I applied through an employee referral. The process took 7 weeks. I interviewed at Datadog in Nov 2025
Interview
The interview process was challenging but extremely positive and well structured.
It consisted of around five interviews, including deep technical discussions, system and architecture design, and conversations focused on problem-solving, delivery expectations, and team collaboration.
While technically demanding, all interviewers were approachable, supportive, and genuinely interested in understanding how candidates think and tackle complex or ambiguous problems.
The goal was clearly not to trick candidates with obscure questions, but to fairly evaluate technical skills, reasoning, communication, and the ability to handle real-world engineering challenges.
Recruiters were very helpful throughout the process and made sure I was well prepared at each stage, which made the experience both demanding and enjoyable.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How do you handle technical ambiguity while still delivering quickly ?
I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at Datadog (Tel Aviv-Yafo) in Jun 2026
Interview
They will let you go through 3/4/5 sessions, an hour+ each, and then eventually won't even let you know you didn't pass (even after 3 weeks, yep) if you won't reach out manually. This is how much they care about candidates. Take that into consideration when you think about starting a process. Super disappointing.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
AI Coding Session
Classic coding session
System design
Agentic System Design
I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at Datadog
Interview
The process is long, but I was accompanied by the HR recruiter, which was very helpful explaining the process and expectations. I reached the end of the process, but did not receive an offer. The process includes LLM design, live coding, AI assisted coding, Backend system design, experience & values. The hiring bar is high, prep well and do your best!! In the worst case, you will learn more :)
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Datadog in May 2026
Interview
I was approached by a recruiter about the role.
The recruiter screen was below average — brief and surface-level, with little real discussion of the role or my background.
Next up, the hiring manager screen was originally scheduled a week in advance and cancelled 3 hours before it was due to start due to a "calendar conflict." I rescheduled the same day, offering the next two available days. They picked the second — a Friday that happened to be a public holiday in my country — and the only available slots for an EU-based candidate were in the evening. I took the call at 8 PM on a holiday.
The hiring manager joined 5 minutes late with no acknowledgement of either the reschedule or the delay, and no real introduction. The interview itself felt more like a recruiter screen — "tell me about yourself," brief questions about past experience — and lasted about 20 minutes before he seemed ready to wrap up, despite the meeting being scheduled for 45. I extended it to the full time with my own questions about the team's technical direction and roadmap.
His closing line was roughly "thanks for chatting, bye" before hanging up.
No follow-up came from Friday through Wednesday. I reached out asking for any update, and received a reply informing me the position had "just closed." Based on the hiring manager's demeanor during the interview, I suspect the role was effectively filled before or during our call — which raises questions about why the process continued at all.
The recruiter was responsive and professional throughout. The rest of the process was not. If you're considering interviewing here, go in with calibrated expectations around communication and candidate experience.