Since Shopify receives so many candidates, you don't start with a one-on-one with a recruiter. It's all self-serve booking, where you first book an interview for a coding exercise. If you pass, you then book for a "Life Story" interview. The rest of the process can be found documented on their website. I just want to share my experience with their "Life Story" interview.

I was so excited that a company takes this kind of approach, so I had high hopes for an authentic conversation with the recruiter. However, what I got was a cold, egoistic, and unprofessional recruiter who seemed like they do this back-to-back all day and are over the whole "tell me your story" thing. She basically asked me to start with my resume from bottom-up, which is nothing really "Life Story"-like.

She was five minutes late and didn't even feel bad about it, which is okay. But this ego became very apparent when later she asked me a question: "Why Shopify?" In my answer, I said my bit and added, "I'm also hoping you would convince me to take the job today." She literally raised her eyebrows and said, "And why would we do that?"

I explained it's also because I have another offer to compare against. But in my mind, I was thinking, isn't it a two-way street for you guys? Isn't it supposed to be us both interviewing each other?

Anywho, I do think this might have been a one-off bored recruiter, but I did want to document it as this may happen to others. Shopify is expanding fast and may be taking on recruiters that don't stand up to their previous name.

What is your life story?