Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Cardinal Health, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
My process started with a recruiter touchpoint, and after that I had a technical screen where the questions were more standard than brutal. Then I moved into rounds that felt like they were trying to test depth and execution: a take-home style component showed up for me as a “kata” bundle, and later I was pulled into longer technical conversation where Java-related work and JavaScript coding came up, along with whiteboarding.
My process was entirely virtual, and it felt more like an exercise in fit than a pure engineering assessment. I talked with multiple managers across different divisions, and the time with each person felt focused on how I’d performed in past roles rather than any deep coding challenge. The technical component was light—mostly centered on how my previous work applied to what they were looking for in the role.
The interview process typically begins with a recruiter screen, followed by technical and managerial discussions, often culminating in a panel interview. Candidates noted that the timeline can vary, with some experiencing delays and a lack of timely communication about next steps.
The technical evaluations vary in intensity, with some candidates facing rigorous coding tasks and theoretical discussions, while others experienced lighter assessments focused on practical applications. Expect a mix of hands-on coding and scenario-based questions related to past experiences.
Many interviews emphasize behavioral questions and soft skills, with interviewers assessing candidates' communication styles and teamwork capabilities rather than purely technical skills. Candidates should prepare to discuss past experiences and hypothetical scenarios in detail.
The interviews often prioritize assessing cultural and interpersonal fit within the team, with interviewers looking for alignment in values and collaboration styles. Candidates may find that their ability to connect with interviewers can significantly influence the outcome.
Candidates reported mixed experiences regarding communication during the process, with some feeling that feedback was lacking or unclear. It's important to be proactive in seeking clarity and follow-up after interviews to ensure closure.
The overall difficulty of the interviews can be perceived as high, with some candidates feeling the pressure of expert-level expectations. However, experiences vary, and preparation should include a balance of technical and soft skill readiness.