Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Hive (CA), newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
After a recruiter call, about a week later I had a technical screen that felt very leetcode-style: coding questions one after another with a pretty normal pace. The recruiter had been responsive, and the scheduling flow didn’t drag, which honestly helped my nerves a bit.
I went into my interviews expecting a normal virtual process, but the tone was off almost immediately. Several interviewers arrived late, and at least one didn’t even turn on the camera preview. It gave me the impression they weren’t fully present, and the whole session felt rushed toward the end of each block because people were already trying to get to their next meeting.
The interview process typically starts with a recruiter call, followed by a series of technical interviews. Candidates noted that the scheduling was generally efficient, with quick responses from recruiters and a timeline of about one round per week.
Most candidates experienced multiple technical rounds focused on coding problems, primarily using LeetCode-style questions that ranged from easy to medium difficulty. The structure of these rounds was consistent, emphasizing coding fundamentals and problem-solving skills.
Some candidates reported a final round that included system design questions or discussions with higher-level leadership, such as the CTO or CEO, which added a layer of complexity to the evaluation process.
Candidates noted varying levels of engagement from interviewers, with some experiencing a rushed or disengaged atmosphere that impacted their performance. Positive interactions were marked by supportive interviewers who encouraged reasoning over just arriving at a solution.
A few candidates faced ambiguous coding questions that left them unsure of expectations, which negatively affected their performance and confidence. Clear, well-defined questions were preferred for demonstrating problem-solving abilities.
While many candidates found the process structured and organized, some left with mixed feelings due to the disconnect between their performance and the final outcomes. Feedback on the experience varied, with some feeling relieved after rejection due to red flags in the company culture.