Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Eli Lilly and, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I had several interviews scheduled across Teams and their corporate office. It felt like the interviewers weren’t actually selected with my specific role in mind, and more than once the questions didn’t seem to match what I was interviewing for. On top of that, they didn’t have solid answers when I pushed for clarity, which made the whole process feel hollow rather than evaluative.
My process started with discussions that felt centered on the bigger picture of how I work and how my experience translated into what they needed. I went through questions about projects I’d done, how I functioned both as an individual and in a team, and what my work style looked like when I had to collaborate or lead.
The interview process is segmented into multiple stages, typically starting with behavioral questions, followed by technical assessments, and concluding with managerial or HR discussions. This structured approach allows candidates to showcase both their technical skills and cultural fit throughout the process.
Candidates can expect a strong emphasis on behavioral questions, often utilizing the STAR method to articulate their experiences and fit with company values. Interviewers frequently focus on past projects and work style to gauge alignment with the company's culture.
Technical rounds typically involve coding challenges and problem-solving questions, often in a format similar to LeetCode problems. Candidates should prepare for both algorithmic challenges and discussions about data structures and system design, with an emphasis on clear communication during coding.
The difficulty of interviews can vary, with some candidates finding the technical assessments to be intense and time-pressured, while others describe the overall experience as average. It's important to manage stress and communicate effectively under pressure.
Some candidates reported frustrations with last-minute changes in role expectations or interview content, which can lead to misalignment in preparation. It's advisable to clarify role specifics and expectations early in the process to avoid surprises.
Candidates often experience delays in receiving feedback after interviews, which can lead to uncertainty about their performance. It's beneficial to follow up proactively if there are extended gaps in communication.