Okay, first thing: Epic takes personality and aptitude assessments very seriously. You will be granted and denied positions on the basis of your performance on these assessments. If you can't stand multiple-choice tests or don't like this method of hiring, don't apply here.

Epic is constantly hiring lots of young people (especially liberal arts majors), so all these assessments are actually a very efficient way of helping find the most suitable candidates. If you can handle logic and analysis, you should be fine.

The initial application was submitted online and consisted of basic details, a cover letter and resume, and a personality assessment. I was able to select my top preferences for positions, but I know from talking with others that Epic will sometimes encourage candidates to apply for additional positions based on the initial application.

About a week after submitting my application, I was invited to participate in a phone interview. This was really more of an informational interview than anything else. The interview was with someone in my first-choice position who had been with the company for several years (I ended up being accepted for a different position).

A week later, I was invited for an on-site interview. Because I live in the area, Epic interviewed me in two stages (out-of-town candidates usually have a one-day interview). The first day was a basic tour and orientation to the company, followed by a half-hour HR interview (basic resume questions), lunch, and about 5 hours of testing. My testing was unusually long because I was being considered for a writing position, so I had to take 3 hours of writing assessments.

About a week after that first interview, I was invited back for a position-specific interview (an informational interview that had no bearing on my candidacy, followed by a case study interview).

My overall impression was of an efficient, happy company. I was pleased enough by my experience to accept the offer. It was also a relief to not have to have too many interviews because I tend not to express myself well orally.

Name five things you are not.