous experience gives me adequate skills and flexibility to handle different SDLC models. For instance, in my last role, I used waterfall and agile models in most projects that I was in charge of. However, I am very interested to learn more about the models used here at Snap Inc. 

11. Do You Have Any Experience Handling Software Maintenance? 

There are four types of software maintenance processes. The one I rely on the most is adaptive maintenance. In my previous contract, I was in charge of banking software, where I regularly helped perform system maintenance for changes in currency. To ensure success, I did plenty of research and approached end users for feedback. I believe that I am the right candidate for this role at Snap Inc. as I have experience performing preventive, corrective, and perfective maintenance procedures on various applications.

12. Share An Instance Where You Utilized Universal Design Practice In Your UX Or UI Designer Task And Why The Process Was Significant

From my experience as a designer, I believe a product needs to be practical and accessible to many end users. The success of any app is its universal design, which will allow it to reach people who previously may not have had access to the service it provides. In my last role, I created a product targeting a more mature audience. With this development, business owners quickly reached the target market using the app making it a very successful project.  

13. In Your View, Which Non-Technical Skill Do You Possess That Will Propel You To Succeed In This Role?

Besides my technical know-how in software architecture, I’ve noticed the importance of proper relations with my team to ensure any project’s success. There must be a good interrelationship between departmental teams. With my excellent communication and interrelation skills, I always ensure everyone working on a project receives regular updates. A seamless communication system eliminates misunderstandings ensuring everyone knows what is expected of them. Proper communication also safeguards the project, streamlines processes, and guarantees the successful completion of tasks. 

14. Which Unique Designing Experience Do You Bring To Snap Inc? 

Snap Inc. has a software department for reinventing the camera and creating content for social media. My creativity will positively impact the company’s creative department. I have the skills needed to develop new features for the Snapchat application and reach a wider audience of untapped target markets. 

One of my greatest motivations as a designer is to create an everyday product that can benefit millions. I have experience in execution, including pitching a product. My design experience extends to visual design, prototyping, and interaction design.  

15. If You Get The Software Developer Role Here At Snap Inc., When Would You Integrate Fragments Rather Than Activity When Developing Android And Ios Apps? 

A fragment represents a reusable fraction of the application’s UI. It has its lifecycle, defines and manages its layout, and can handle its input events. Generally, fragments can’t survive independently and must be hosted by an activity or another fragment. However, you can add or remove fragments in an activity even when the activity is still running. 

A fragment is a sub-activity that aids more modular activity design. Fragments are suitable for defining and managing the UI of a single screen or a portion of a screen. An effective app should respond to a variety of screen sizes. Activities are effective in putting global elements around an application’s user interface. 

16. Apart From The Skills Listed On Your Resume, What Other Unique Personality Traits Do You Possess That Would Help You Excel In This Role? 

I enjoy learning new things, which makes me consistently seek new training opportunities. When faced with a challenge, I enjoy coming up with creative ideas and exploring new angles when solving problems. I have devised ingenious solutions to complex issues through experimenting and conducting pilot projects after innovations. 

During my role as an IT engineer in a software company where I worked, I created an app that improved customer engagement which immensely helped the organization’s overall image. My flexibility and willingness to learn new procedures will be an added advantage in this role. 

17. If You Pass The Interview And Get This Job, What Would Be The Most Significant Hurdle You’d Have To Overcome? 

As a creative project manager, prioritizing tasks is one of the challenges I face. I would first analyze all the projects, and determine their delivery periods, and the processes involved. A comprehensive understanding of what is needed will help me highlight tasks that are critical to the most urgent ones. Doing this will ensure that operations run flawlessly and all tasks are completed within set timeframes. 

18. What Procedure Would You Use When Requested To Review A Code That One Of Your Colleagues Has Written? 

Whenever I review a code, I critique it and recommend improvement. First, I check it with the creator and ask practical questions to help maintain best practices for the code. One of the first questions the code should address is why it was created. Knowing the purpose of a code will enable me to deliver a helpful code review

The next thing would be to familiarize me with the code and understand what the creator was trying to accomplish. Once I determine that I then go ahead and test it while analyzing its user interface. Then I inspect it to determine if it works. Next is to review it, make recommendations, and give advice on how to format and better organize it. Finally, I would compile my review by preparing a formal report.

19. Which Software Analysis And Design Software Tools Are You Able To Work With? 

A data Flow Diagram is a graphic representation depicting data flow in an information system. It can represent incoming or outgoing data flow or stored data. There are two kinds of Data Flow Diagrams physical DFD and logical DFD.

Structure Charts are derived from Data Flow Diagram and represent the system in more detail compared to Data Flow Diagram. Structure charts depict the hierarchical structure of modules whereby a specific task is performed at each layer. Some symbols used in constructing structure charts include a module, condition, jump, loop, control, and data flow. 

Other analysis and design software include Decision tables, Hierarchical Input Process Output (HIPO), Entity-Relationship Model, Structured English, Data Dictionary, and Pseudo-Code.

20. At Snap Inc., We Go The Extra Mile To Mitigate Security Risks. What Are Software’s Most Significant Security Risks, And What Can Be Done To Minimize Them? 

The first thing I do is to conduct a cybersecurity risk assessment to identify potential threats, how likely they can occur, and the damage they are likely to cause. Performing this analysis will better prepare the organization to respond to risks and expose any vulnerabilities in its infrastructure that may lead to malware, phishing, or ransomware attacks. 

21. If You Get This Opportunity, What Will Motivate You To Complete Tasks?

Thankfully, I am in a career that I am passionate about, so I have a positive attitude toward work. I always have a list of daily, weekly, and monthly goals that inspire me to keep going despite the challenges I may be facing. 

22. Which Hobbies Help You To Relax And Unwind?

I love to watch science fiction movies whenever I have time. Watching these kinds of films helps me get inspiration and develop my creativity. It also assists me to unwind after a long day at work. 

23. How Have Your Previous Work-Related Experiences Prepared You For This Role? 

From my experiences, I am better placed to make informed judgments. My many challenges and setbacks have helped me improve my problem-solving skills. I have faced numerous obstacles and worked hard to find solutions that give me the necessary skills to excel at this role. I am able to complete complex tasks quickly because I have gained adequate experience and expertise. 

24. How Would Your Colleagues Describe You? 

In my last position as an IT expert, my manager would commend me for always taking the initiative whenever our team faced complex challenges. My colleagues describe me as a go-getter who isn’t afraid of taking risks. I have repeatedly proven this by leading different teams through very challenging circumstances. 

25. Why Do You Believe That You Will Succeed At Snap Inc.? 

My vast working experience, professionalism, and dedication to my work are adequate to make me thrive in this role. I spend plenty of time sharpening my skills and updating myself on current industry affairs. I am also open to learning from colleagues, irrespective of their rank.

Conclusion 

Applying for jobs can become a frustrating, demoralizing experience, especially when there are hardly any positive outcomes from your efforts. Competition for lucrative employment is high, so you must up your game and prepare for the long-awaited interview. Take time to research, review and practice your answers to give you confidence when responding. Being sure of your responses will leave a positive impact and increase your chances of getting the job. We hope that the thoughts shared in this article offer helpful tips to know what to expect when attending an interview session.