Browse interview terms
STAR method
The STAR method is a structure for answering behavioral interview questions using Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
Behavioral interview
A behavioral interview evaluates past behavior as a predictor of future performance using questions about real situations you handled.
System design interview
A system design interview evaluates how you architect a large-scale system, covering requirements, components, data, and tradeoffs.
Coding interview
A coding interview tests your ability to solve algorithm and data structure problems while explaining your approach and complexity.
Technical phone screen
A technical phone screen is an early-stage remote interview with a coding or technical question used to filter candidates before onsite rounds.
Take-home assignment
A take-home assignment is a coding or analysis task you complete on your own time and submit, used instead of or alongside live interviews.
Whiteboard interview
A whiteboard interview asks you to solve a problem on a physical or virtual whiteboard, focusing on reasoning and communication over runnable code.
Pair programming interview
A pair programming interview has you build or debug code collaboratively with an interviewer, evaluating real-world coding and communication.
Onsite interview
An onsite interview, or loop, is a series of back-to-back interview rounds covering coding, system design, and behavioral topics.
Superday
A superday is a final-stage set of back-to-back interviews, common in finance and banking, mixing technical and behavioral rounds.
Online assessment
An online assessment (OA) is a timed, automated coding or aptitude test used to screen candidates early in the interview process.
Case interview
A case interview, common in consulting, asks you to work through a business problem out loud, structuring analysis toward a recommendation.
Panel interview
A panel interview has multiple interviewers question one candidate at once, common for behavioral, leadership, and cross-functional rounds.
Live coding interview
A live coding interview has you write and run code in real time while an interviewer watches and asks questions.
Applicant tracking system (ATS)
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software employers use to collect, filter, and manage job applications and resumes.