TikTok Software Engineer interview: projects, systems topics and TreeNode DP

The opening was either a brief resume and role discussion or a direct start to the technical conversation, but it consistently set the direction first. I was asked about my background and then given a coding problem.

Early topics included iOS development, backend work, Java, networking, and distributed systems. The interview then narrowed to a LeetCode-style TreeNode and DP challenge. The interviewer was patient and supportive when I needed time to think. Elsewhere in the loop, I discussed my resume and projects and completed a coding round that included technical questions beyond the algorithm itself.

I did not get an offer, but the process felt more encouraging than harsh. It seemed to assess both coding and how my experience could translate to the role.

Location: Singapore. Overall feedback: positive. Offer status: no offer.