Senior Software Developer Interview Experience - Ottawa, Ontario
Process
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30-minute initial generic recruitment call. This one went well; the recruiter was really likeable.
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1-hour 'life story' call. I found this to be more of an interrogation than sharing. The session felt like they didn't actually want to know more about me but simply wanted to find red flags to say, "Aha! There it is." There were lots of 'why' questions, requiring me to explain my life choices.
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Flying to Ottawa for the on-site, 6-hour technical interviews. Again, all of the sessions felt like they were looking for red flags and ways to scrutinize my work instead of looking for positive points. I was told this was more a way to evaluate my 'chemistry' with other developers, but how can you do that when the other party looks determined to find something wrong with you instead of working together? Because of this style, the first 5-hour session (two sessions plus lunch) felt grueling and left me exhausted. Honestly, by the last session, I didn't even care anymore.
Questions
Why did you change jobs?
Why did you choose this project?
Why, why, why?
Explain to me in detail about one of your recent projects.
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 2 interview experiences for the Shopify Senior Software Developer role in Ottawa, Ontario.
Success Rate
Shopify's interview process for their Senior Software Developer roles in Ottawa, Ontario is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having very negative feelings for Shopify's Senior Software Developer interview process in Ottawa, Ontario.
Shopify Work Experiences
- 1.0Not so shinySenior Software Developer • Current EmployeeOttawa, Ontario, CanadaJuly 17, 2023Pros: People are great; remote options are available.Cons: Layoffs, toxic old boys' network.
- 1.0A tad uncaringSenior Software Developer • Current EmployeeOttawa, Ontario, CanadaMay 5, 2023Pros: Engineers are generally good people.Cons: The senior leadership team is so far removed from reality. They treat projects that they don't understand or care about as "side-quests" that need to be dropped. Their performance review process is largely undefined, like making jello to another pile of jello. There is plenty of wording in place to deny advancement.
- 2.0Not the Shopify it used to beSenior Software Developer • Current EmployeeOttawa, Ontario, CanadaSeptember 14, 2021Pros: Easy place to coast, good work-life balance, good opportunities for career growth.Cons: Compensation is below industry average, especially for those who have been at Shopify for a long period of time. They would rather let long-term employees leave and hire people with less experience and context for more money than keeping their tenured employees would cost. Lots of gaslighting from senior leadership in regards to our benefits/compensation. They state "culture" as being a main factor making up for our below-average pay, with one VP even citing not being called during the delivery of his child as a reason why our culture is so good. If you want to work hard, go to another company that will pay you accordingly. Shopify is a great place to coast with friendly people, but they will not pay you what you are worth, especially once you are here.
Shopify Interview Questions
