Process
First, ask about my background.
Then, ask about my knowledge of transformers and the difference between transformers and RNNs.
Finally, present coding problems:
- Write a cross-entropy loss function from scratch.
- Solve a medium LeetCode problem.
Questions
Briefly describe a Transformer and describe the difference between a Transformer and an RNN.
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 125 interview experiences for the TikTok Machine Learning Engineer role in United States.
Success Rate
9%
Pass Rate
TikTok's interview process for their Machine Learning Engineer roles in the United States is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Experience Rating
Positive34%
Neutral46%
Negative20%
Candidates reported having good feelings for TikTok's Machine Learning Engineer interview process in United States.
TikTok Work Experiences
2.0
Good for new grads, but worst culture
Machine Learning Engineer • Current Employee
San Jose, California, United States
November 14, 2024
Pros: You will learn rocket-fast because you are always pushed by overloaded tasks. A fresh NG will handle several senior-level jobs under limited guidance.
Cons: 0 work-life balance. Work, work, work if you are a Chinese speaker. You will be working with people in China during the night for sure.
But for non-Chinese speakers, your life will be much better because the leadership will have 0 expectations from you. You can basically chill all day.
5.0
Kind Team, Demanding Workload
Machine Learning Engineer • Current Employee
March 5, 2025
Pros: good, kind, warm, high-payment, nice place
Cons: In person, time tight, workload.
3.0
Good Pay, Bad Work-life
Machine Learning Engineer • Current Employee
San Jose, California, United States
February 12, 2025
Pros: Good salary and yearly compensation.
Cons: Bad work-life balance. You need to learn Mandarin.
- 2.0Good for new grads, but worst cultureMachine Learning Engineer • Current EmployeeSan Jose, California, United StatesNovember 14, 2024Pros: You will learn rocket-fast because you are always pushed by overloaded tasks. A fresh NG will handle several senior-level jobs under limited guidance.Cons: 0 work-life balance. Work, work, work if you are a Chinese speaker. You will be working with people in China during the night for sure. But for non-Chinese speakers, your life will be much better because the leadership will have 0 expectations from you. You can basically chill all day.
- 5.0Kind Team, Demanding WorkloadMachine Learning Engineer • Current EmployeeMarch 5, 2025Pros: good, kind, warm, high-payment, nice placeCons: In person, time tight, workload.
- 3.0Good Pay, Bad Work-lifeMachine Learning Engineer • Current EmployeeSan Jose, California, United StatesFebruary 12, 2025Pros: Good salary and yearly compensation.Cons: Bad work-life balance. You need to learn Mandarin.
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