Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at PSEG, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I expected my first round to be more personal and general, but the conversation started immediately with technical questions. It was a little jarring at first, because there was no gradual warm-up, but I understood what they were testing: how adaptable I was and whether I could stay composed under pressure.
My process ended up feeling unusually quick and organized. After I applied, I got a call about a month later to schedule interviews, and it sounded like two different teams were involved. The interview itself was mostly behavioral, with only light touches of easy technical questions.
The interview process typically includes a phone screening followed by an in-person panel interview, often structured into behavioral and technical segments. Many candidates experienced a STAR format for behavioral questions, which emphasizes structured storytelling.
Technical questions vary in difficulty but often include basic concepts related to cloud services or specific technical scenarios, such as reading schematics. Candidates noted that the technical portion is usually less intense than expected, with some focusing more on conceptual understanding.
Behavioral questions dominate the interview, with a strong emphasis on personal experiences and problem-solving approaches. Candidates are encouraged to use the STAR method to clearly articulate their past experiences and outcomes.
The overall tone of interviews is generally calm and friendly, aimed at making candidates feel comfortable rather than pressured. Many candidates appreciated the supportive environment, which helped mitigate nerves during the process.
Candidates reported varying experiences with communication and follow-up after interviews, with some experiencing delays and lack of clarity regarding next steps. This inconsistency can lead to feelings of uncertainty about the outcome.
Candidates reflected on the importance of preparation, particularly in articulating their experiences using the STAR format and being ready for both behavioral and light technical questions. Some wished they had practiced more under pressure to manage nerves.