Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at BNP Paribas, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
After a recruiter call, I ended up with a technical round made up of a mix of short and longer questions, followed by an interactive coding session that took about two hours. The structure felt like it depended on the team, but overall the difficulty landed in the “not trivial, still a real challenge” range, and I left feeling like I’d had a fair chance to show how I think.
My process had three main stages: an initial HR screening, then a technical assessment, and finally a final technical interview. The first parts felt professional and well-structured, and I was able to move through them without surprises.
The interview process typically includes an initial HR screening, followed by one or two technical interviews, and often concludes with a managerial round. Candidates noted that the structure was generally well-organized, though some experienced abrupt stops in the final technical discussions.
Technical interviews often emphasize core programming fundamentals, particularly in Python and SQL, with questions covering data structures, OOP concepts, and basic algorithms. Candidates reported that the difficulty level was generally moderate, focusing more on understanding than on advanced topics.
Candidates experienced a managerial round that often focused on behavioral questions and cultural fit, assessing how they would integrate into the team and company environment. This part of the interview process was generally described as more relaxed and conversational compared to technical rounds.
Candidates noted that while the communication throughout the process was generally clear, there were instances of poor follow-up after interviews, leading to frustration. Some candidates felt that the feedback provided was insufficient or abrupt, particularly in final evaluations.
The overall atmosphere of the interviews was described as calm and professional, with candidates feeling they had a fair chance to demonstrate their skills. However, some reported experiences of abruptness or unprofessionalism in certain interactions, particularly during managerial discussions.
Many candidates did not receive offers, leading to reflections on the alignment of their skills with the company's expectations. Some expressed disappointment in the lack of closure or clarity regarding the outcome, despite feeling they had performed adequately during interviews.