Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at OpenTable, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I went into the process thinking it would be one kind of interview, but I never got clarity on what the format actually was. I ended up assuming it would be a screening or behavioral conversation, only to discover it was a technical coding interview. That mismatch made the experience feel oddly stressful before I even started.
I wish I’d read earlier reviews before applying, because my expectations would’ve been more realistic. The HR discussion itself went smoothly and I even agreed to a slightly lower salary than I originally requested. The first technical interview leaned heavily into design-level and behavioral topics, and the questions felt like the kind of generic prompts you’d see at large companies. Still, it was an open conversation and I felt able to explain my thinking.
The interview process typically starts with an HR call followed by multiple technical rounds, often culminating in a full-day onsite interview. Candidates noted that the timeline can feel drawn out, with delays in communication and scheduling issues, leading to frustration.
Technical interviews often include a mix of coding challenges, design-level discussions, and sometimes take-home assignments that require both implementation and explanation of design decisions. Candidates felt that the technical focus varied, with some experiencing a disconnect between the questions asked and their specific expertise.
Interviews include behavioral questions aimed at assessing cultural fit and how candidates approach problem-solving. While some candidates found these discussions constructive, others felt the questions were generic and not aligned with the role's requirements.
Candidates reported a lack of transparency regarding the evaluation process and outcomes, with many experiencing delays in feedback and generic rejection notices. This lack of communication contributed to feelings of disrespect and confusion about the hiring decisions.
Overall candidate experiences varied, with some noting positive interactions and a respectful atmosphere, while others felt the process was disorganized and dismissive of their time and effort. The inconsistency in candidate treatment left a lasting impression on many.
Several candidates expressed that their expectations were misaligned with the actual interview format and content, leading to stress and confusion. A better understanding of the process beforehand could help candidates prepare more effectively.