I interviewed in November 2017.

I applied through LinkedIn for their office in Amsterdam. A few days later, before I received any email reply, phone call, or anything to explain more about the company or the interview process, I received an automated email asking me to complete a HackerRank test.

I found that approach rather insulting, but since this job position seemed to align exactly with what I was looking for, I decided to give it a try.

To my surprise, the HackerRank test they sent me wasn't working. I couldn't log in with the credentials they provided. I wrote to the internal recruiter, explaining that the test wasn't working. She replied, suggesting I contact HackerRank support directly.

I thought, "Okay, I will try that." I had completed HackerRank tests many times before with other companies and never encountered any issues. So, regardless of what was happening now, it shouldn't be difficult for them to fix, right?

Well, I was wrong. I contacted HackerRank support, and they informed me that the credentials provided were incorrect and that I was supposed to ask Booking to send me new ones. I wrote to Booking once more, and Booking reiterated that everything was correct and that I should contact HackerRank support again until my problem was resolved.

To make a long story short, I contacted HackerRank support multiple times, but they were unable to help. At the same time, they urged me to seek assistance from Booking. Booking, in turn, did not offer any help while directing me to HackerRank support. In the end, I realized I would never want to work for a company like that.

What kind of recruiter sends a test to a candidate before even speaking with them or explaining the company and interview process? The way they ignored my problems speaks volumes. If they are unfazed by my issues at the very beginning of this process, I wonder how they treat their employees when they encounter problems.

HankRank test (that didn't work)