I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Toptal (Barcelona) in May 2019
Interview
I passed the first interview with the recruiter and was given an online test as a second step of the process. The first interview was pretty standard, basically identifying your level of english, your experience in the field and as a freelancer. The recruiter was kind and interested. The test was difficult because there were 50 questions to answer in 25 minutes and I couldn't finish. I have no problem in not passing but they don't tell the results and you cannot understand how you went. Even though I asked they only said that they cannot disclosure results or their passing threshold but I could retake it again in 3 months time.
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Toptal in Nov 2017
Interview
I had a short Skype interview which included questions on my background, and a short case to solve. Nothing much. Then had a 1-hour interview with one of Toptal's product managers, which included a longer case to solve and questions on my previous work.
The feedback on the interview was that I had not been specific enough on solving the case. A bit strange because the interviewer did not drill down in any of the points with specific questions.
I applied online. I interviewed at Toptal in Mar 2017
Interview
I applied online, not knowing anyone at the company, and was contacted 2.5 weeks later by the recruiter. She was one of the more professional recruiters I have met. She followed through on everything she said she would do, was on time for calls, responded in a timely manner, etc. I interviewed with a variety of people and did a very small project to demonstrate my style. Time from first interview to offer was 2 weeks (4.5 weeks total after submitting resume). Package negotiations were standard and fair.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Questions were fair and consistent with other companies I was considering at the time. They will likely ask you to do a small project and I believe showing "coachability" will benefit you.