The application was facilitated by a recruiting firm. Initially, I was screened by an HR representative over the phone.

The next step was a timed coding test, consisting of two simple problems sent via email. Acceptable programming languages were Java, C++, and C. Solutions had to be emailed back within two hours.

Feedback on the code test came within two or three days, and I was invited to an on-site interview. I had one-on-one interviews with five different people and was taken to lunch by two others. Altogether, the interviews lasted 8.5 hours.

The interviews were primarily technical in nature. I was asked on multiple occasions to write Java code on a provided laptop. Interview topics included:

• Features and syntax of Java and C++
• Data structures and algorithms
• UNIX commands
• Databases
• Concurrency
• Software design

No brain teasers were included.

Everybody that I interacted with was first class; there was no condescension, smugness, or rudeness of any kind. Everyone seemed extremely intelligent, highly competent, and laid-back.

I received notice of their decision within a couple of days after the interview. I believe they are an outstanding company and will be highly successful for years to come. I was disappointed not to receive an offer.

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