Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Garmin, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
My interview started with a recruiter conversation and then moved into a technical video interview where I ended up doing a programming exercise. The whole thing was fairly straightforward from a logistics perspective, and it leaned into both general technical discussion and then actual coding.
My process got delayed significantly because I had to reschedule multiple times, and the interview ended up taking about two months longer than I first expected. When I finally sat down, it began by walking through my resume in detail, and they asked quite a few questions that went beyond surface-level buzzwords. I had to talk about concurrency concepts like threads and semaphores, and I also got specific questions about clubs and projects.
The interview process typically begins with a recruiter screen followed by a technical interview, often leading to an onsite round. The overall timeline can vary, with some candidates experiencing delays and others noting a quick progression through stages.
Technical interviews often emphasize practical coding skills, with questions ranging from basic algorithms to specific programming languages like C++ and Java. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their thought process and problem-solving abilities rather than just providing correct answers.
Behavioral questions are a consistent part of the interview process, focusing on past experiences, project discussions, and problem-solving approaches. Candidates should prepare to articulate their fit for the role and the company culture.
The difficulty of the technical assessments is generally considered average to above average, with a mix of easy to medium-level coding questions. Candidates noted that the interviews felt structured and clear in what was being evaluated.
Interviews often encourage candidates to communicate their thought processes aloud while solving problems, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. This approach can help reduce anxiety and create a more engaging interview experience.
Candidates reported mixed experiences regarding follow-up and feedback after interviews, with some feeling left in the dark about their application status. It's advisable to seek clarity on next steps and maintain communication with the recruiter.