Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Datavant, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I went through a pretty focused process centered on debugging. A recruiter screen kicked it off, and then I was dropped into a technical round where I had to debug an existing codebase—around the order of a few hundred lines with multiple nested classes in the setup I saw. The basic expectation was logical, step-by-step debugging: I worked through the code until the tests passed.
The process started after a recruiter reached out on LinkedIn. I sent over my CV, did an HR screening call, and then moved into the debugging stage. The technical work centered on debugging code and getting the tests passing; I got most of them through, but when I got to one of the last issues, I ran out of time trying to fix it.
The interview process begins with recruiter outreach, but candidates reported issues with scheduling and coordination, leading to delays and confusion. Some experienced ghosting after interviews, which negatively impacted their overall impression of the process.
The technical screen primarily focuses on debugging existing code, requiring candidates to troubleshoot and fix failing test cases. Candidates noted that while the tasks were generally straightforward, the pace and style of the interviewer could affect the experience significantly.
The hiring manager interview often serves as a team fit conversation rather than a strict evaluation, with some candidates experiencing a relaxed atmosphere while others felt the interviewer was distracted. This round can vary in tone and engagement.
Candidates participate in a system design interview that is typically tied to the company's domain, where they may need to articulate their design in a collaborative manner. This round is seen as an opportunity to demonstrate practical problem-solving skills.
The behavioral interview often includes traditional STAR questions, but some candidates experienced a more general career walkthrough. This round is generally perceived as less formal and allows for candidate questions, contributing to a collaborative atmosphere.
While many candidates appreciated the structured and respectful nature of the interviews, the lack of timely feedback and closure after the process left some feeling frustrated. Positive interactions with interviewers were common, but the final communication often felt abrupt.