I interviewed for BrightDrop.
Don't apply.
I had 0 contact with a recruiter and just had "AI" email me that I'm invited to the next step after each round.
int redFlag = 0
They had a "guide' on how to interview there but clearly it's not for the tech people (all about STAR or emailing "Thank you" to the interviewer).
Each interview I had there they never told me what to expect. That's right! The calendar invites had NOTHING but the name of the interviewer and the Microsoft teams link.
redFlag += 1
For software engineers, it's basically the same format for all your FAANG interviews.
I would have been okay with these if I had an inkling of an idea on what the call is going to be. By now, I have told you more about the interview process than the "recruiter" or the PDF they share.
First call was a hiring manager round. We scheduled a day/time that was open in his calendar, I show up to it and it was clear he wasn't showing up. I rescheduled, and on the actual call, the guy didn't even bother apologizing that we missed each other. Uhm, guy, I waited 15-20 minutes for you to show up last time. You didn't give me a heads up. I deserve at least an acknowledgement.
redFlag += 1
Lots of technical detail, and some times the guy seemed asleep or disinterested. And in some cases questioned my experience ("Really, you did this? That's weird that's also part of your job").
redFlag += 1
Next round, we screenshared a leetcode medium. Really, not even Google doc? Ever heard of coderpad? Anyway we finish and the guy seemed happy.
redFlag += 2 # 1 for each technical round
Lastly, my systems design round we did NOT have a shared pad. We basically just talked approaches and constraints. I offered to share my screen so I could write down thoughts and be organized, but the interviewer declined it. There were many cases where I could have back-referenced something based on what I wrote or visualize my recommendation. It was difficult to just talk and talk approaches perfectly without being able to write down stuff.
And of course as a result the interviewer also makes me repeat something I already said. Hmm, I wonder what could have happened if I was able to write the requirements and diagram down?
I got a rejection right away with no feedback.
final redFlag count -> 5.
Avoid this company at all cost.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Grill your resume on tech and why you used certain tech
I applied online. I interviewed at General Motors (GM)
Interview
First step was an online assessment with 2 code questions. If you pass the assessment you get to the final round which is an online interview with 2 senior engineers. Most of the questions are behavioral base and must be answer using the STAR method
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Mention an occasion when you had to manage your time to complete a task
I applied online. I interviewed at General Motors (GM)
Interview
Interviewed for TRACK program. Codility test followed by a 1-1.5 hour long STAR-based interview. Interviewers were very friendly. However, disappointing how long the company needs for onboarding. Could perhaps make the potential rotations less open-ended so that candidates know what to expect. Overall, an exciting opportunity.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time when you overcame a challenge at work or in school.