The hiring process at Shellworks takes an average of 60 days when considering 1 user submitted interviews across all job titles. To compare, the average duration of hiring at similar companies like BlackRock, Inc. is 14 days, Fabricated Software, Inc. is 2 days, and Apple Inc. is 21 days. Candidates applying for Engineer had the quickest hiring process (on average 60 days), whereas Engineer roles had the slowest hiring process (on average 60 days).
The Process:
1. Video Application: The initial stage required a video submission. While modern, this raises concerns regarding unconscious bias and the visibility of protected characteristics early in the process.
2. Initial Call: Standard screening call.
3. Technical Challenge: I was assigned a "6-hour" technical task that addressed what appeared to be a current, real-world technical issue the company is facing. The task took significantly longer than the estimated 6 hours and was uncompensated.
The Result: Despite completing the time-consuming challenge, I received a generic rejection email. I was not given the opportunity to present my findings or walk the team through my logic, and no specific feedback was provided on the work I submitted.
Advice to Management:
Respect the time of senior-level candidates. If a candidate spends a full day (or more) solving a technical problem for your company, the bare minimum should be a short technical review call or specific feedback. Using candidates to solve current internal technical issues without compensation or engagement is poor practice.
I applied online. I interviewed at Shellworks in Aug 2024
Interview
Thorough process, I made it through to the task stage after the first interview. The task I was asked to do was quite high effort and I put quite a bit into it, including getting a subscription for a software which I would not have been able to complete the project without. The receipt of the task was not acknowledged without follow up. Was asked to present then was asked a few questions, one of which I struggled with but the rest I was able to justify my answers to which ultimately led to me not getting the job according to their feedback. Fun and rigorous process but definitely overkill for what it was.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you find out how many pianos are in a city?
I applied online. The process took 6 weeks. I interviewed at Shellworks in Nov 2025
Interview
Detailed and very lengthy. Multiple calls with HR, hiring manager and founder including a case study presentation plus a final 2.5 hours in-person at their office to do 1-1s with their team and a panel presentation to discuss one past project of yours