Technical job interviews for software engineering positions frequently require live problem-solving under observation. These high-stakes interviews are challenging for students, requiring them to prepare for the interview separately. This study investigates how computer science (CS) students prepare for technical interviews and how they perceive these interviews in relation to the CS curriculum and industry job expectations. To that end, we interviewed n=20 students and recent graduates with recent technical interview experience. We found that most relied heavily on repeated practice with coding problems, often drawn from widely circulated problem sets. They also leveraged their social capital by working with peers during interview preparation. Many participants reported a disconnect between interview content and their formal coursework, leading them to prioritize interview preparation over academic responsibilities. Participants expressed a desire for interview formats that better reflect real-world job tasks. These findings offer insights into how academic programs and employers might better support the equitable and effective assessment of job candidates.
Software Engineering Education and Training (SEET)
Isabella Graßl Technical University of Darmstadt , Birgit Penzenstadler Chalmers Tekniska Högskola and Gothenburg University and Lappenranta University of Technology