New Delhi: An Indian software engineer who has worked with global technology giants such as Google and Amazon has said that job interviews and hiring expectations in the technology sector have undergone a significant shift with the growing adoption of artificial intelligence.

In an essay published by Business Insider, Akaash Vishal Hazarika, a senior software engineer based in Seattle, said traditional interview preparation focused on data structures, algorithms and system design is no longer sufficient, though these remain baseline requirements.

Hazarika, who has over eight years of experience across Google, Amazon, Splunk and Salesforce, said companies now expect candidates to demonstrate proficiency in AI-assisted coding, debugging and prompt engineering, along with sound engineering judgment. He noted that AI tools are increasingly used for writing boilerplate code, enabling engineers to focus on complex system design and business logic.

According to him, interviewers continue to test problem-solving and debugging skills, as AI tools can make logical errors. Some companies, he said, now permit candidates to use AI during live coding interviews to assess how effectively they leverage such tools.

Hazarika recalled failing a 2024 interview after not using AI despite being allowed to do so, calling it an eye-opener. He added that system design interviews increasingly include questions on integrating AI into workflows, managing model lifecycles and evaluating cost and scalability.

Advising fresh graduates, he recommended building AI-driven projects, contributing to open-source platforms and developing a production mindset, while urging engineers to emerge as “hybrid” professionals combining core engineering and AI skills.