New Grad Software Engineer Hiring Guide 2026-2027

The hiring season for new graduate software engineers is here. This guide outlines when and where to apply for roles starting in 2027, and how to make your application stand out.

This fall, the market for entry-level talent is active. In the last week, FirstHire tracked 8,718 new entry-level job postings, with 5,013 requiring no prior experience. Among these, 558 were for software engineering roles.

Hiring Timelines: When to Apply

For many large tech companies, the main hiring window for new graduate roles (starting summer 2027) opens in the fall of your final year. The peak season typically runs from August to October 2026. Some companies will have a smaller hiring round in early 2027 for any remaining positions, but applying in the fall gives you access to the largest pool of openings.

Key things to know about timelines:

• Apply Early: Many companies review applications on a rolling basis, meaning they evaluate candidates as they apply rather than waiting for a deadline. For popular roles, applying within the first one to two weeks of a posting going live can significantly improve your chances.
• Amazon: Applications for the Summer 2027 Software Development Engineer (SDE) internship, a primary pathway to full-time roles, opened around September 17, 2026. The company advises applying by the end of September, as the entire process can take several months.
• Google: Recruiting for 2027 early-career software engineers began in August 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and it can take over 90 days to hear back after applying.
• Microsoft: The main application window for the Aspire new grad program runs from August to October 2026. Most positions are filled by November from new applicants and returning interns.

Because these windows are short and front-loaded, it's best to have your resume and portfolio ready by July so you can apply as soon as roles open.

Which Companies Are Hiring New Grads?

Many of the largest and fastest-growing tech companies are actively hiring for 2027 new graduate roles. A recent GitHub tracker lists over 900 available new grad positions in the US. FirstHire's data from the last seven days shows significant entry-level hiring from companies in tech and beyond.

Top companies with the most entry-level openings, according to FirstHire data, include:

• SpaceX: 38 openings
• IBM: 37 openings
• Epic: 34 openings
• Anduril Industries: 34 openings
• Walmart: 31 openings
• Boeing: 27 openings
• Amazon: 26 openings
• Google: 19 openings

Other companies with recent postings for 2027 new grad software engineers include Roblox, Salesforce, Pinterest, and Barclays. You can find a continuously updated list of openings on the FirstHire new grad software engineer jobs page.

While many roles are based in major tech hubs, remote work remains an option. FirstHire tracked 419 new remote entry-level jobs in the past week. Top cities for new openings include New York (419), Chicago (155), and the San Francisco Bay Area (143).

How to Stand Out This Season

With hundreds of applicants for every role, a strong application is essential. Recruiters look for technical fundamentals, problem-solving skills, and a clear passion for the field.

Build a Strong Resume

Your resume is the first filter. Keep it to one page and tailor it to each job description with relevant keywords.

• Structure: Lead with your contact information, followed by education, experience (internships), projects, and skills. If you don't have an internship, feature your projects more prominently.
• Projects: Showcase 2-4 of your most significant projects. For each, briefly describe the goal, the technology stack you used, and any measurable outcomes. A public GitHub profile with clean, well-documented code is a powerful signal to employers.
• Skills: List programming languages, frameworks, and tools without adding proficiency levels like "expert" or "intermediate."
• Education: Include your degree, university, and expected graduation date. Only list your GPA if it's above a 3.5.

Prepare for Technical Interviews

The technical interview process at most large companies follows a standard pattern: an initial online assessment, followed by one or more rounds of live coding interviews.

• Online Assessment (OA): This is typically a timed test with 1-3 coding problems on a platform like HackerRank. Common topics include arrays, strings, hash maps, graphs, and dynamic programming.
• Live Interviews: Expect to solve coding problems on a virtual whiteboard while explaining your thought process out loud. Interviewers care as much about how you solve a problem as whether you reach a perfect solution. Be prepared to discuss data structures, algorithms, and system design basics.
• Behavioral Questions: Many companies, including Amazon and IBM, also include behavioral rounds to assess teamwork, problem-solving, and cultural fit. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Don't Underestimate Projects and Soft Skills

If you lack formal internship experience, personal projects are the best way to demonstrate your abilities. This could be a web or mobile app, an open-source contribution, or a project from a hackathon. These projects prove you can build and ship code.

Recruiters also value strong communication and teamwork skills. Being able to clearly explain technical concepts and discuss your work is critical.

FAQ

What if I don't have an internship?

While internships are valuable, they are not the only way to show experience. Focus on building a strong portfolio of personal projects. Contributing to open-source software is another excellent way to gain practical skills and demonstrate your ability to collaborate on a real-world codebase. Make sure these projects are featured prominently on your resume and be prepared to discuss them in detail during interviews.

Are new grad roles only for 2027 graduates?

Eligibility varies by company. Many "new grad" or "university graduate" roles are open to anyone who has graduated within the last 12 to 24 months. For example, Amazon's 2027 graduate roles in some regions are for those who have completed their degree within the past 24 months of applying. Always check the specific eligibility requirements in the job description.

What salary can I expect?

Salaries for new grad software engineers vary widely by location, company, and specialization. Based on a sample of 789 entry-level positions with salary data, FirstHire found the median annual midpoint to be $80,000. Some recent postings for 2027 graduates show ranges from $90,000 to over $180,000, depending on the company and role.