Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Handshake, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I started with a recruiter call that felt purposeful and transparent about what the role would actually involve. After that, the process moved quickly into technical work and then kept escalating through live sessions with different people. My experience had the same general rhythm: a coding assessment followed by a hands-on round where I worked through implementation details, then interviews with a hiring manager and additional engineering leaders or team members. The atmosphere consistently felt kind and well-prepared, and the people I spoke with were genuinely engaged with the mission and the engineering behind it.
My interview experience was built around a CodeSignal assessment with a pretty standard structure. After signing up, I completed the test and it came back as a small set of questions: a mix of multiple-choice items with explanations and then a couple of coding questions that landed around easy to medium. The whole thing felt manageable and not overly intimidating, and it read like a straightforward checkpoint rather than a gauntlet.
The interview process typically begins with a recruiter call that provides clarity about the role and sets expectations for the subsequent technical assessments. Candidates noted that the recruiter communication can vary, with some experiencing delays and lack of feedback.
Candidates undergo a technical coding assessment that often includes a mix of algorithmic questions and practical coding tasks, typically conducted through platforms like CodeSignal or coderpad. The difficulty level can range from easy to medium, and the assessments are designed to evaluate problem-solving skills in a supportive environment.
Following the initial coding assessment, candidates participate in hands-on coding sessions, including pair programming exercises where they collaborate with interviewers to implement features or solve problems. This format emphasizes real-time coding and communication skills.
Candidates also face system design interviews that assess their ability to discuss architecture and design trade-offs. These discussions often require candidates to explain their reasoning and thought processes while addressing higher-level design considerations.
Behavioral interviews are integrated throughout the process, focusing on cultural fit and collaboration. Candidates are evaluated not only on technical skills but also on how well they align with the company's values and team dynamics.
Feedback and communication after interviews can be inconsistent, with some candidates expressing frustration over a lack of detailed responses or closure following their assessments. Clear communication about the timeline and next steps is essential for a positive candidate experience.