My ServiceNow Interview Experience:How I Got the Job in Just 5 Days!My Preparation guide & questions

Summary

In this video, Pravin shares his detailed interview experience for a Staff Software Engineer role at ServiceNow. He covers his five-round interview process, highlighting key topics like Kubernetes, Python automation, Terraform, and CI/CD pipelines. Pravin also discusses the challenges of tackling real-time scenarios and hands-on tasks, such as designing Kubernetes clusters and working with load balancers. He provides valuable insights on preparing for senior-level interviews, the importance of understanding system design, and navigating compensation packages. He also offers mentorship opportunities and advice for aspiring candidates in the tech industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 ServiceNow offers a 30 LPA package for freshers, with stocks contributing significantly to the overall compensation.
• 😀 Pravin rejected an offer from ServiceNow due to the lower base package, despite the attractive stock options.
• 😀 Pravin provides evidence of his interview process with ServiceNow, including email invites and job confirmation emails from JP Morgan.
• 😀 The first interview round for a staff software engineer at ServiceNow was focused on Kubernetes, with deep technical questions.
• 😀 Key Kubernetes-related questions included topics like master and worker node firewall impacts, secrets management, and load balancing.
• 😀 Python was emphasized as an important skill, with interview questions involving data ingestion, JSON, and automation tasks.
• 😀 Round two of the interview delved into Kubernetes design, Terraform, and AWS EventBridge, requiring hands-on skills in infrastructure automation.
• 😀 Interview questions also covered system design, including traffic surge mitigation, pod deployment, and Docker optimization.
• 😀 Round three was heavily focused on Kubernetes, with specific questions on DNS, Route 53, init containers, and application deployment architectures.
• 😀 The final interview round was a manager round that assessed technical knowledge and leadership qualities, along with real-time problem-solving abilities.
• 😀 The HR round concluded the process, with the company offering a competitive stock package but a lower base salary, prompting Pravin's decision to decline the offer.

Q & A

What is the salary package for freshers at ServiceNow, according to Pravin's experience?

Pravin mentions that ServiceNow offers a package of around 30 LPA (lakhs per annum) for freshers, including stocks. He explains that the stock component alone can make up to $940, and the total package can be about 18-19 LPA excluding the base salary.

Why did Pravin reject the staff software engineer offer from ServiceNow?

Pravin rejected the offer because, although the stocks were attractive, the base salary offered was lower than expected for a staff engineer role, leading him to turn down the opportunity.

How many rounds of interviews did Pravin go through, and what was the focus of the technical rounds?

Pravin went through a total of five rounds. The technical rounds focused on Kubernetes, Python, Terraform, and design patterns. Questions ranged from hands-on tasks to theoretical concepts like Kubernetes master and worker node communication, secret management, and scaling in Kubernetes.

What kind of technical knowledge was assessed in the Kubernetes-focused rounds?

The Kubernetes-related questions assessed knowledge on topics like firewall configurations for master and worker nodes, secrets management in Kubernetes, global load balancing, extensions in Grafana, and designing a deployment with replica sets. Practical scenarios like handling traffic surges and load balancing were also discussed.

What specific coding questions were asked in the interview?

Pravin was asked to write Python code for automating tasks, such as ingesting and collecting data from a JSON format. He also encountered a hands-on coding challenge from LeetCode, though he couldn't recall the exact question during the interview.

What role did Terraform play in the interview?

Terraform was a key component in the interview, especially in the second round where Pravin was asked to design an STO setup for a Kubernetes cluster using AWS EventBridge and Terraform. Terraform knowledge is seen as increasingly important in 2025 for managing infrastructure.

What are some important tools and technologies to focus on for DevOps roles in 2025, based on Pravin's advice?

Pravin emphasizes focusing on Kubernetes, Python, Terraform, CI/CD pipelines, and REST API automations. He stresses that these tools and technologies are critical for product-based companies in the current job market.

What leadership and problem-solving qualities did the manager assess during the interview?

The manager assessed leadership qualities through situational questions, such as how Pravin would help a colleague facing challenges. Additionally, Pravin was asked to design a solution for automating deployment and troubleshooting issues in production environments, showcasing his problem-solving abilities.

What did Pravin learn from his interview experience regarding his performance?

Pravin learned that it's crucial to write down and analyze any mistakes or areas where he felt underprepared after each interview. By doing so, he was able to return stronger in subsequent rounds and improve his performance.

What final advice did Pravin give to job seekers preparing for interviews?

Pravin advises job seekers to prepare thoroughly for technical interviews, particularly by strengthening their knowledge of Kubernetes, Python, and Terraform. He also recommends analyzing real-time production issues and scenarios to demonstrate problem-solving skills and show deeper understanding.