As a Software Engineer at First Republic, you play a pivotal role in shaping the technology that underpins our financial services. This position is not just about writing code; it's about creating innovative solutions that enhance our operations and improve the customer experience. You will be part of a collaborative team responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing applications that are crucial to our business. Your contributions will directly impact the functionality and reliability of our systems, ensuring we deliver outstanding service to our clients. The complexity of the systems you will work on reflects the dynamic nature of the financial services industry. You will engage with various products, from online banking platforms to sophisticated data analytics tools, each requiring a strong foundation in software engineering principles and a commitment to quality. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of technology and finance, where your skills can lead to meaningful change and growth within the organization.
Phone Screen
reportedBrief phone screen with a recruiter to discuss your background and interest in the role.
What to demonstrate
- Brief phone screen with a recruiter to discuss your background and interest in the role
- Depth in Algorithms
How to prepare
- Be able to walk your CV end to end in two minutes, and say why this company specifically.
- Have your salary expectations, notice period and location constraints ready, and ask for the rest of the loop in writing.
Technical Interviews
reportedOne or more technical interviews that may include coding challenges and system design discussions.
What to demonstrate
- One or more technical interviews that may include coding challenges and system design discussions
- Depth in Algorithms
How to prepare
- Answer aloud and timed: How do you ensure the quality and maintainability of your code?
- Answer aloud and timed: What is your experience with version control systems like Git?
PracHub editorial advice for the preparation topics above.
Research the company
Familiarize yourself with First Republic's mission and values, as well as recent news or initiatives. This knowledge can help you align your answers with the company’s goals.
Practice coding problems
Regularly practice coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills.
Be ready to discuss your projects
Prepare to talk in detail about your past experiences and how they relate to the role you're applying for.
Ask insightful questions
Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers to demonstrate your interest in the role and the company.
Choose a category, try a prompt, then open its approach, worked solution or follow-up when you need it.
Write a function to determine if a string is a palindrome.
Write a function to determine if a string is a palindrome.
Approach
- Restate the input: its shape, its size, and what is guaranteed about it.
- Name the brute-force solution and its complexity before improving on it.
- Choose the data structure from the access pattern, not from familiarity.
- State the target complexity and say which constraint rules the naive version out.
Follow-up
- How does this change if the input no longer fits in memory?
- What is the worst case, and how likely is it on real data?
Given an array of integers, find the two numbers that add up to a specific target.
Given an array of integers, find the two numbers that add up to a specific target.
Approach
- Restate the input: its shape, its size, and what is guaranteed about it.
- Name the brute-force solution and its complexity before improving on it.
- Choose the data structure from the access pattern, not from familiarity.
- State the target complexity and say which constraint rules the naive version out.
Follow-up
- How does this change if the input no longer fits in memory?
- What is the worst case, and how likely is it on real data?
Identify the heaviest tenants in a five-minute window under memory pressure
The edge service handles about 3,000 requests per second across roughly 50,000 tenants, peaking near 9,000. Expose the 50 heaviest tenants by request count over the trailing five minutes so limits can be tightened before one tenant's backfill starves the fleet. You may not retain five minutes of raw records. Give the exact solution and its memory, then the bounded-memory approximation with its error stated as a formula, and say which you would ship and at what tenant cardinality that choice changes.
Approach
- Do the exact version first, because it is affordable at this cardinality: a ring of 300 one-second counters per tenant, advanced lazily, is 1,200 bytes of counters per tenant and roughly 60 to 90 MB for 50,000 tenants with overhead. Carry a running total and subtract the bucket you overwrite so a window read is O(1) rather than 300 adds.
- Extract the top 50 with a size-k min-heap over the tenant sums: O(d log k) for d tenants, against O(d log d) to sort them all. Maintaining the heap continuously instead of on query requires a tenant-to-heap-index map, because incrementing a count already inside the heap means sifting from a known position, and without that map you rebuild the heap on every request.
- State the approximation precisely rather than gesturing at sketches. Misra-Gries with m counters retains every item whose true count exceeds N/(m+1), and each retained count underestimates the truth by at most N/(m+1). With m = 1,000 and N = 900,000 requests in the window the error is roughly 900 requests, which is fine for spotting a tenant sending 50,000 and useless for ranking two tenants 200 apart.
- Say what breaks when the window slides: Misra-Gries and Space-Saving are insert-only and cannot be decremented as records age out. The workable construction is one summary per sub-window, say ten seconds, with 30 summaries merged at query time, and the merged error is the sum of the per-summary errors, so the bound degrades linearly in the number of sub-windows.
Follow-up
- The heaviest tenant is heavy because of one export job rather than user traffic. Should the limiter treat those as the same tenant?
- Two tenants sit tied at the boundary of the top 50. Does your answer flap, and does the flapping matter?
What considerations would you take into account when designing a database schema for a financial application?
What considerations would you take into account when designing a database schema for a financial application?
Approach
- Name the grain you start from and join outward from it.
- Check whether any join is one-to-many before aggregating, or the sums inflate.
- Say which index the query would use, and what makes it unusable.
- Handle the rows that do not match: that is usually the actual question.
Follow-up
- How does the query change if that join becomes one-to-many?
- What happens to this when the table is ten times larger?
Write the update path that detects a concurrent edit
resource carries version INT NOT NULL DEFAULT 1. resource_revision holds revision_id, resource_id, version, actor_user_id, change_kind, patch JSONB, request_id, created_at with UNIQUE (resource_id, version). outbox_event holds aggregate_type, aggregate_id, aggregate_version, event_type, payload, status. A PUT carries the version the client read. Write the exact statements for the single transaction that applies the edit, records the revision and enqueues 'resource.updated', and give the handler's branch on zero affected rows. Then say what PostgreSQL 16 does under READ COMMITTED when two of these updates hit one row at once.
Approach
- One transaction, three writes, no network call inside it: UPDATE resource SET title = $3, version = version + 1, updated_at = now() WHERE resource_id = $1 AND tenant_id = $4 AND version = $2; then INSERT the resource_revision row at version $2 + 1; then INSERT the outbox_event row at the same aggregate_version. The event goes to a table rather than a broker because no transaction spans both.
- Branch on the affected-row count before doing anything else. Zero has three causes — stale version, wrong tenant, row gone — so re-read once and map to 409 carrying the current version, or 404 for an id outside the caller's tenant, which also stops the endpoint confirming that another tenant's id exists.
- State the engine behaviour instead of assuming it. Under READ COMMITTED the second UPDATE blocks on the row lock, and when the first commits PostgreSQL re-evaluates the WHERE clause against the newly committed row, so the version predicate now fails and the statement reports zero rows. Under REPEATABLE READ the identical collision raises SQLSTATE 40001 instead, so the handler must fold both shapes into one conflict response.
- Keep UNIQUE (resource_id, version) even though the predicate already serialises writers. It is what makes a lost update unwritable if any other path ever reaches the revision table, and it converts a logic bug into 23505 rather than into a silently missing history row.
Follow-up
- A client sends the version it read ten minutes ago and the resource has moved three versions. What is in your 409 so it can resolve the conflict without a full re-fetch?
- Two editors, two disjoint fields, no overlap. Does your answer still refuse the second write, and should it?
What programming languages are you proficient in? Provide examples of projects where you utilized them.
What programming languages are you proficient in? Provide examples of projects where you utilized them.
Approach
- Clarify what is being asked and what a complete answer contains.
- State your assumptions explicitly before working the problem.
- Say what you would check first and why it is the highest-information step.
- Work from the requirement backwards to the design.
Follow-up
- What assumption would you test first?
- How would you know your answer was wrong?
Explain the difference between a stack and a queue. When would you use one over the other?
Explain the difference between a stack and a queue. When would you use one over the other?
Approach
- Clarify what is being asked and what a complete answer contains.
- State your assumptions explicitly before working the problem.
- Say what you would check first and why it is the highest-information step.
- Work from the requirement backwards to the design.
Follow-up
- What assumption would you test first?
- How would you know your answer was wrong?
How do you ensure the quality and maintainability of your code?
How do you ensure the quality and maintainability of your code?
Approach
- Clarify what is being asked and what a complete answer contains.
- State your assumptions explicitly before working the problem.
- Say what you would check first and why it is the highest-information step.
- Work from the requirement backwards to the design.
Follow-up
- What assumption would you test first?
- How would you know your answer was wrong?
How would you design a URL shortening service like bit.ly?
How would you design a URL shortening service like bit.ly?
Approach
- Fix the scope first: who calls this, how often, and what they do when it fails.
- Name the read and write paths separately; they rarely have the same bottleneck.
- Choose a partition key and say what query it makes expensive.
- State the consistency you need, and where you are willing to be stale.
Follow-up
- What breaks first when traffic grows ten times?
- How does this behave when that dependency is down for an hour?
Can you explain the principles of RESTful APIs?
Can you explain the principles of RESTful APIs?
Approach
- Fix the scope first: who calls this, how often, and what they do when it fails.
- Name the read and write paths separately; they rarely have the same bottleneck.
- Choose a partition key and say what query it makes expensive.
- State the consistency you need, and where you are willing to be stale.
Follow-up
- What breaks first when traffic grows ten times?
- How does this behave when that dependency is down for an hour?
Imagine you are given a legacy system to update. What steps would you take to ensure a smooth transition?
Imagine you are given a legacy system to update. What steps would you take to ensure a smooth transition?
Approach
- Clarify what is being asked and what a complete answer contains.
- State your assumptions explicitly before working the problem.
- Say what you would check first and why it is the highest-information step.
- Work from the requirement backwards to the design.
Follow-up
- What assumption would you test first?
- How would you know your answer was wrong?
If a user reports a bug, how would you approach troubleshooting it?
If a user reports a bug, how would you approach troubleshooting it?
Approach
- Establish what changed and when, before forming any theory.
- Pick a bisection that eliminates candidates whichever way it turns out.
- Check the instrumentation before believing the symptom.
- Separate the trigger from the cause; the deploy is rarely the bug.
Follow-up
- What would you look at first, and what would it rule out?
- How would you tell a cause from a coincidence here?
Built from the rounds and topics First Republic candidates report.
Prepare, practise & reflect
One practical outcome each day. Spend longer where you need it.
0 / 7 done01Map the First Republic loop
- Write out the reported sequence: Phone Screen, Technical Interviews.
- For each round, write one sentence on what it is judging, from the description above, and mark the one you are least ready for.
Deliverable: A one-page map of the 2 reported rounds, with the weakest marked.
02Work Algorithms
- Spend the session on Algorithms, which First Republic candidates report being tested on.
- Write one worked example in Algorithms and time yourself on it.
Deliverable: One timed worked example in Algorithms.
03Work Data Structures
- Spend the session on Data Structures, which First Republic candidates report being tested on.
- Write one worked example in Data Structures and time yourself on it.
Deliverable: One timed worked example in Data Structures.
04Work Resume-Based Deep Dive
- Spend the session on Resume-Based Deep Dive, which First Republic candidates report being tested on.
- Write one worked example in Resume-Based Deep Dive and time yourself on it.
Deliverable: One timed worked example in Resume-Based Deep Dive.
05Answer out loud: Technical / Domain Questions
- Answer aloud, timed: What programming languages are you proficient in? Provide examples of projects where you utilized them.
- Answer aloud, timed: Explain the difference between a stack and a queue. When would you use one over the other?
Deliverable: Spoken answers to 2 reported Technical / Domain Questions question(s), under time.
06Answer out loud: System Design / Architecture
- Answer aloud, timed: How would you design a URL shortening service like bit.ly?
- Answer aloud, timed: What considerations would you take into account when designing a database schema for a financial application?
Deliverable: Spoken answers to 2 reported System Design / Architecture question(s), under time.
07Answer out loud: Behavioral / Leadership
- Answer aloud, timed: Tell me about a challenging project you worked on. How did you handle setbacks?
- Answer aloud, timed: Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a difficult team member.
Deliverable: Spoken answers to 2 reported Behavioral / Leadership question(s), under time.
Expand any day for tasks and deliverables. Your progress is saved on this device.
Behavioural rounds judge the decision you made and what it cost.
What is your experience with version control systems like Git?
What is your experience with version control systems like Git?
Approach
- Pick a story where you made the decision, not one where you watched it.
- State the situation in two sentences and spend the rest on the reasoning.
- Give the blast radius: what could have broken, and what you measured.
- Name the disagreement and how you resolved it with evidence.
Follow-up
- What would you do differently if you ran that again?
- How did you know your change caused the improvement?
Describe a time when you optimized an application. What steps did you take?
Describe a time when you optimized an application. What steps did you take?
Approach
- Pick a story where you made the decision, not one where you watched it.
- State the situation in two sentences and spend the rest on the reasoning.
- Give the blast radius: what could have broken, and what you measured.
- Name the disagreement and how you resolved it with evidence.
Follow-up
- What would you do differently if you ran that again?
- How did you know your change caused the improvement?
Tell me about a challenging project you worked on. How did you handle setbacks?
Tell me about a challenging project you worked on. How did you handle setbacks?
Approach
- Pick a story where you made the decision, not one where you watched it.
- State the situation in two sentences and spend the rest on the reasoning.
- Give the blast radius: what could have broken, and what you measured.
- Name the disagreement and how you resolved it with evidence.
Follow-up
- What would you do differently if you ran that again?
- How did you know your change caused the improvement?
Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a difficult team member.
Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a difficult team member.
Approach
- Pick a story where you made the decision, not one where you watched it.
- State the situation in two sentences and spend the rest on the reasoning.
- Give the blast radius: what could have broken, and what you measured.
- Name the disagreement and how you resolved it with evidence.
Follow-up
- What would you do differently if you ran that again?
- How did you know your change caused the improvement?
How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?
How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?
Approach
- Pick a story where you made the decision, not one where you watched it.
- State the situation in two sentences and spend the rest on the reasoning.
- Give the blast radius: what could have broken, and what you measured.
- Name the disagreement and how you resolved it with evidence.
Follow-up
- What would you do differently if you ran that again?
- How did you know your change caused the improvement?
- 01
What is your experience with version control systems like Git?
- 02
Describe a time when you optimized an application. What steps did you take?
- 03
Tell me about a challenging project you worked on. How did you handle setbacks?
- 04
Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a difficult team member.
How difficult is the interview process?
The interview process is generally considered average in difficulty, with a focus on both technical skills and cultural fit.
First Republic Software Engineer candidate reports ↗What differentiates successful candidates?
Successful candidates typically demonstrate a strong technical foundation, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate effectively within a team.
First Republic Software Engineer candidate reports ↗What is the company culture like at First Republic?
First Republic fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, valuing teamwork and continuous learning. Employees appreciate the supportive environment and the emphasis on career development.
First Republic Software Engineer candidate reports ↗What is the typical timeline from initial screen to offer?
The entire process can take a few weeks, with candidates often hearing back shortly after interviews.
First Republic Software Engineer candidate reports ↗Are there remote work options?
While many roles may offer flexible arrangements, it is essential to clarify expectations regarding remote work during the interview process.
First Republic Software Engineer candidate reports ↗What topics does First Republic test in interviews?
First Republic interviews most often cover Behavioral Interviewing, Stakeholder Management, SQL, Python, and R. The exact emphasis depends on the specific role you apply for.
First Republic Software Engineer candidate reports ↗Sources & methodology 3 sources ↗
No official company page is cited. Rounds and questions come from candidate reports and PracHub editorial material; each source shows the date it was read.
- 01First Republic Software Engineer candidate reports ↗
Company-reported rounds, questions and FAQ.
Candidate reports · Accessed 2026-09-22 - 02PracHub Software Engineer practice ↗
PracHub practice material, not company-reported.
PracHub page · Accessed 2026-09-22 - 03PracHub preparation framework ↗
PracHub preparation guidance.
PracHub page · Accessed 2026-09-22
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