First, I was approached by Shopify and invited to interview – flattering, right? I wasn't banking on anything but thought it safe to assume I had a slight edge over a typical, unsolicited application. Just keep that in your back pocket while you read through.

Weeks later, an initial Skype video interview (~30 minutes) was arranged. The interviewer led with, "So I don't know anything about you..." which, having done my research, is deliberately typical for the company. Not an issue; I was prepared to respond to the inevitable "Tell me about yourself" with a story of career highlights and relevant success points. Despite trying to keep the interview relevant, the conversation rapidly digressed into personal anecdotes and chit-chat. The line between job interview and first date started blurring – it was the same content. A follow-up interview at a local office was recommended. There was no significant exchange of information during the call; I could only assume it was a formality? Yes, I speak and understand English. Yes, I can comfortably hold a conversation and make you laugh. The interviewer declined to accept my prepared CV. /shrug

A month or so later, a follow-up interview (~60 minutes) was scheduled at the local office. The interviewer, in shorts, sandals, and a hoodie, chatted with me in a small room for about an hour. The approach was the same: "I don't know anything about you...", "Tell me your story...", etc. I've got my story and messaging down, but I was taken aback by the question: "Which position are you applying for?". Someone, somewhere at Shopify knows enough to headhunt me, but it hasn't been these first two points of contact. Always, always do your due diligence. Thankfully, I had and mentioned a few currently open titles within my skill set. These are primarily technical roles, and I had established quickly that neither of the first two interviewers were interested in or capable of interviewing for technical ability. At this point, I've simply made friends with two Shopify HR employees – my attempts to steer the conversational interview content deeper into workplace, experience, and ability discussions were all met with resistance. This interviewer also declined to accept my prepared CV but excitedly promised, first, a follow-up in a week, then a follow-up before the end of the week. I still hadn't had a relevant discussion of my capabilities, but the interviewer really seemed jazzed. Maybe I will in the next interview? /shrug

A week and a half later, I take a call in the late afternoon. It's the second interviewer, walking down a busy sidewalk. Between the signal cutting out and the street noise, I'm able to make out that Shopify has indeed found someone for the position and that it's no longer open. I politely ask which position? It's one of the titles I mentioned in the second interview. Sure, no big deal. I politely ask if there's room in the interview process to demonstrate and/or discuss technical ability, as the current approach would seem to allow quality talent to slip through the cracks? The interviewer becomes noticeably uncomfortable over the phone, saying this is not really how Shopify would like to view its recruitment and employment efforts. I sense I've poked a sore spot. I thank them and hang up.

I'll echo some other interview reviews here and say this process was easy. But too easy. As in, there may be a disconnect between recruitment and operational requirements, so the interviewee may need to help close that gap during the interview. Interviewees should come prepared to help focus the interviews.

From my experience, a few tips:

• Prepare a focused story, a message, of your professional experience. Including ongoing interruptions and discussion points, you should be able to deliver the entire message in ~10-15 minutes. Don't skimp on highlights, but know that this is just an introduction.

• After you've introduced yourself through your career story, ask for specific examples of what issues your role is designed to address. If your interviewer identifies (e.g.) 2 issues and 1 goal, speak to each by applying your experience however possible. Explain how you've addressed the issues you've experienced before. Explain how your background and experience puts you in an excellent position to address the issues and goals you haven't yet experienced.

• Finally, most importantly, hammer your experience. I was applying for technical roles, and since no technical discussions were had (yet), the only reasonable heuristic for qualification would be experience. Ask how familiar each interviewer is with the execution of specific job requirements. The less familiar they are, the more you'll need to highlight experience – they can't effectively evaluate you on much else.

I had a lot of fun interviewing at Shopify, though I don't believe the process sets either the company or job candidates up for employment success. Hopefully, you'll have a better experience than I did.

Completely open-ended. "Tell me about yourself," "tell me your story," etc., at each interview.