Process
45-minute Skype Interview.
It started with simple resume questions and Java fundamental questions.
Then the interviewer asked the following interview question with 25 minutes left on the clock.
Questions
The Problem:
I'm working on a collaborative code editor for two people. I have the text synchronizing across both screens, but I've encountered the problem illustrated below.
Example:
Screen Person A Initially | Screen Person B Initially | Cat | Ca|t
After pressing Enter on Screen 1:
Screen Person A After | Screen Person B After | | Cat | Cat
Expected Output <<<
Screen Person A After | Screen Person B After
| Cat | Ca|t
The content updates, and the word "cat" shifts down a line. However, Person B's cursor remains in its original position instead of moving down a line as expected.
Implement the fixCursorRow method. Don't worry about updating the column.
java public class Cursor { public int column; public int row;
public Cursor(int row, int column);
}
// diff comes from the other screen. // content is the content of the current screen before diff is applied. // cursor is the cursor of the current screen.
// diff format: // The diff contains all content from the beginning to the end of the document.
json [{"1", "\n"}, {"0", "cat"}]
// house -> horse = {{"0", "ho"}, {"-1", "u"}, {"1", "r"}, {"0", "se"}} // "0" -> equality, "1" -> addition, "-1" -> removal
java public Cursor fixCursorRow(String[][] diff, String content, Cursor cursor) { }
Java fundamentals and the question that I have mentioned.
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 280 interview experiences for the Yelp Software Engineer role in United States.
Success Rate
Yelp's interview process for their Software Engineer roles in the United States is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Yelp's Software Engineer interview process in United States.
Yelp Work Experiences
- 3.0Removal office is a pitySoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeMarch 25, 2024Pros: Great people are still here, although not a lot are left.Cons: Yelp used to have a great in-office culture. I’m sad that that’s gone now.
- 5.0Great People, Slow GrowthSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeSan Francisco, California, United StatesOctober 5, 2025Pros: Good work-life balance. People are really good. I love working here.Cons: Slow career growth, even when asked.
- 5.0Best place I've worked at in my 9-year career!Software Engineer • Current EmployeeSan Francisco, California, United StatesOctober 15, 2017Pros: OUTSTANDING work/life balance. The most important thing is that you get your work done, and so the hours don't really matter (as long as you're there during the core business hours of 10-4pm). Each team is different, but the two teams that I've been on both operated the same way. People came in, worked hard for the 8 hours that they were there, and went home at a reasonable hour, including taking lunch/coffee/chit chat breaks. Timings are very flexible, and management is always understanding of those times when you need to work from home. Incredible culture – they treat their employees so well. From free snacks/drinks on every floor, to free catered food/beer every Friday, to free and delicious coffee/cold brew daily from our talented baristas, to free deli sandwiches/bagels/pb&j sandwiches. I could keep going, but you get the idea. Being in the industry that Yelp is in, there's plenty of free and delicious food, as expected. Or just walk a few blocks away to dozens and dozens of fun and interesting restaurants because Yelp is in the middle of everything! Fun events every quarter, such as hackathons, team outings, and holiday events. They really do a great job of making sure employees are rewarded and feel appreciated. Amazing co-workers – as I said, I worked on 2 different teams so far, and everyone has been super helpful and accommodating. People will take the time out of their day to help and make sure you're past the hurdle – an incredibly collaborative environment. Relevant/cutting edge technology – getting the chance/freedom to work on interfaces using tools that are industry-leading is an incredible opportunity! I'm learning so much!! Great compensation/Benefits – salary is very competitive, and the stock package is even better than I had hoped for, so not much negotiation was needed. Plus, the benefits are very solid. This includes any equipment that you might need at work – it's all covered (with manager approval). Also, full health coverage! For all these reasons, Yelp has been the BEST company I have ever worked for. I absolutely love coming into work every day; I look forward to it :D Flat organization – there are no politics, no power struggles, no meaningless titles. The work and the timely delivery of a quality product is the most important thing.Cons: Literally the only con I could come up with is the need for a better 401k match.
Yelp Interview Questions
