Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at HP SCDS, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I had an interview that felt genuinely personable from the start. I remember the recruiter or interviewer coming across as friendly and close, and the session felt dynamic rather than rigid. The questions were split across two languages—there was a part in English and another in Catalan/Castellano—and the format stayed relatively short.
After an initial email and some back-and-forth, I ended up with a single video interview where I was pulled through a few things from my resume and asked to talk through challenges I’d hit in past work. The process also included some C-related questions—there were a couple that focused on syntax, plus at least one coding problem involving a bitwise operation.
The interview process typically involves multiple stages, starting with an HR screen followed by technical interviews, often with a mix of behavioral and technical questions. Candidates should expect a blend of formats, including one-on-one and panel interviews, which can vary in length and intensity.
Candidates will face technical questions that cover core software engineering concepts, including programming languages (like Java and C), data structures, algorithms, and system design. The technical bar is generally perceived as high, with an emphasis on fundamental knowledge and problem-solving skills.
Behavioral questions are a significant part of the interviews, focusing on past experiences, teamwork, and alignment with company values. Candidates should prepare to discuss their projects and how they approach collaboration and problem-solving in a team setting.
Effective communication is crucial throughout the interview process, as candidates are evaluated not only on technical skills but also on their ability to articulate thoughts clearly and engage in a dialogue with interviewers. Miscommunication or unclear responses can negatively impact the outcome.
The overall atmosphere during interviews tends to be friendly and supportive, with interviewers encouraging candidates to think aloud and collaborate on problem-solving. However, some candidates noted variations in the level of engagement and responsiveness from interviewers, which can affect the experience.
Candidates reported mixed experiences regarding follow-up communication and feedback after the interviews, with some feeling left in the dark about their application status. It's advisable for candidates to proactively seek feedback and clarity on next steps post-interview.