Art of Problem Solving Software Engineer interview experience

Before anything technical happened, there was a sequence that started like an interview but turned into an extended “audition.” I solved a few high-school-level puzzles after applying, then had an initial engineer call and subsequent rounds that could extend to more people, even up to the CEO.

The puzzles themselves weren’t especially difficult, but the overall tone made it clear they weren’t primarily judging how I’d solve code. The conversation leaned toward pedigree—things like competition results and where I’d been educated—rather than interest in how I’d execute or contribute. I