Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at McKesson, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
My interview felt genuinely confusing from the start. The conversation began immediately with technical questions and the interviewer didn’t introduce himself or give any context for what the discussion was meant to be about. I kept trying to get clarification and rephrasing because the questions seemed disconnected from the role I applied for, and I couldn’t clearly demonstrate my skills when I didn’t even fully understand what was being asked.
I went through a pretty lightweight process that didn’t feel like a gauntlet. After a recruiter phone screen, I had interviews with a hiring manager and then additional developer-side conversations with senior engineers from the teams I’d potentially work with. The rounds were straightforward and mostly focused on fundamentals and how I think through problems rather than tricky algorithmic coding.
The interview process typically starts with a recruiter phone screen, followed by discussions with hiring managers and team members, often mixing behavioral and technical evaluations. Candidates noted that some interviews felt rushed or unstructured, leading to confusion about expectations.
Technical assessments generally focus on fundamental coding concepts, Java, SQL, and software architecture, with some candidates experiencing take-home assignments or discussions about their GitHub code. The tone of these evaluations is often conversational rather than formal coding tests.
Interviews include behavioral questions aimed at understanding candidates' backgrounds, problem-solving approaches, and team fit, with a focus on how candidates think through challenges rather than just technical skills. This aspect is crucial for gauging cultural alignment.
Candidates reported varying levels of communication throughout the process, with some experiencing long delays and lack of updates, leading to frustration. Clear communication is essential for maintaining candidate engagement and managing expectations.
The tone of interviews can vary significantly, with some candidates feeling that certain interviews were unprofessional or aggressive, impacting their overall impression of the company. A respectful and structured approach is vital for a positive candidate experience.
Candidates noted that the negotiation stage can be as important as the interviews themselves, with some successfully negotiating offers after initial declines. Understanding the negotiation process is key for candidates looking to secure favorable terms.