Lauren Tan proposes two-round software engineering interviews

Lauren Tan (@poteto) says software engineering interviews could shrink to two technical rounds.

The first is a system design round that tests how clearly candidates articulate ideas and engineer solutions. The second is an onsite project in which candidates build a real thing with agents, testing how well they turn intent into high-quality outcomes. Tan says the other questions traditionally asked in these interviews are no longer necessary. The proposal is made in a post on X dated October 9, 2026.