Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Interview Preparation Guide - FAANG Standards
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
entry
7 rounds
Updated 2/22/2026
FAANG companies conduct rigorous multi-stage interviews for CTO positions, assessing technical depth, strategic thinking, organizational leadership, system design expertise, and executive-level decision-making capabilities. The process emphasizes technical credibility, architectural thinking, team building, business acumen, and alignment with company values. Expect assessments covering infrastructure strategy, technology roadmapping, technical team leadership, vendor evaluation, cybersecurity oversight, and cross-functional collaboration with C-suite executives.
Interview Rounds
1
Recruiter Screening Call
20 min3 focus topicsbehavioral
2
Technical Phone Screen with VP Engineering/Senior Technical Leader
45 min5 focus topicstechnical
3
System Design and Technology Strategy Session
60 min4 focus topicssystem design
4
Technical Leadership and Team Building Interview
45 min4 focus topicsbehavioral
5
Business Strategy and Executive Alignment Interview
45 min4 focus topicsbehavioral
6
Security, Compliance, and Risk Management Interview
40 min4 focus topicsbehavioral
7
Hiring Manager and Executive Round
60 min5 focus topicsbehavioral