I applied online. I interviewed at Handshake (Pittsburgh, PA) in Sep 2021
Interview
The process took approximately 3 weeks (due to me wanting adequate time to prepare for interviews). I started my interview for Handshake at the end of September. Overall it was a very straightforward process. I felt very well taken care of throughout the whole process. Handshake is incredibly mission driven -- showing genuine enthusiasm for the company, its culture and its mission will get you very far! I signed an NDA so I cannot divulge specifics about the interview, but the recruiting team provides you with study guides and resources to set you up for success -- definitely study up. The interview was laid out as follows:
-- 30 minute recruiter call
-- 60 minute technical screening
A virtual onsite (due to COVID-19) comprised of:
-- 15 minute kickoff meeting with your recruiter to do a sound check/ video check/ ask last second questions
-- 60 minute full web stack programming exercise (you are given small homework assignment beforehand)
-- 60 minutes of pair programming where you add additional features too your program
-- 45 minutes system design interview
-- 45 minutes behavioral assessment
-- 15 minutes closing meeting with your recruiter to discuss next steps
About 5 hours of interviewing total + about 1-2 hours for the pre-onsite homework.
Handshake gave me the choice to break up my onsite into 2 days.
All in all, this was the best interview process I ever experienced. You are treated with tons of respect and dignity throughout the whole process. Everyone is incredibly thoughtful and nice. Nothing but positive things to say. Keep up the good work Handshake!
I applied through other source. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Handshake in Apr 2025
Interview
The interview process was very well-organised and transparent. The recruiter maintained excellent communication throughout and was both professional and responsive. Each person I met was well-prepared, asked thoughtful questions, and had deep knowledge in their respective fields. Overall, the experience was positive and gave me a great impression of the company.
Recruiter call followed by tech screen. Same question others have described. I provided a working solution but was rejected for reasons unknown. No feedback was shared. Not a good experience.
I applied online. I interviewed at Handshake in Dec 2024
Interview
Interview Process:
1) OA - easy/med leetcode
2) Technical Phone Interview - Work solo for 1 hour adding requirements of a given take-home assignment for both frontend and backend. Then 1 hour with interviewer to discuss what you have done
3) Hiring Manager Interview - talking about your projects
Overall, a simple process. Although, the hiring manager I talked with seemed to be annoyed and was cold. No pleasant introductions, straight to the point.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Talk about your projects
Add requirements to the take-home assignment