Software Engineer Interview Experience - Düsseldorf, Germany
Process
I applied for the position of Software Engineer (specifically, "Software Engineer - Data Plumber to Master Our Hotel Data") in October 2016 and received a response within 9 days.
The interview was scheduled for two weeks after I received an email from HR. Their responsiveness was excellent; I had many questions regarding the interview structure, and they responded almost instantly.
The interview consisted of two parts. The first involved a general discussion covering both personal and technical aspects. During the second part, I was given a programming task to complete within 30 minutes. While not overly difficult, it contained some tricky points.
A positive aspect was being allowed to use Google during the task, though they observed my every step, including my search patterns.
They contacted me again within two days, proposing a date and time for my next interview, which was also two weeks from the date of the email. Although they requested a convenient time, scheduling proved difficult due to the high volume of interviews.
The second interview followed the same structure as the first, with two parts: a discussion and a 30-minute coding task. It was a familiar problem but included an edge condition that would be missed without asking clarifying questions.
This interview was conducted by an Engineering Lead, likely from the team I would be joining.
I received confirmation the next day with an interview date and time set for one week later. The interview lasted almost 2 hours. It did not include a coding segment this time but featured an in-depth discussion on various technical and non-technical skills. Given my application for a data-related role, the questions focused heavily on databases and their internal workings. I found it quite challenging, but the interviewers were very friendly and supportive.
Having already received another offer, I requested confirmation from them soon to make my decision.
They provided an unofficial confirmation via Skype, which was sufficient for me to decline the other offer, as I believed trivago offered the best international work environment.
However, some miscommunications occurred between HR and management, leading them to claim the recruitment was frozen. I was shocked but, after several email exchanges, understood it was a misunderstanding on their part.
I was offered the contract a few days later. They were incredibly helpful throughout the entire process, from start to finish.
Questions
Indexes on Databases and how efficient are they?
How to optimize a DB when there are millions of records constantly updating?
S.O.L.I.D. Principles
How can I improve their current product/tech stack with the knowledge I obtained throughout these years?
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 12 interview experiences for the Trivago Software Engineer role in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Success Rate
Trivago's interview process for their Software Engineer roles in Düsseldorf, Germany is fairly selective, failing a large portion of engineers who go through it.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Trivago's Software Engineer interview process in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Trivago Work Experiences
- 4.0Good work atmosphereSoftware Engineer • Former EmployeeJuly 30, 2019Pros: Meet many new people from all over the world, and enjoy a relaxed work atmosphere.Cons: Maybe not the most interesting product.
- 1.0Run, Forrest, run!Software Engineer • Current EmployeeDüsseldorf, GermanyAugust 7, 2017Pros: Trivago offers nothing that you can't find elsewhere at another tech company if you put in some effort, but with more cons than I have ever seen anywhere, to date. But they do have snacks, coffee, beer, video games, and junk.Cons: - I heard more unprofessional and openly hostile gossip from people about their coworkers in my 6 months there than I did in grade school. - Team leads and heads of department in engineering were largely incompetent (in my experience) and engaging in what I'd call the workplace equivalent of social climbing. - There was little to no teamwork; more of a "tear other people down so they can't look better than me" attitude among more than 50% of the people I encountered. - The tech stack is really, really old. Code was ported over to new versions and frameworks seemingly without any real review or rewrite (maybe ever), or actual thought to a logical systems architecture. In 6 months, I don't think I ever heard anyone mention the concept of having a system architecture. - You will be a code monkey. 99% of the time, you will not have any input into what you are building or why, or maybe never even know what ends up happening to it. It is boring. - I cannot really say I learned anything of substance or grew as an engineer there, except what to look for as early red flags when interviewing with companies in the future. - The "core values" they workshop you to death on are not actually embodied in how people conduct themselves or what behavior is tolerated. - Lots of bureaucracy; it is a "startup culture" only in the sense that they have a Nintendo Wii and snacks, which are actually the least important parts of that whole culture. - As a collective group (of course, there are always a few exceptions), there were very few people I would describe as talented or hard-working. - All that considered, there really isn't enough money in the world to make it worth it, especially if you are considering moving to Germany for it. But if you are wondering, the pay is not very competitive. I moved there because I wanted to work there and be in Germany, and I bought their culture advertising, which was false in all the ways that actually matter. The salary thing was mostly just icing on the cake of reasons to leave.
- 4.0Great company to learn at - low salarySoftware Engineer • Former EmployeeLeipzig, Saxony, GermanyJanuary 13, 2021Pros: Trivago offers an amazing work culture. It's so diverse, so you get to meet people from all over the world. The work-life balance is also great. They offer unlimited vacations, which I definitely took advantage of. You can really learn a lot if you put the effort in. Overall, I would recommend working here if you are just starting out in your career or if you are looking to get experience at a big company.Cons: The salary was quite low for the industry. However, with flexible working hours, unlimited vacation, and a fun work atmosphere, the lower salary is acceptable.
