Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Commvault, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
After an initial online assessment, my interview journey turned into a heavier technical gauntlet. The first round was an OA that combined DSA-style practice with multiple-choice questions based on CS fundamentals. Then I moved into a system design round focused on low-level design. That was the hardest part for me: I had to pair-program the design of a system in a language like C++ or Java, and the exercise felt strict and time-sensitive.
I started with a recruiter touchpoint and then moved into a relatively friendly technical flow. After the recruiter call, about a week later I had a screen where the discussion felt conversational rather than combative. The questions were mostly coding with a medium-to-easy LeetCode flavor, with a small amount of system-design-y thinking mixed in. I remember the interviewers being kind, and the format leaning toward talking through the problem and solutions instead of just racing to the final code.
The interview process begins with an online assessment that includes multiple-choice questions on computer science fundamentals and coding tasks, often with a focus on data structures and algorithms. Candidates should be prepared for a time-pressured environment that tests both aptitude and coding skills.
Candidates will face multiple coding rounds that vary in difficulty, often requiring knowledge of low-level programming concepts and the ability to code under pressure. Expect a mix of standard coding problems and more complex, system-level challenges that demand a deep understanding of algorithms and data structures.
A significant portion of the interview focuses on system design, where candidates may be asked to build or design systems in a coding environment. This round is often lengthy and requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to think critically about system architecture and implementation details.
Interviews include behavioral questions that assess cultural fit and values alignment. Candidates should be ready to discuss their past experiences and thought processes in detail, as interviewers focus on how candidates arrive at their conclusions rather than just the answers themselves.
The overall tone of the interviews can vary from supportive and conversational to high-pressure and formal. Candidates may experience a mix of friendly interactions and rigorous evaluations, making it essential to adapt to different interview styles throughout the process.
Candidates often report a lack of clarity and communication regarding the interview process and outcomes, which can lead to frustration. It's important for candidates to seek clarity on expectations and feedback throughout the process to better prepare for each stage.