A complete step-by-step breakdown of the LinkedIn interview process for software engineers. Learn what happens at each stage, from recruiter call to onsite, and how to prepare for 700M+ user scale.
The end-to-end LinkedIn interview process typically takes 4-8 weeks. Here is the breakdown by phase.
Recruiter Call to Technical Screen
1-2 weeks
Technical Screen to Second Recruiter
1 week
Second Recruiter to Onsite
1-2 weeks
Onsite to Decision
1-2 weeks
Team Matching & Offer
1-2 weeks
Total (typical)
4-8 weeks
Every stage of the LinkedIn interview process explained in detail with tips and what to expect.
Background discussion, experiences, projects, and cultural fit. The recruiter assesses your communication and alignment with LinkedIn values.
What to Expect:
Pro Tip: Be ready to explain why LinkedIn and what excites you about the company. Research LinkedIn products and mission. Emphasize member-first thinking.
Video call via CoderPad or Collabedit. Two interviewers present. Structure: 10-min domain question, 15-min small problem, 30-min medium problem. Medium LeetCode difficulty focus.
What to Expect:
Pro Tip: Practice coding in a shared environment. AI usage in interviews is strictly prohibited. Be prepared for two interviewers observing.
Defensive check to prevent candidate attrition. Discussion of next steps, team interests, and expectations. Ensures you are still engaged before moving to onsite.
What to Expect:
Pro Tip: Be honest about your situation. If you have competing offers, communicate timelines. Recruiters want to ensure you will complete the process.
Most intensive phase. Coding rounds, system design (for senior+), and behavioral. Strong emphasis on scalability given LinkedIn's 700M+ users.
What to Expect:
Pro Tip: Prepare for a long day. System design is required for senior+ roles. Think at scale — LinkedIn serves hundreds of millions of users.
Centralized hiring: you interview for LinkedIn, not a specific team. Team matching happens after passing interviews. Recruiter presents offer with comp details.
What to Expect:
Pro Tip: You'll be matched with teams based on your interests and team needs. Be clear about your preferences.
Understanding these LinkedIn-specific details will help you prepare effectively.
Total compensation varies by level. RSUs vest 4-year, 25% per year. Annual refreshers common.
IC1 (Apprentice)
~$151K total comp
IC2 (SWE)
~$254K total comp
IC3 (Senior)
~$322K total comp
IC4 (Staff)
~$446K total comp
IC5 (Principal)
~$765K+ total comp
RSUs
4-year vest, 25% per year + annual refreshers
The typical LinkedIn interview process takes 4-8 weeks from recruiter call to offer. The process includes recruiter call, technical phone screen (60 min with two interviewers), second recruiter call, onsite (5-7 rounds, 5-6 hours), and team matching.
LinkedIn uses centralized hiring — you interview for LinkedIn broadly, not a specific team. Team matching happens after you pass interviews. This can add flexibility but also means the total timeline can extend if team matching takes time.
LinkedIn stands out for a few key reasons: part of Microsoft (acquired 2016) but separate interview process, centralized hiring, two interviewers present during phone screen, and AI usage strictly prohibited in interviews. The technical phone screen has a structured format: 10-min domain question, 15-min small problem, 30-min medium problem.
Strong emphasis on scalability — LinkedIn serves 700M+ users. System design is required for senior+ roles. The second recruiter call is a defensive check to prevent candidate attrition before onsite.
The technical phone screen is 60 minutes via video call using CoderPad or Collabedit. Two interviewers are present. Structure: 10-minute domain question, 15-minute small problem, 30-minute medium problem. Focus is on LeetCode medium difficulty.
AI usage in interviews is strictly prohibited. Practice coding without AI assistance. Be prepared for two observers — communicate your approach clearly and think out loud.
Explore interview guides for other top tech companies.