Inside Big Tech Hiring: Engineer Shares Insights from 60+ Interviews at Top Firms

The quest for a job in Big Tech often involves a rigorous and demanding interview process. Puneet Patwari, now a Principal Software Engineer at Atlassian, recently completed an exhaustive job search, participating in more than 60 interviews across 11 companies. His journey, which also included withdrawing from three additional processes, including one at Meta (Facebook), provides valuable insights into the varying interview styles and priorities of these tech behemoths.

Patwari's experience highlights the intense competition for top engineering talent and the diverse approaches companies use to assess candidates. While specific details of his observations remain exclusive to subscribers of the Pragmatic Engineer Newsletter, the sheer volume of interviews he undertook underscores the level of preparation and resilience required to succeed in this environment. The fact that he dropped out of processes after accepting the Atlassian role shows how competitive the landscape is, with companies making offers at similar times.

The insights shared by Patwari likely touch upon several key aspects of the Big Tech interview experience. These could include the types of technical questions asked (algorithm design, system architecture), the emphasis on behavioral skills and cultural fit, and the overall structure and format of the interviews (coding challenges, whiteboard sessions, one-on-one discussions). Variations in these areas can significantly impact a candidate's performance and overall impression of a company.

The information is sourced from Gergely Orosz's Pragmatic Engineer Newsletter, a respected source of analysis on the tech industry, particularly focusing on the perspectives of senior engineers and leaders. Orosz's newsletter often delves into topics like engineering culture, career development, and technology trends, making Patwari's interview experience a fitting subject for exploration.

Patwari's experience serves as a valuable resource for engineers preparing for their own Big Tech interviews. By understanding the potential differences in interview styles and company priorities, candidates can tailor their preparation and approach accordingly, increasing their chances of success. This information is especially valuable as some companies face hiring slowdowns and competition remains intense, requiring candidates to be well-prepared and strategic.

Ultimately, Patwari's journey underscores the importance of thorough preparation, adaptability, and resilience in the competitive landscape of Big Tech hiring. His willingness to share his experiences offers aspiring engineers a valuable leg up in navigating this challenging process.