Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Internet Brands, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
After a recruiter-style HR screening focused on my background, communication style, career aspirations, and how I’d fit culturally, I moved into a more technical track. The next round drilled into core PHP and OOP, plus JavaScript/ES6, MySQL, and cloud topics. I also got pulled into WordPress-specific areas like plugin work, CLI usage, multisite, and theme customization, which surprised me because it felt very tailored to their stack.
I went through a pretty long, draining process that stretched about two to three months. It ended up being unusually many conversations—nine in total across four rounds. There was a mix of assessment activity and interviews, but what stood out most wasn’t the questions; it was the feeling that nobody could land on a decision.
The interview process typically begins with a recruiter or HR screening that focuses on the candidate's background, communication style, and cultural fit, establishing a foundation for the technical assessments that follow.
Candidates undergo multiple technical assessments, including online coding tests (often via platforms like HackerRank or Codility) that evaluate programming skills in PHP, JavaScript, and other relevant technologies, often with a focus on practical problem-solving.
The onsite interviews typically involve a mix of technical and behavioral questions, with a focus on real-world problem-solving and discussions with higher-level engineers or managers, creating a conversational atmosphere.
Candidates report a mix of tones during interviews, ranging from conversational and supportive to tense and political, often reflecting internal company dynamics that may affect decision-making.
The overall interview process can be lengthy, often spanning several weeks to months, with many candidates expressing frustration over a lack of closure or communication regarding their application status after interviews.
Many candidates felt that their performance in interviews did not align with the final outcomes, leading to confusion and disappointment, suggesting that preparation for both technical and behavioral aspects is crucial.