I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at BlueGranite (New York, NY) in Apr 2021
Interview
Standard recruiting screen with an individual who was great. Enjoyed that conversation.
Next step was two timed deductive/logical reasoning tests. I really feel like these are a waste of time. Why do companies still do these? You have graduate school programs that don't even require the GRE anymore.
Also, a personal assessment of skills. I thought this was useful and a good way for both parties to see strengths/weaknesses.
Next step was a "technical interview" which was informed by my self skill assessment. I had a casual and polite conversation with an employee who sold the company to me. However, it was obvious to me she wasn't impressed by my skills. That's ok, but I'm not sure I was able to really present my skills accurately based on her questioning. That's probably partly on me too.
I'd say overall, I got the impression that bluegranite is a company full of "smart" people looking to hire other "smart" people. They seem to want specific skill sets, and I was hoping they would take a chance and be willing to train me where I lacked.
Ultimately, I got the impression the role wasn't a good fit for me, and they felt the same. I feel like I could have been filtered out earlier in the process, though.
The interviewer was very well spoken and clear about the position and the next step process. The interview started right one time via webcam using Microsoft Team. There will be an assessment test if you pass the first interview.
I applied online. I interviewed at BlueGranite in Jan 2021
Interview
The interview process took about 4 weeks and consisted of: (1) an initial screen with the Director of People who approaches interviewing and on-boarding with a high degree of professionalism, (2) a self-assessment of technical skills,(3) a timed aptitude assessment, (4) a technical interview with an expert in the profession, and (5) an executive interview and brief (10 minute) presentation given to leaders who engage in the interview process openly and with the same transparency they lead the organization.
The thorough and challenging interview process is critical to ensure this is an organization you will thrive in -- for their sake and yours. Those involved want to know if you’re a fit and, as a candidate, ensuring the organization is the right for you is equally important. This organization will not be right for everyone who applies. But for those who can be effective doing remote work in a flat and growing organization of experts and in a consulting role focused on Microsoft data technologies working with sometimes difficult customer situations, BlueGranite is an opportunity to grow, to work with some of the best in the industry, and to benefit from an organization that consistently invests in and celebrates your growth as a team member.
The interview process will likely weed out those who say they value transparency, consultative experience, and personal growth but have not demonstrated so and my best advice is to approach it with the honesty to recognize that the fit with the employer can be more than important than landing the job.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Know what technologies are important to the organization and the position applied. Be honest in the self-assessment. The interview questions will follow. If you claim to know a technology or field, expect detailed questions in that area. You're interviewing to join a team of experts in it and they can recognize expertise.