Process
Process heavy.
IBM looks very closely at your history from the past 7 years, which is very time-consuming.
Pointless aptitude testing has nothing to do with the job.
There are three interviews:
- One with a technical manager
- Two with HR managers
Questions
What is polymorphism?
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 363 interview experiences for the IBM Software Engineer role in United States.
Success Rate
39%
Pass Rate
IBM's interview process for their Software Engineer roles in the United States is fairly selective, failing a large portion of engineers who go through it.
Experience Rating
Positive53%
Neutral33%
Negative13%
Candidates reported having very good feelings for IBM's Software Engineer interview process in United States.
IBM Work Experiences
3.0
Lay Off and Offshoring
Software Engineer • Former Employee
May 6, 2025
Pros: Good work-life balance depending on the manager.
Cons: Managers can't protect you from layoffs. They don't know they are coming until the day of and have limited to no say in who is laid off. Moving towards hiring in low-cost countries.
1.0
Negative, toxic environment
Software Engineer • Current Employee
November 3, 2022
Pros: If you're the manager's pet or a "countryman," you'll get special treatment and great projects, leading to fast career growth.
Cons: Toxic environment, poor management, no career growth, and projects unless you have connections in upper management.
4.0
Great for the social side of things
Software Engineer • Current Employee
Galway, Ireland
September 5, 2017
Pros: Great people, friendly environment on site. Projects are interesting, and there is a great social aspect to the company.
Cons: Not many I can think of. The work can sometimes feel dated, depending on what you're working on.
- 3.0Lay Off and OffshoringSoftware Engineer • Former EmployeeMay 6, 2025Pros: Good work-life balance depending on the manager.Cons: Managers can't protect you from layoffs. They don't know they are coming until the day of and have limited to no say in who is laid off. Moving towards hiring in low-cost countries.
- 1.0Negative, toxic environmentSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeNovember 3, 2022Pros: If you're the manager's pet or a "countryman," you'll get special treatment and great projects, leading to fast career growth.Cons: Toxic environment, poor management, no career growth, and projects unless you have connections in upper management.
- 4.0Great for the social side of thingsSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeGalway, IrelandSeptember 5, 2017Pros: Great people, friendly environment on site. Projects are interesting, and there is a great social aspect to the company.Cons: Not many I can think of. The work can sometimes feel dated, depending on what you're working on.
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