The process was not bad, but there is room for improvement.

After the initial application process, it took a couple of months before I received an email about the written portion of the interview process. Understanding that many of the positions posted on Riot's webpage aren't necessarily open but filled when needed makes the timeframe reasonable, but it also makes recalling the specific job a little more difficult. Fortunately, these positions are not removed, so I was able to go back and review the specifics of the role.

The first part of the interview process involved written exams. The first was an online timed test that felt like an IQ test, which seemed a bit odd, but I can see where it may be applicable. The second portion was a written "essay" style exam. I was given a specific scenario and asked to solve it within a week. A week was more than enough time, but the exam itself could have been clearer. The written part was fine, but the attached example was confusing. After a bit, I was able to decipher it, though it took longer than I would have liked. Once I understood what it represented and what they were looking for, it was crystal clear, and I found myself wondering why it took so long to understand in the first place. After submitting the exams, I received an email requesting a phone interview within a few days. I was also given the names of the Riot employees who would be interviewing me.

The phone interview took place between myself and two Riot employees. Both were in various levels of "management" and, as such, had a significant interest in who they were hiring. The phone interview itself was very general. The questions didn't seem to relate directly to the job I had applied for; I assume it was an oral exam type of interview. Unfortunately, it did not go well. During the interview, I was consumed with answering the questions as best and as accurately as I could. Afterward, I realized what they were actually looking for with some of the questions.

One goal of the interview seemed to be testing my ability to think outside of the box. The problem was that the questions asked were very limiting. Given my actual knowledge on the subject matter, which they could not have expected, and the limiting factors in the phrasing of the questions themselves, there was very little room to move when answering. It was a good and relevant question. There was a specific goal in asking it, and while they weren't looking for a specific answer, they were looking for something. I also felt very rushed when answering questions.

The second goal seemed to be checking what kind of fit I would be within the Riot culture. There were no problems there, though.

I received a letter of rejection shortly after the phone interview. It was very timely, and I am grateful for actually getting a response. Many places I have interviewed at haven't even shown enough courtesy to let me know I didn't get a job after a face-to-face interview, let alone a phone interview.

Overall, the interview process is well done, quick, and efficient, but I think they may unwittingly pass over potential hires because of that quickness and efficiency.

You have an island that is 1 mile by 1 mile square.

You want to bring people to the island, but the only way to access it is by plane.

The plane needs at least 2 miles to take off and land.

Given an unlimited budget, how would you get people to the island?