Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
My recruiter and HR-focused interviews were pretty straightforward and low-pressure. In the HR round, I spent most of the time talking through my resume and past experiences, plus what skills made me stand out. A big part of the conversation was about practical details too—things like salary expectations and citizenship status.
My interview journey started with a recruiter screen, and soon after I had a technical interview with a senior engineer. The first thing we did was walk through my resume and projects, and then the questions followed the same thread—how I thought about the technical depth in what I’d built. They asked about classes and OOP topics, and then I got pulled into networking fundamentals and system-design-style basics.
Initial interactions with recruiters and HR are generally friendly and straightforward, often focusing on resume discussions, salary expectations, and logistical details rather than intensive evaluations. Candidates report feeling respected and treated as individuals during these rounds.
The technical interviews typically cover a range of core computer science topics, including data structures, algorithms, object-oriented programming, and system design, often tied back to candidates' personal projects. The difficulty varies, but many candidates describe it as moderately challenging, focusing on practical applications and problem-solving.
Candidates can expect behavioral and managerial rounds that focus on situational questions and cultural fit, assessing how they handle real-world scenarios and their alignment with company values. These discussions are generally conversational and aim to gauge adaptability and teamwork.
Interviews often require a deep understanding of technical concepts, with some candidates noting a disconnect between expected topics and what was covered, particularly regarding cloud technologies. Preparation for specific technical areas is crucial, as the depth of questioning can vary significantly.
The interview process is described as structured but can vary in length, with some candidates experiencing quick turnarounds while others faced prolonged timelines with unclear communication. Candidates should be prepared for multiple rounds, including technical, managerial, and HR discussions.
While many candidates report a fair evaluation process, some express frustration over a lack of feedback or closure after interviews, leading to uncertainty about their performance and the final outcome. Candidates should be aware that the decision-making process may feel opaque.