Leadership screen, 45min Data modelling, SQL, Python test.

I found the process to be disconnected and very robotic. I liked the leadership call; however, the technical one had a clear disconnect in the communication of its purpose.

I was told in no uncertain terms (during the prep call beforehand) that the goal of the interview was to finish all questions in any way possible and to come back if I had time afterward. This was not the case. The interviewer instead seemed to want me to code and talk about it. It was a bit frustrating as I had my head down trying to power through to get working code, as instructed. However, I got the feeling the interviewer expected me to discuss the code, as he kept stopping me to ask questions.

Anyway, I got all my code working, however, the interviewer then wanted me to give him the most optimized solution and wanted specific aspects of Python, which seemed contrary to the prep notes of not being software dev level and the goal being to finish.

Anyway, long story short, this technical interview is pretty much a speed test. So, my advice is to get the questions from this site and answer them in the most optimal way. Go through each line to have something prescripted to talk about. It's not a good way of filtering managerial candidates, but unfortunately, this part of the interview process is super robotic and time-constrained. So, you are better off having prescripted answers and comments to go with them to get you close to an answer to a question that is similar to what you will be asked.

5 SQL questions - Take time to go through each question and call out what you are doing. The interviewer will keep jumping in asking questions or commenting, which will derail you.

3 Python questions - Same as above, even if you feel time-pressured.

2 data modeling questions on how you would model a recruitment site - Do a couple of these beforehand and create a prescripted answer to give you clear structure to be able to answer quickly or be ahead of any of their questions before they ask.

Unfortunately, this screening process is super robotic. It's a bit unfortunate as I imagine they screen a hell of a lot of talent out, or they pass six months down the line simply because they understand what these interviews are. Cannot stress enough this is an interview where the most prepped person will pass regardless of technical level, as it is very time-pressured.