The interview process is unconventional, and actually very efficient and refreshing.

Step 1: Initial conversation.

Right up front, the recruiter explained the compensation package. It's strictly based on geographic location and is non-negotiable. If you agree with the compensation, then you proceed to Step 2.

Step 2a: Shortly after the initial conversation, the recruiter emailed a link to an online assessment that must be completed within several days. The assessment states that it normally takes about 30 minutes to complete (it took me about 1.5 hours). The questions are scenario-based, and some of them are quite disingenuous, which is to be expected.

Step 2b: Within a day or so, I received an email from the recruiter thanking me for expressing interest in Coinbase. This was followed by the somber message that Coinbase was unable to proceed with my candidacy. However, I was encouraged to reapply after six months.

Step 2b is either pass/fail.

Step 3 is when you have the actual interview with the hiring manager(s). I did not arrive at Step 3.

The reason I give the "interview difficulty" rating as "very easy" is because I never actually made it to a real interview, thanks to the personality assessment.

The pay transparency is refreshing, and the whole process (submitting my application, the conversation with the recruiter, the "work style/psychology" assessment, and the "thanks, but no thanks" email) only took 3-4 business days.

I appreciate Coinbase ripping off the bandage and not leaving me in limbo for days or weeks, wondering if I got the job or not.

Is the compensation package agreeable to you? (It is non-negotiable).