Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at AT&T, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
After applying, I ended up doing a HackerRank assessment that was pretty long—around three hours—and it felt aligned with LeetCode-style medium problems. When I finished, I got a recruiter call inviting me to the next step, and the format stayed technical but more role-specific as it went on.
I applied and then waited much longer than I expected—roughly 1.5 months—before I finally heard back. After that, I got invited to a technical interview, and it was more like a technical chat than live coding.
Candidates typically start with a lengthy online assessment that includes multiple coding questions, often resembling LeetCode problems, with varying difficulty levels. The assessments can be challenging, with some candidates reporting a mix of medium to hard questions under tight time constraints.
Following the online assessment, candidates engage in technical interviews that focus on coding, system design, and project discussions, often requiring them to explain their past work in detail. The interviews emphasize clarity of thought and communication over brute problem-solving speed.
Behavioral interviews are a key component of the process, typically structured around STAR-style questions that probe candidates for specific examples from their experience. These interviews often occur later in the sequence, sometimes with hiring managers or HR representatives.
Candidates frequently note delays and gaps in communication during the interview process, which can lead to frustration and uncertainty about their status. While some receive prompt feedback after interviews, others report generic rejections without constructive insights.
The overall interview process is generally described as structured and methodical, with candidates moving through a series of clearly defined steps, including assessments, technical interviews, and behavioral discussions. However, the pacing can vary significantly, leading to mixed feelings about the experience.
Interviews often center around specific technologies relevant to the role, such as Java, Spring Boot, and SQL, with candidates expected to demonstrate both theoretical knowledge and practical application. This focus helps align the interview with the candidate's background and the company's needs.