“Is it just me, or are tech interviews more difficult now?”
As a tech interview coach, I’m increasingly being asked this question by both experienced tech leaders and those looking to break into the industry.
I’ve previously covered why it’s more difficult than ever to land a job in tech in my Forbes column. One key factor making it more challenging to get hired is that interviews themselves have become significantly more rigorous.
Let’s break down what’s really happening and how to position yourself strategically and confidently in this market.
Why Are Tech Interviews So Hard?
Increased Competition
Tech layoffs have created a saturated job market that’s unlike anything we’ve seen in years. Today, you’re not just competing against other qualified candidates, you’re also competing against top talent from companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta who were impacted by layoffs, not to mention people from all over the country and world. The competition for roles has never been fiercer.
Solution: Identify and target right-sized roles that align directly with your experience and skills. Now isn’t the time for major pivots. If you’re considering a shift, think in terms of micro-pivots. Moreover, you must clearly articulate your unique value proposition (what I call your fabulousness) and demonstrate precisely what differentiates you. Blending in won’t move you to the final rounds or get you offers.
More Interview Rounds
Many tech companies are adding rounds to their interview processes, and each new conversation introduces another opportunity to be removed from consideration.
Being invited to a full-day onsite set of interviews does not guarantee you’ll still be in the process by the end of the day, either. Companies are increasingly comfortable ending the conversation mid-loop if they determine the alignment isn’t there.
Solution: Understand what each round is designed to assess and tailor your talking points accordingly. (If you’re unsure, ask your recruiter.) Otherwise, you risk coming off as generic or unfocused. Take time to develop customized talking points so you clearly connect the dots between your experience and the interviewer’s priorities.
This doesn’t need to be time-intensive. One of my engineering executive clients wrote down 3 to 5 key messages she wanted to communicate to each interviewer. Then she checked them off as she progressed through the day. The result was a series of tightly aligned conversations that reinforced her candidacy at every stage.
Shifting Budgets
The rapid expansion of AI has led to shifting budgets and reduced headcounts. Companies are becoming more conservative about hiring and more demanding in their expectations. This is leading to additional decision-makers and interviewers joining the process. It’s also common for companies to pause hiring on roles in the middle of the hiring cycle as priorities shift so quickly.
Solution: Treat every interview like a business case. Demonstrate how you will impact the bottom line. Think in terms of driving revenue, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency. Hiring managers are under pressure to justify headcount decisions, even after the role has been approved, so make it easy for them to advocate for you.
Although she had never held an official P&L role, one client highlighted her ability to drive efficiency and cut costs across previous roles. By showcasing a track record of impacting millions of dollars in operational costs—despite this falling outside her formal job description—she made it effortless for hiring managers to recognize her as a standout candidate.
Are Tech Interviews Becoming More Difficult?
Yes. Candidates and employers consistently report that interviews are more difficult than they were 5 years ago, since more candidates are vying for fewer roles in a challenging labor market. Moreover, tech companies want to ensure you will succeed in a demanding environment. Tech interviews are designed not only to test your knowledge, but also your ability to perform under pressure.
How Many Interview Rounds Are Normal In Tech?
For a typical role with a tech company, you can expect approximately 3 to 5 interview rounds. If you’re vying for an executive or C-suite position, it’s typical to go through 4 to 6+ interview rounds. Given the vast scope of their role, some very senior executives complete 12 or more interviews before receiving a decision.
[Read: 11 Different Types Of Job Interviews (And How To Best Prepare For Each One)]
Why Do Tech Companies Require So Many Interviewers?
Tech roles often involve many cross-functional stakeholders, so you’ll often meet with a variety of business partners, in addition to the recruiter, hiring manager, skip-level manager, and any direct reports. Companies want to ensure all the stakeholders are involved and that they reach a consensus.
Why Do I Keep Making It To Final Rounds But Not Getting Offers?
If you’re consistently reaching final rounds but not receiving offers, the issue is rarely your qualifications. It usually comes down to how effectively you differentiate yourself from other applicants.
At the final stage, employers aren’t asking, “Can you do the job?” They’re asking, “Why should we choose you over the other finalists?”
Reflect on whether you might be underselling your impact, failing to tell clear and memorable stories, or not effectively connecting your experience to the company’s needs. In this market, strong just isn’t strong enough. You must be the unmistakable choice.
How Do I Stand Out In A Competitive Tech Interview?
Focus on your fabulousness and your storytelling skills, and tie your accomplishments directly to the business. Share clear, concrete examples that demonstrate measurable results and show how you think strategically, navigate complex challenges, and solve high-stakes problems. Be the candidate who is not only qualified but memorable, confident, and someone hiring managers can champion confidently, even when the hiring process is complex.
Final Thoughts On Nailing Tough Tech Interviews
Tech interviews are more challenging than ever. Fortunately, with strategy, clear positioning, and consistent practice, you can stand out in the saturated market and land your dream role.
If you want professional support as you prepare for high-stakes interviews, consider hiring me as your interview coach. I specialize in executive interview coaching and will ensure you walk into every conversation with confidence. You’ve got this!
