Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at SSE, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
After applying through the SSE careers site, I went through a fairly structured sequence. I had to complete my CV and answer a few competency/motivation prompts, including why SSE and why the role, and it felt like they were checking alignment with things like safety and sustainability as much as my background. If I made it through, there was an online assessment stage that mixed a situational judgement test with numerical reasoning (graphs, percentages, data interpretation) and possibly verbal reasoning. Overall it wasn’t deeply technical, but it was time-pressured enough that I had to stay really focused.
My process landed on an assessment-centre format where the structure was pretty clear. I first joined a group task with other candidates, working together toward a shared objective. After that, I had to deliver a presentation on a topic that had been emailed to me beforehand, so I walked in having already prepared it.
Candidates start with an online application followed by a series of assessments, including psychometric tests focused on numerical and verbal reasoning, which are time-pressured and require concentration.
The video interview is typically recorded and includes competency-based questions, allowing candidates to prepare responses but also adding pressure due to the lack of interaction.
The assessment centre combines group tasks, individual presentations, and one-on-one interviews, focusing on collaboration, communication, and role suitability while evaluating both individual and team dynamics.
Interviews often include technical questions relevant to the role, requiring candidates to demonstrate specific knowledge and problem-solving skills, which can be challenging for those less familiar with the technical aspects.
Candidates report mixed experiences with communication throughout the process, with some feeling a lack of feedback after interviews, which can leave them uncertain about their performance and the outcome.
The interview process is generally structured and organized, but candidates have noted variability in the final outcomes, with some receiving offers while others faced unexpected rejections or cancellations.