Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Indeed, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
My process started with a Karat technical screening that surprised me with how much it emphasized conceptual basics before it ever got into coding. I was able to pick two topics to go deeper on, and I chose HTML/CSS and REST APIs. The kinds of questions felt pretty grounded—like identifying what a specific HTML tag corresponds to visually, and walking through how I’d create an endpoint for a new inventory item.
I went through a sequence that took roughly a few weeks from start to finish, and although the people I spoke with were generally good, I ended up feeling like the process respected my time less than I expected. Early on, I had a recruiter screen and then a longer technical screen, followed by an onsite-style set of interviews that included programming, whiteboard work, a resume deep dive, and a code review, plus a final conversation with the hiring manager.
The interview process typically begins with a recruiter call that sets expectations and outlines the steps ahead, followed by a technical screening, often conducted through a third-party platform like Karat. Candidates appreciated clear communication during this stage, but some reported issues with follow-up and responsiveness afterward.
Candidates face a mix of coding challenges during the Karat assessment, which often includes both conceptual questions and LeetCode-style problems under time pressure. The transition from conceptual discussions to live coding can be abrupt, and some candidates experienced technical issues during this phase, affecting their performance.
The onsite interviews generally consist of multiple back-to-back rounds, including coding, system design, code reviews, and behavioral discussions. While the structure is thorough, candidates noted that the intensity and length of these sessions can be exhausting, and the pacing varies significantly between experiences.
Behavioral interviews are a key component, focusing on cultural fit and past experiences, often involving discussions about the candidate's background and expectations. Some candidates felt these conversations were constructive, while others noted a lack of clarity in feedback regarding their fit for the role.
Candidates frequently expressed frustration over a lack of timely feedback and communication throughout the process, particularly after the final rounds. Many felt that the absence of clear follow-up left them uncertain about their status and the reasons behind their rejections.
The overall difficulty of the interview process varies, with some candidates finding it reasonable and well-structured, while others felt it was overly challenging or chaotic. The perception of fairness and respect for candidates' time is a recurring theme, influencing their overall impression of the company.
