March 1, 2026 · Mentorship · 15 min read
Every round, every resource — a complete map of how tech companies interview software engineers from new grad to staff level. Built for mentorship sessions.
I mentor engineers on ADPList , from fresh CS grads to senior engineers pivoting to staff roles. The #1 question I get: “What does the actual interview process look like, and how do I prepare?”
This guide is my answer. It maps every round and every resource across three levels: New Grad, Senior, and Staff.
Step 0
Before anything, figure out your path. Visit roadmap.sh to understand what you want to become (frontend, backend, full-stack, DevOps, AI/ML) then prepare accordingly.
Step 0.5: Your Recruiter Is Your Biggest Ally
The recruiter is not a gatekeeper. They're your biggest friend in the process. Once you're scheduled, ask them for the full structure of the interview: how many rounds, what each round covers, who you'll be speaking with, and what to focus on. The best recruiters will proactively share prep materials, tell you exactly what the team values, and even coach you on what a strong answer looks like. Don't be shy. Ask questions, ask for context, and use every bit of information they give you. A 15-minute recruiter call can save you weeks of unfocused preparation.
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Great initiative!
March 8, 2026