Pros:
The interview process was well-structured and professional.
The technical task was clear and allowed me to showcase my skills in real-world scenarios.
The interview panel was knowledgeable and asked insightful questions about security, performance, and architectural decisions.
Cons:
Despite performing well in most areas, my application was rejected due to not using async/await in my implementation. While I understand the importance of adhering to best practices, this could have been an opportunity to assess my ability to learn and adapt.
It felt like the evaluation was overly focused on a single technical detail, overshadowing strong performance in other critical areas like security and scalability.
Interview Details:
The technical task was challenging but fair, requiring the development of a small application with both frontend and backend components.
The feedback provided was very specific, highlighting areas where improvements could be made. This was valuable, though the weighting of the feedback seemed disproportionate.
Suggestions for the Company:
Balanced Evaluation: Consider weighting feedback across multiple dimensions rather than focusing heavily on one technical aspect. This approach could help identify adaptable candidates who can address minor gaps quickly.
Opportunity for Iteration: Providing candidates with a chance to revise and resubmit their work based on feedback could better reflect their willingness and ability to learn.
Positive Reinforcement: While constructive criticism is crucial, emphasizing strengths in the feedback process can help candidates leave with a more positive impression of the company.
Final Thoughts: Although the interview outcome was not in my favor, I appreciated the overall professionalism of the process. I would recommend this company to other candidates looking for a challenging and growth-oriented role, provided they are well-versed in the specific technologies and practices emphasized by the team.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Create a simplified web applications that allows users to generate health insurance quotes based on their input. This will include an aspect of your frontend and backend skills whilst providing your technical and creative freedom to express yourself.
Fairly straight forward, friendly staff. Lasted around 40 minutes, a lot of scenario questions, a little bit on the spot, questions that I weren’t really expecting. Overall really friendly, quite informal
I applied through a staffing agency. The process took 4 days. I interviewed at ActiveQuote (Cardiff, Wales) in Nov 2014
Interview
I had recently relocated back to Cardiff and was looking to work for a Company that would give me the opportunity to develop my career. I contacted a recruitment agency and within a day they had put me forward for a position at ActiveQuote and shortly after I had been accepted for an interview. I had never heard of ActiveQuote prior to this so did a little research of my own and found out some interesting things like some awards that they had been put forward for and won! At the time, ActiveQuote was still a relatively small company and I knew that there would be a chance to progress so I went to the interview with high hopes. I was interviewed by a Sales Manager and Team Leader who were extremely friendly and offered me a drink prior to starting the process. They explained the layout of the interview process and what it would entail and we then began the face to face interview which started with me explaining my prior work experience which then led into some standard questions around strengths and weaknesses, what my expectations of the role would be and some competency based questions around time management and team work etc. Once the interview had finished I had the chance to ask questions. I was then asked to complete a numeracy and literacy test which took no longer than 20 minutes. The length of the interview was around 1 and a half hours and everyone I met and spoke with were extremely friendly and I felt welcomed. I left with very positive vibes and a day later I received a call from the recruitment agency explaining that I had been successful and ActiveQuote would like to make an offer.
Length of time meeting recruitment agency = 1 hour and I'd rate it 10/10
Length of interview process from start to finish = 1.5 hours and I'd rate it 10/10
Turn around from submitting CV to being offered = 4 days and I'd rate it 10/10
Expectations of role vs what the role is really like = Exceptional, I'd happily rate it 10/10
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
I was asked what my expectations of the role were and why I would like to work for the Company?