Deliveroo Senior Software Engineer interview questions

I believe in the principle that 'sharing is caring,' so I'd like to share my recent experience with an interview process. I was applying for a Senior role at a big tech company and received an invitation for an initial interview. The email outlined that the conversation would focus on my experience, projects, and what I’m seeking in my next role. It also mentioned that the call would give me a chance to learn more about the company and its journey. However, when the interview began, the focus shifted unexpectedly towards system design questions. While I’m confident in my skills, I wasn’t prepared for an in-depth technical test during what I had expected to be more of a conversation about my background and the role. Toward the end, the recruiter asked about 'sharding' in the context of rolling out new features. I explained that sharding is typically not necessary unless there’s a data scaling issue, and replication can be sufficient in many cases. I realized the recruiter seemed to be from a third-party agency, rather than directly from Deliveroo. Based on this interview, I could sense some issues with the company culture, and the "low" ratings on Glassdoor seem to be accurate. I’m glad I avoided moving forward with this opportunity.

Process included OA, Take Home assignment , Pair program , Design , Behavioural, For me after take home round Pair Program and System design was scheduled. Even though afterwards i got to know that my SD round was not up to the mark for L5 level , Behavioural round happened (just to waste time),then the recruiter told that SD was not upto the mark for L5 (Rest all round are for L5 level ), we can offer L4 but pay wont be upto the mark . Recruiter told me that if SD round was good we could have offered the position. BUt i read at other forum that people were told same thing for Behavioral rounds as well . So not sure what goes internally. i think if people are giving 5 rounds , one round can be bad /not the best sometimes so not the best way to judge .Overall i liked the interviewers.