Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Instacart, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I went through the process and ended up with a verbal offer outcome that felt like it came through as a leveling discussion. The recruiter told me it was an Instacart level match that aligned with Amazon L6, even though the verbal offer was effectively for an Instacart L5 role.
I made it through an OA and then a full loop for a senior SWE role. The coding rounds were structured as two separate exercises, but the second one stood out because the interviewer was non-interactive and essentially told me to make my own assumptions rather than helping steer the problem.
Candidates typically start with an online assessment, often using platforms like CodeSignal or HackerRank, which can include multiple coding problems and is generally seen as a critical first step in the process. The assessments vary in difficulty and structure, with some candidates feeling rushed due to time constraints.
The interview loop usually includes multiple coding interviews that focus on LeetCode-style questions, with a mix of implementation and data structure challenges. Candidates report that these rounds can be quite challenging, often lacking interactive support from interviewers.
Candidates face a system design interview that varies in difficulty and format, with some being guided while others are more open-ended. This round is crucial, as many candidates felt it significantly impacted their overall performance and outcome.
A behavioral interview is typically included in the loop, where candidates are assessed on their past experiences and cultural fit. The delivery and engagement level of the interviewer can influence the candidate's performance and perception of the process.
After the technical rounds, candidates often enter a team matching phase, which can lead to delays in receiving an offer. The transition from interviews to an offer can feel unclear and lengthy, causing frustration for some candidates.
Candidates report mixed experiences regarding communication from recruiters, with some feeling ghosted after interviews despite performing well. Feedback tends to be minimal, which can leave candidates uncertain about their performance and the reasons for rejection.
