Recruiter Screening
The initial recruiter screening often feels informal and may lack depth, focusing more on explaining the process than evaluating fit. Candidates should prepare for a conversational tone rather than a rigorous assessment.

Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Opendoor, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I started with a recruiter screen that felt almost empty of content—there were no real questions asked of me, it was mostly a conversation about how the interview process would work.
My process felt pretty fair overall. First I had a technical screen, and then I moved to a final stage that was basically a full panel of interviews—four in total. That final block included two coding questions, one system design interview, and one behavioral/technical experience discussion.
The initial recruiter screening often feels informal and may lack depth, focusing more on explaining the process than evaluating fit. Candidates should prepare for a conversational tone rather than a rigorous assessment.
The technical screening typically involves coding tasks that are structured and focused, often covering both foundational and practical coding skills. Candidates should be ready for direct prompts and may encounter both coding and system design questions.
Final interviews usually consist of multiple rounds, including coding, system design, and behavioral discussions, with a collaborative atmosphere rather than a high-pressure environment. Candidates should expect a mix of technical and soft skill evaluations.
Candidates often report issues with communication, including delays in responses and lack of feedback after interviews, which can leave them feeling uncertain about their standing in the process. Following up is advisable for clarity.
The interview experience can vary widely, with some candidates finding it supportive and others feeling disorganized or unprofessional due to logistical issues. Candidates should be prepared for a range of experiences and maintain a flexible mindset.
There can be a disconnect between the role as described by recruiters and the actual expectations during interviews, leading to mismatches in candidate profiles. Candidates should clarify role specifics early in the process.