Process
I applied online and was quickly emailed back for a recruiter chat, followed by a phone interview, and then an onsite visit.
Most of the experience was great. I really felt that the recruiters were on top of their game and passionate about the product. They were honest and transparent, which is a breath of fresh air compared to most other companies.
Most of the engineers I spoke to genuinely cared about their product and were great to talk to. In comparison to other places I've interviewed, they placed a heavy emphasis on ensuring cultural fit, with a few behavioral questions during the onsite.
However, the reason I rate this experience overall as negative is that one interview during my onsite significantly detracted from the overall experience. There were three technical interviews, two of which were LeetCode-style algorithm problems.
The third interview, however, was different. I had informed the company beforehand that I preferred interviewing in Java. Despite this, at the start of the interview, I was asked to use Python. Even when I stated I wasn't familiar or comfortable interviewing in it, the question prepared was Python-specific.
The question involved using a feature of Python I had never encountered before, either in coursework or in practice, to solve a hypothetical problem. Consequently, I struggled significantly to comprehend it. I spent a considerable amount of time asking the interviewer clarifying questions, which I could tell was beginning to make them impatient.
I managed to get through part of the question correctly but was unable to complete all the challenges due to my questions. This ultimately resulted in me failing the onsite.
While it's fair game to ask about anything on my resume (I had listed experience with Python for a project), it felt akin to attending a lecture on a new topic and then being given an assignment on that topic to complete during the explanation in order to pass the class. It wasn't a pleasant feeling, and I didn't feel I was being accurately assessed on my programming abilities.
I hope they will reconsider using questions like this. Additionally, I encountered two separate issues with trip expenses that required resolution. The individuals who assisted me were very apologetic and resolved them quickly, but it added further stress to an already disappointing experience.
Questions
Recruiter chat 1 LeetCode question during phone interview 3 technical interviews during onsite 3 behavioral interviews (lunch, PM, hiring manager, I recall)
Was this helpful?
Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 13 interview experiences for the Affirm Software Engineer New Grad role in United States.
Success Rate
Affirm's interview process for their Software Engineer New Grad roles in the United States is fairly selective, failing a large portion of engineers who go through it.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Affirm's Software Engineer New Grad interview process in United States.
Affirm Work Experiences
- 5.0Good Culture With A Bright FutureBackend Software Engineer • Current EmployeeRemoteDecember 19, 2022Pros: I feel like there is a lot of transparency about the state of the company, which makes the relationship with the executives feel genuine. Max does a great job of staying engaged with the team and driving as a leader, not a dictator like some executives I've seen in the past. In terms of my position, I felt the pressure when I first started due to a drive to reach a product launch on time. This was a new experience for me, but I never felt taken advantage of or overworked. My team is great, and I have only good words about other teams I have worked with at the company.Cons: It is a larger company, but still in a pseudo start-up mode, so it can be fast-paced at times.
- 5.0Friendly, Streamlined, Great PaySoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeToronto, Ontario, CanadaFebruary 22, 2025Pros: 1. Everyone is very friendly. 2. Feels like a small company; you get to know everyone well. 3. Work flows make sense; development seems pretty streamlined. 4. Very good compensation and rewards.Cons: None I can think of right now.
- 1.0Great Pay, Troubled CompanyEngineering Manager • Former EmployeeJune 6, 2023Pros: Good pay. Great benefits ($0 medical premium, monthly wallets). ESPP. Away days (too many).Cons: Affirm has experienced a notable downturn since its IPO, which raises questions about the sustainability of its current business model. This concern primarily revolves around the lack of revenue generation, a critical issue that shareholders will inevitably question. While Affirm's mission is noble—to provide fair loan terms to people—it is important to recognize that its operations essentially involve selling debt. This method unfortunately tends to exacerbate financial burdens on those already in precarious situations, which presents an ethical concern. A further indication of the company's struggle was the acquisition of a startup that had failed to secure funding. This move should serve as a red flag in the context of the current economy. While attempts have been made to rectify the company's direction through increased frequency of quarterly planning, the impact of these efforts has been minimal. Despite consistent feature releases aimed at increasing revenue and reducing costs, a 20% workforce reduction was still deemed necessary. My primary issue is that to reach such a drastic decision, the company must have been grappling with issues for a considerable period. However, it appears that insufficient action was taken to correct the course. I believe responsibility for this oversight falls upon the 25 VPs who remain employed despite their apparent inability to navigate these challenges effectively. In conclusion, this situation highlights a dire need for leadership that can promptly identify and address issues to prevent similar future scenarios.
Affirm Interview Questions
