I found out about ShipCompliant through an article about Boulder tech start-ups. I checked out their website, and applied online for two jobs that I felt qualified for. I received a confirmation email from their sales and client services departments.
The in-house recruiter emailed me to set up a phone interview. The phone interview was a couple of days later and lasted about 40 min. We spoke about career goals, work history, and the difference between the two positions. The next day I set up a second phone interview with the sales team lead.
This second phone interview lasted about 40 min as well, and this time I was asked more specific questions regarding my sales experience. These interview questions were fairly typical, but it was definitely more of a screening for qualifications. After the interview I received another email outlining the next steps for their interview process.
I was given a 3-part assignment, all of which dealt with basic sales concepts: finding prospects, and qualifying them. These assignments went straight to the heart of the position's responsibilities. I was encouraged to use whatever resources I could find, and I ended up doing a lot more in-depth research of their products and philosophy. It was challenging, but by no means difficult. I actually enjoyed completing them, as it gave me a more focused way to learn about this company. In addition to the three assignments, there was also a short personality assessment that I completed.
I was then invited to have an on-site interview, which happened to be on Halloween. It was a pretty fun and laid back atmosphere in the office. I interviewed with the whole sales team, including the CFO. After meeting this team, I was introduced to a couple of other employees who worked in different departments. They asked me basic questions that were more culture and personality based than experience specific. The whole meeting was more of a conversation this time, and it lasted about 2 ½ hrs. About an ½ hour afterwards, I received a phone call from ShipCompliant asking to schedule a meeting with the CEO on the following Monday. I was given another assessment to complete, and asked for my references.
The assessment was unlike any other behavioral test I had taken/ heard of. I received the behavioral analysis of the assessment afterwards, and found the results to be almost dead on. I was impressed by the accuracy of this test, and intrigued by ShipCompliant's desire to use an assessment like this.
I met with the CEO the following Monday. He was very direct. Unlike the other interviews, this one was very upfront, and was mostly him asking me questions. I definitely felt a little unsure of how that interview went.
Two days later I was invited to "wine hour:" I was able to see their company wide meeting and better feel out the culture. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the company and how it is structured.
I received a phone call on Thursday the following week. They told me they had decided that they were holding off hiring for sales. They then asked me if I was still interested in the Client Services position. I said yes, and came in the following day at 1:30 pm. I interviewed with the entire Client Services team, including the CS manager, the CTO and a product owner (9 people). At that point I had interviewed with 15 different people. This interview process was by far the most difficult, lasting about 5 hours. It included a brain teaser, an excel data quiz, and a variety of questions ranging from favorite books, to "what would you do in this situation..."
I have to say that despite the challenge, it was worth getting to know these different personalities and perspectives, and it solidified my desire to work for ShipCompliant. On the following Monday I submitted by completed data quiz, my transcripts and a writing sample (per the CS interview process, vs the sales interview process). I received an offer 2 ½ hours later.
The interview process was tough. I gave them a lot of my time, and I would have been disappointed if I didn't get that offer. BUT, I really respect a company that creatively tries to find the best match possible, and I want to work for a company that fits with my personality. I feel grateful for the experience, as it gave me a chance to reflect on my own goals, motivations and experiences. With this in mind, I believe that ShipCompliant does a very good job of hiring wisely and sustainably.