Process
The process for new grad hires was a bit unusual. We had to arrive at 8:30 am.
In the morning, there were three 45-minute pairing interviews, followed by a panel discussion and a talk. We also took a trip to Sight Glass coffee.
However, the overall process was super enjoyable. It was probably the most fun I've had at an interview. I haven't heard back yet, though.
Questions
I messed up with a matrix manipulation question.
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 27 interview experiences for the Block Software Engineering role.
Success Rate
26%
Pass Rate
Block's interview process for their Software Engineering roles is very selective, failing most engineers who go through it.
Experience Rating
Positive67%
Neutral30%
Negative4%
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Block's Software Engineering interview process.
Block Work Experiences
5.0
Come for the mission, stay for the tech challenges!
Software Development Engineer • Current Employee
San Francisco, California, United States
June 10, 2019
Pros: If you are mission-driven, then you would enjoy this company and its mission of Economic Empowerment.
There are lots of interesting business problems to solve. These problems often translate into complex engineering challenges.
Square also has scale, both in terms of product and its organization. Most recently, a lot of groups started the long journey of cloud migration.
Cons: The overall technical direction of the company is often missing, and it's left to teams to get aligned. While this meritocratic approach can lead to "best team's solution wins" situations, this is not always the case. Technical decision-making is often slow as a result of this approach.
4.0
Good Pay, Unstable Tech
Machine Learning Engineer • Former Employee
July 28, 2025
Pros: Well-paid, good general culture.
Cons: Frequent instability, complex tech stack lacking alignment in some areas.
2.0
Great coworkers but poor leadership and constant changes
Data Engineer • Former Employee
San Francisco, CA
May 18, 2026
Pros: Pay and benefits are decent, and coworkers are great.
Cons: The company lost its way. There were constant reorgs and changes of direction. The leadership is terrible.
- 5.0Come for the mission, stay for the tech challenges!Software Development Engineer • Current EmployeeSan Francisco, California, United StatesJune 10, 2019Pros: If you are mission-driven, then you would enjoy this company and its mission of Economic Empowerment. There are lots of interesting business problems to solve. These problems often translate into complex engineering challenges. Square also has scale, both in terms of product and its organization. Most recently, a lot of groups started the long journey of cloud migration.Cons: The overall technical direction of the company is often missing, and it's left to teams to get aligned. While this meritocratic approach can lead to "best team's solution wins" situations, this is not always the case. Technical decision-making is often slow as a result of this approach.
- 4.0Good Pay, Unstable TechMachine Learning Engineer • Former EmployeeJuly 28, 2025Pros: Well-paid, good general culture.Cons: Frequent instability, complex tech stack lacking alignment in some areas.
- 2.0Great coworkers but poor leadership and constant changesData Engineer • Former EmployeeSan Francisco, CAMay 18, 2026Pros: Pay and benefits are decent, and coworkers are great.Cons: The company lost its way. There were constant reorgs and changes of direction. The leadership is terrible.
Block Interview Questions
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