This time we are looking into CS hiring processes! While every tech company is slightly different, most follow a surprisingly similar 5-stage journey from application to offer.
Knowing these stages helps you identify exactly where you are and what's coming next in any software engineering process.
Engagement Message
Can you guess what the very first stage might be?
Here are the 5 standard stages most tech companies follow: Application Review, Phone Screening, First Round Interview, Final Round Interview, and Reference/Offer Process.
Each stage has specific goals and different people involved - from recruiters to engineering managers to senior developers.
Engagement Message
Which stage do you think eliminates the most candidates?
Stage 1 is Application Review - someone (usually a technical recruiter) reviews your resume, GitHub, and portfolio to assess if you meet technical requirements.
This happens within days to weeks of applying, depending on company size and hiring urgency for developers.
Engagement Message
What's one factor that might speed up this review stage?
Stage 2 is Phone/Video Screening - a recruiter or engineering manager has a brief conversation to verify your interest and technical background.
This typically lasts 20-45 minutes and covers logistics, salary expectations, and high-level technical experience or coding challenges.
Engagement Message
Why do you think tech companies do phone screens before technical interviews?
Stage 3 is the First Round Interview - usually with the engineering manager or senior developer who would be your direct supervisor.
This is where they dive deeper into your coding skills, problem-solving approach, and fit for the specific engineering role.
Engagement Message
What's one question you would ask the engineering manager at this stage?
