Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Dataiku, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
Recruiters were very kind and reassuring, but the process felt unusually demanding and time-consuming. They made it sound like AI use was acceptable if I was transparent about it, but the reality during the technical test was the opposite: I was pushed to limit my use of AI as much as possible.
After a recruiter touchpoint, the process felt pretty standard until the technical part. I was given a challenge to work on, and then the silence started. I fully completed what I was asked to do, so I expected some kind of follow-up or at least feedback.
The interview process typically begins with a recruiter call followed by a conversation with a manager, focusing on the candidate's background and motivation. Candidates generally found these early interactions to be polite and organized, setting a positive tone for the process.
Candidates are required to complete a demanding take-home assignment, often described as taking between 8 to 15 hours, with expectations for production-ready quality. Many candidates reported feeling the workload was disproportionate to the recruitment stage, and the criteria for evaluation were often unclear or inconsistent.
Following the take-home assignment, candidates typically participate in technical interviews that assess their coding skills and problem-solving abilities, often including algorithmic questions. The interviews are described as structured, with a mix of technical and behavioral questions, but some candidates felt the evaluation criteria were not always aligned with the initial expectations.
Feedback and communication throughout the process varied significantly, with some candidates experiencing delays and a lack of closure after submitting their assignments. Many expressed frustration over being ghosted or receiving vague rejection reasons, which left them feeling their time and effort were not respected.
The overall timeline for the interview process can be lengthy, often stretching over several weeks or even months, with multiple stages involved. While some candidates appreciated the structured approach, others felt the extended duration contributed to a sense of uncertainty and burnout.
Interviews often included discussions around cultural fit and alignment with the company's values, with some candidates feeling pressured to express enthusiasm for the company. This aspect was seen as critical in the final evaluation, alongside technical skills.
