After sending my CV, I received a JavaScript task from Booking.com's junior recruiter. It was a straightforward task: sort an array of objects, create a list of items, and divide it into three columns. I also needed to add an onclick event to each item and transfer some data from the item to a div. I was allowed to use any JavaScript library and opted for jQuery.

A couple of days later, I received an email stating that the test was satisfactory and that they would call me back the following week. After a week of waiting, I received another email with the same information, essentially reiterating that my test was okay and that they would call me back.

Within a few days, HR contacted me. We discussed my experience as a frontend developer, my reasons for wanting to work at Booking.com, and my understanding of A/B testing.

The next day, I had a phone interview with two members of the development team, which lasted approximately 40-50 minutes. We discussed my daily workflow at my current job at a digital agency based in Moscow, Russia.

Following that, we delved into JavaScript questions, covering topics such as scope, global variables, closures, and event delegation (with a practical example).

We then moved on to HTML and CSS questions:

• What is <!DOCTYPE> and what happens if it's not provided?
• What is the difference between display: block, display: inline, and display: inline-block?
• What is the difference between position: absolute and position: relative? What are the other position values, and what is the default one?
• How can page loading speed be improved?

There were also business-related questions:

• What is A/B testing?
• What would you measure on a booking confirmation page and the page immediately following it? (I need to mention that I had never used A/B testing before, so my knowledge was purely theoretical.)
• How would you improve the frontend of Booking.com?
• What would you do on your first working day?

Sometimes, the interviewers would acknowledge my correct answers, while at other times, they would simply move on to the next question. I believe HR was also on the call, as she checked her schedule during the technical interview.

Three days later, I received a letter informing me that I had failed.

Here is an excerpt from the feedback:

"At this time, we regret to inform you that we cannot offer you an interview at our office.

Overall, the interview went well. The interviewers were impressed with your JS knowledge and knowledge of optimization techniques. They, however, felt that you are missing the user focus and commercial awareness that is required for this role.

We will keep your resume and profile in our applicant database and encourage you to keep Booking.com in mind when considering future opportunities."

All questions about A/B testing, just because of a lack of practice.