Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at United Airlines, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I interviewed through a campus placement process that felt pretty smooth end to end. The first part centered on my resume in depth, with questions that mixed in straightforward data structures and algorithms. Most of what I did was answering DSA at a simple level, plus project-based discussion where they wanted me to walk through what I built and what decisions I made.
My process started with a medium-level technical interview where the focus was pretty clearly on DSA fundamentals. I got asked two moderate problems—one tied to arrays and another rooted in trees. The interviewer was friendly throughout, so even when I hesitated, the tone stayed constructive.
Candidates can expect a strong emphasis on data structures and algorithms (DSA) during technical interviews, often involving moderate-level problems and practical applications tied to their past projects. Interviewers may ask deeper follow-up questions to assess understanding rather than just surface-level knowledge.
Behavioral interviews often utilize the STAR method, requiring candidates to articulate clear stories about their past experiences, emphasizing context, actions, and results. Candidates should prepare specific examples that align with the company's values and evaluation criteria.
The interview process typically consists of multiple rounds, including technical and managerial discussions, with some candidates experiencing delays or lack of communication between rounds. It's important to be prepared for varying formats, including panel interviews and one-on-one discussions.
Interviews may include scenario-based questions that require candidates to demonstrate their problem-solving skills in real-world contexts, particularly around technologies relevant to the role, such as microservices or backend development. Candidates should be ready to discuss their technical decisions and reasoning in detail.
The tone of the interview can vary significantly, with some candidates reporting friendly and engaging interactions, while others experienced a high-pressure environment or perceived condescension from interviewers. Candidates should remain adaptable and maintain a positive demeanor regardless of the interview atmosphere.
Many candidates expressed frustration over a lack of feedback or communication after interviews, which can leave them feeling uncertain about their performance and the outcome. It's advisable to follow up with recruiters or hiring managers to seek clarity on next steps or feedback.