Is AI making it harder to get hired in 2026?
Most interview processes follow the same 6 stages. Here's what to expect at each one: So what’s changed in 2026? - Processes are getting longer. Companies now average 20 interviews per hire. The average time to offer for a software engineer is 44 days. Plan for 6 weeks minimum.
Most interview processes follow the same 6 stages. Here's what to expect at each one:
So what’s changed in 2026?
- Processes are getting longer. Companies now average 20 interviews per hire. The average time to offer for a software engineer is 44 days. Plan for 6 weeks minimum.
- Live coding is replacing take-home tasks. AI has made it harder to assess candidates, because anyone can paste a task into ChatGPT.
- In-person is making a comeback. Again, due to AI-assisted cheating, big companies such as Google have reintroduced in-person rounds (rising from 24% in 2022 to 38% in 2025).
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RESOURCES
Interview Prep Checklist
A stage-by-stage checklist covering every round — from recruiter screen to offer negotiation.
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What a job seeker should do this week
- Save this advice, then open roles that already say visa sponsorship
- Ask on the first recruiter call whether they have filed from your country this year
- Browse <a href="/jobs/section/freshest-jobs">freshest jobs</a> and <a href="/jobs/section/english-first-jobs">English-first jobs</a>
Source: The Stack newsletter — <a href="https://www.trythestack.co/p/is-ai-making-it-harder-to-get-hired-in-2026">original issue</a>.
Frequently asked questions
What should job seekers take from this?
Most interview processes follow the same 6 stages. Here's what to expect at each one: So what’s changed in 2026? - Processes are getting longer. Companies now average 20 interviews per hire. The average time to offer for a software engineer is 44 days. Plan for 6 weeks minimum.
What should I do after reading this?
Processes are getting longer. Companies now average 20 interviews per hire. The average time to offer for a software engineer is 44 days. Plan for 6 weeks minimum.
Does this apply if I need visa sponsorship in Europe?
Yes. Use it on roles that will file papers. Skip listings that only say international with no visa line.