Breaking into top companies is no easy feat.

Especially when it comes to tech giants like Google, Meta, and Nvidia, candidates face some of the most challenging interview processes in the world.

However, tough questions are not limited to the tech industry.

According to employee reviews on Glassdoor, difficult interviews are found across various sectors.

Google’s Demanding Interview Process

Google has earned a reputation for putting candidates through an intense series of assessments.

Applicants often experience multiple preliminary phone calls, project submissions, and an exhaustive number of interview rounds.

Interview questions can range from behavioural prompts such as “Tell me about a time you went against the status quo” to deeper cultural fits like “What does being ‘Googley’ mean to you?”

Technical candidates might also face problem-solving tasks that test their logical thinking under pressure.

Nvidia’s Rigorous Selection Method

Nvidia, a leading name during the AI boom, also ranks highly for interview difficulty.

Candidates are subjected to extensive assessments that evaluate both their technical knowledge and their communication skills.

One example shared on Glassdoor involved a senior solutions architect candidate being asked, “How would you describe __ technology to a non-technical person?”

Despite their efforts, this candidate reported not receiving an offer, highlighting the high bar Nvidia sets for its new hires.

Tough Interviews Across All Industries

It is not just tech companies that challenge their candidates.

Luxury carmaker Rolls-Royce also posed tricky questions during interviews.

One candidate mentioned being asked to define “a single crystal” during their application process.

At Bacardi, a candidate for a market manager role recalled being asked the quirky yet telling question, “If you were a cocktail, what would you be and why?”

Such questions aim to assess creativity, adaptability, and cultural fit, qualities that many companies now prioritise.

How Reboot Online Analysed the Data

The digital PR agency Reboot Online conducted a thorough analysis using Glassdoor’s massive database.

They focused specifically on “reputable companies” listed within the top 100 of Forbes’ World’s Best Employers list.

Their study examined over 313,000 employee reviews to calculate an average interview difficulty rating for each company.

This approach provided a clear view of which employers demand the most from their candidates during the hiring process.

The Hardest Companies to Interview With

The analysis revealed a comprehensive list of 90 companies where candidates face the toughest interview experiences.

While tech companies dominate the top spots, organisations from different industries also made the list.

This finding suggests that a difficult interview is not just about technical skills but also about demonstrating soft skills, adaptability, and the right mindset for the company’s culture.

Final Thoughts

Interview difficulty can serve as a reflection of a company’s standards, work culture, and the type of talent they aim to attract.

Whether it is navigating Google’s behavioural assessments or answering abstract questions at Bacardi, candidates must prepare thoroughly to succeed.

While the process may seem overwhelming, landing a position at a top company often proves that the challenge was worth it.

Being well-prepared, practising diverse interview scenarios, and maintaining confidence can make all the difference in overcoming these rigorous hiring processes.