Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Lumen, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I went through a recruiter-to-panel style process that felt difficult and heavily resume-driven.
I went through a simpler, mostly experience-and-core-skills interview flow that stayed in the average difficulty range.
Candidates typically begin with a one-way video screening or AI-driven assessment that includes behavioral questions and sometimes games, which can feel awkward and time-pressured.
Technical interviews often focus on core programming concepts, particularly Java and OOP, with some candidates experiencing coding challenges that test data structures and algorithms at varying difficulty levels.
Interviews frequently include behavioral questions based on candidates' resumes, utilizing the STAR method to assess fit and communication skills, often in a panel format.
Some candidates participate in a hackathon as part of the interview process, which assesses teamwork, technical skills, and project execution, followed by a presentation of their work.
Candidates may face multiple interviewers in a panel setting, where questions can range from technical to behavioral, emphasizing clarity and structured responses.
Candidates often report mixed outcomes, with many not receiving offers; feedback indicates that clarity in communication and alignment with the job requirements are crucial for success.