Marcus Technologies interview questions

1. 30 minute phone screener. 2. Was invited to take an online culture index. 3. Had longer interview with Chief Strategy Officer 4. Had follow up interview with Chief Strategy Officer. 5. Had group interview with leadership. (6 people total.) 6. Was given a verbal offer that afternoon.

Marcus Technologies is among the worst interview experiences I have ever had. 1) There were huge gaps (2+ weeks) between interviews. I reached out repeatedly to the hiring manager (James, who as Chief Strategy Officer is one of three C-Suite executives at Marcus), but he was radio silent between rounds. 2) After two interviews, James asked me to complete a "prompt," which was a mobile-first transaction experience for Marcus customers. The assignment took about 15 hours -- over the Christmas holidays. I don't mind completing prompts, but I don't feel comfortable solving user problems *for the company I am interviewing with.* I basically designed their onboarding flow for them, for free. 3) During my third interview with James, he told me my response to the prompt was so good that we didn't need to review it. He told me I was moving to the next -- and final -- round! I was excited. 4) James asked for references. I provided four. He asked for more, and I provided them. He then proceeded to ghost my references. He later told one, "I connected with three of the four references, which was all I was shooting for." This was untrue. He connected briefly with one. 5) Over the next 2+ weeks, I emailed James several times to schedule the final interview, but he never replied. Finally, nearly 3 weeks later, I received a form rejection email. I never moved to the final round. 6) I emailed James to ask what had changed since our last call. He didn't have the courage to respond. It's ok that I didn't get the job. But James should have had the guts to provide a personal note and offer some constructive feedback. I spent 20+ hours on Marcus over two months -- between interview prep, actual interviews, and the prompt. Ultimately, I think I dodged a bullet. If the Chief Strategy Officer treats candidates with so little regard, imagine how he treats employees. If I ever hear from James again, I will run in the other direction.