Software Engineer Interview Experience - San Francisco, California
May 1, 2012
Positive ExperienceNo Offer
Process
I was contacted directly by one of the Square recruiters.
After solving the initial coding test, a phone screen and phone interviews followed.
After three interviews, I was flown on short notice to the company HQ and interviewed onsite. This involved a combination of pair programming exercises, semi-academic whiteboards, and meals with employees.
Overall, I had a very positive experience. The questions were interesting and tested skills and thinking rather than how much of "Introduction to Algorithms" I had crammed in college.
The recruiter remained in touch even after (unfortunately, a generic Jobvite one) "deciding to pursue other candidates," so I might revise this option in a while.
Questions
Questions pertaining directly to your development platform and frameworks of choice.
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 59 interview experiences for the Block Software Engineer role in San Francisco, California.
Success Rate
25%
Pass Rate
Block's interview process for their Software Engineer roles in San Francisco, California is very selective, failing most engineers who go through it.
Experience Rating
Positive56%
Neutral20%
Negative24%
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Block's Software Engineer interview process in San Francisco, California.
Block Work Experiences
2.0
Good projects, but management can be toxic
Software Engineer • Former Employee
San Francisco, California, United States
December 4, 2023
Pros: Block promotes a healthy work-life balance and offers engaging projects.
There are opportunities to participate in "working groups" addressing specific issues and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds outside your team.
Despite the remote work setting limiting social interactions, this may be preferable for some.
Cons: Compensation is relatively low, with a significant portion tied to stock, which has tanked. This impacts the overall compensation compared to other companies that offer a higher cash percentage.
The pace of progress for engineers can be slow, with an emphasis on extensive documentation and numerous stakeholder meetings, deviating from a "ship fast" culture.
Some instances of toxic behavior have been observed in middle management, including micromanagement, public criticism, and fostering a blame culture. The quality of management appears to be inconsistent across teams.
Additionally, it's worth noting that Block has announced plans to reduce headcount and implement layoffs in 2024. This impending restructuring may impact job security and overall job satisfaction.
Given this situation, it might not be the best time to consider joining Block.
5.0
All in all, still one of the better ones
Software Engineer • Current Employee
San Francisco, California, United States
August 4, 2019
Pros: Fantastic industry and engineering challenges. Stock is flying high. Work-life balance.
Cons: Too many reorgs. Not everyone is pulling their weight.
5.0
With so many different cool things going on, you'll be able to find something (probably too many things) you love
Software Engineer • Current Employee
San Francisco, California, United States
October 14, 2014
Pros: The people are smart, caring, and opinionated. Different teams have very different mentalities with regards to how much they work, what they value, etc., so you can find something for you. In general, most teams have a good work/life balance.
People trust you an absolutely insane amount and notice when you do well. All the company metrics are completely open, including how much every product is being used, where our money is going and coming from, etc., which really helps to feel connected to the company and see your impact.
Perks are typical of a tech company like this (meaning they are awesome) - free meals, gym reimbursements, no vacation/hour tracking, etc.
Cons: With lots of talented people, you have to work hard to stand out. It can be hectic sometimes with so much going on at once.
- 2.0Good projects, but management can be toxicSoftware Engineer • Former EmployeeSan Francisco, California, United StatesDecember 4, 2023Pros: Block promotes a healthy work-life balance and offers engaging projects. There are opportunities to participate in "working groups" addressing specific issues and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds outside your team. Despite the remote work setting limiting social interactions, this may be preferable for some.Cons: Compensation is relatively low, with a significant portion tied to stock, which has tanked. This impacts the overall compensation compared to other companies that offer a higher cash percentage. The pace of progress for engineers can be slow, with an emphasis on extensive documentation and numerous stakeholder meetings, deviating from a "ship fast" culture. Some instances of toxic behavior have been observed in middle management, including micromanagement, public criticism, and fostering a blame culture. The quality of management appears to be inconsistent across teams. Additionally, it's worth noting that Block has announced plans to reduce headcount and implement layoffs in 2024. This impending restructuring may impact job security and overall job satisfaction. Given this situation, it might not be the best time to consider joining Block.
- 5.0All in all, still one of the better onesSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeSan Francisco, California, United StatesAugust 4, 2019Pros: Fantastic industry and engineering challenges. Stock is flying high. Work-life balance.Cons: Too many reorgs. Not everyone is pulling their weight.
- 5.0With so many different cool things going on, you'll be able to find something (probably too many things) you loveSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeSan Francisco, California, United StatesOctober 14, 2014Pros: The people are smart, caring, and opinionated. Different teams have very different mentalities with regards to how much they work, what they value, etc., so you can find something for you. In general, most teams have a good work/life balance. People trust you an absolutely insane amount and notice when you do well. All the company metrics are completely open, including how much every product is being used, where our money is going and coming from, etc., which really helps to feel connected to the company and see your impact. Perks are typical of a tech company like this (meaning they are awesome) - free meals, gym reimbursements, no vacation/hour tracking, etc.Cons: With lots of talented people, you have to work hard to stand out. It can be hectic sometimes with so much going on at once.
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