Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at OpenAI, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I interviewed for the Software Engineer role and got through a focused technical + behavioral loop quickly.
I had a recruiter scheduling failure and then received an automated rejection that felt unprofessional.
Candidates experienced varied levels of professionalism in recruiter interactions, with some facing scheduling failures and abrupt rejections, while others had structured initial calls that combined technical evaluation with behavioral aspects.
The technical screening process included multiple rounds focusing on coding and engineering fundamentals, with some candidates facing timed coding tasks and others engaging in deep-dive discussions on system design and project reviews.
Behavioral interviews were incorporated into the process, where candidates discussed their teamwork experiences and cultural fit, often alongside technical evaluations, emphasizing the importance of soft skills.
Candidates reported a range of difficulty levels in assessments, with some facing challenging online assessments and coding tasks that required advanced problem-solving skills, while others found the technical rounds manageable yet thorough.
The interview process was described as multi-stage and structured, with clear progression from phone screens to onsite interviews, though some candidates noted issues with missed interviews that disrupted the flow.
Candidates received mixed outcomes, with some successfully receiving offers while others felt the process was disorganized or unprofessional, leading to a lack of trust in the company’s hiring practices.