openai | Software Engineer | Interview Experience
Interview Date: Not specified
Result: Not specified
Difficulty: Not specified
Interview Process
The interview consisted of a total of six rounds: two rounds of system design, two rounds of coding (one of which was a reverse shadow), one technical deep dive, and one behavioral interview. The feedback indicated it was a close call, but the behavioral round did not provide a strong enough signal.
The behavioral interview was somewhat unusual; it was originally scheduled for 45 minutes, but the interviewer was late by 10 minutes and then indicated they could only stay for another 10 minutes after starting the conversation. As a result, the interview lasted about 25 minutes. Many questions were asked, but responses were often interrupted before the candidate could elaborate.
Technical Questions
- System Design
- Coding (specific questions not detailed)
Tips & Insights
- Prepare both a deep dive answer and a concise 30-second response for behavioral questions.
- For coding and system design, reviewing recent interview questions is sufficient.
- Be aware that interviewers may still be getting used to the process, so it’s important to maintain control of the pace during the interview.
- Focus on completing the main parts of your answers and keep track of deep dive questions to follow up on later.
- The recruiter shared standard total compensation figures: Level 5 is approximately $2M total compensation with a $320K base salary, while Level 6 is around $3.2M total compensation with a $400K base salary.
- The overall impression is that the company is expanding, and there are areas for improvement in the interview process.