Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Interactive Brokers, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
The process for me took about two months end to end and felt fairly structured. After a recruiter phone screen, I was sent an online assessment that mixed a couple of math questions with a single coding task in a LeetCode style. The math part wasn’t too intense, but the coding problem still felt like something you’d classify around a medium difficulty. Alongside that, I did a personality/workplace fit test where I had to choose words/traits from a list based on how it matched me.
My interview loop leaned heavily on an assessment with a lot of pressure. I first spoke with a recruiter, then I got a timed technical test that was essentially an evaluation of speed under a strict clock. It was described as an hour-long assessment and it included several math questions plus one coding challenge; the time limit felt extremely tight, so it turned into a scramble rather than something where I could show careful problem-solving.
Candidates typically start with a combination of online assessments that include coding challenges and personality tests, often with a focus on math and reasoning. The assessments are designed to filter candidates early based on both technical skills and cultural fit.
Subsequent technical interviews often focus on data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving skills, with questions varying in difficulty from easy to hard. Candidates should expect a mix of coding tasks and conceptual discussions, particularly around OOP principles and programming fundamentals.
Several reports indicate that personality and fit assessments play a significant role in the interview process, with candidates undergoing tests like the Predictive Index to gauge workplace compatibility. These assessments can be pivotal in determining whether candidates progress to later stages.
The interview process is often structured in a multi-stage format, where candidates must clear each round to proceed. This elimination-style approach can create pressure, as candidates feel the need to perform consistently well across all stages.
Many candidates report a lack of clarity and constructive feedback throughout the process, which can lead to frustration and uncertainty about their performance. This can be compounded by negative experiences during interviews, such as unprofessional behavior from interviewers.
There is a strong emphasis on quantitative skills throughout the interview process, with many candidates facing questions related to math, probability, and finance concepts. This focus suggests that candidates should prepare for a rigorous evaluation of their analytical abilities.