I applied through a recruiter. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at SmartThings
Interview
A HR recruiter called me and scheduled a video call with Hiring manager. Had a 30 min meeting with the Hiring Manager. After few days received an email from HR that they are not interested further
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Nothing that stands out. Asked about my experience etc. The Hiring Manager was more interested in hiring a programmer who has worked in technologies that they use, rather than a candidate with strong CS fundamentals and Engineering background. Just asked if I am familiar with few of the latest technologies throwing around some buzzwords.
There was no attempt made to have an intellectual conversation about why one approach is better than other.
I applied online. The process took 5 weeks. I interviewed at SmartThings (Minneapolis, MN) in Apr 2024
Interview
All interviews were conveniently scheduled by me. For each step, SmartThings sent me a link where I could chose my interview time. I had a choice of several times on several days.
I was contacted 2 days after submitting my application to start the process.
1. 30-minute phone screen with recruiter, mostly confirming my resume and describing the position
2. 30-minute Zoom interview with team manager, mostly casual conversation about my background, what the team does
3. 90-minute Zoom technical interview with 3 team members, utilized online IDE with all files preloaded, single question, all Java
4. 1-hour onsite interview with 3 team members, half sharing technical background, half behavioral questions
5. 30-minute Zoom interview with Director of Engineering, mostly the Director telling me about the company
I received offer 35 days after submitting my application.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Typical behavioral interviewing questions, programming question that involved data structures. They gave me a PDF beforehand with very clear overview of interview.
Because SmartThings has employees in Korea and China, they asked me about my background working with employees in different work cultures.
I applied in-person. I interviewed at SmartThings (Minneapolis, MN) in Jan 2019
Interview
I got a call from somebody here from Susan Hill. She kept using the word “rad” and “like”.
I think she thought that if she used a little catchphrases I would be impressed. I was not