optionsXpress Interview Questions

Application

I applied in-person. The process took 2+ months. I interviewed at optionsXpress (Chicago, IL) in January 2011.

Interview

Very informal, asked by other employees about myself and previous experience. Was brought multiple time to meet with different people but did not seem organized with the exception of one director that had a set of questions prepared, some were technical and others about prioritization and similar topics. At the start and end met with an HR representative that gave me the summary of benefits.

Interview Questions

Application

I applied through an employee referral. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at optionsXpress (Chicago, IL) in February 2010.

Interview

Met with Design Director, EVP, Marketing, Creative Director and HR during my several hours at OptionsXpress. Rather cordial interview from start to finish for a role greater than simply Sr. Web Designer; it was more a Jr. Director-level position, which I was considerably excited about given my deep experience in the industry. Left with a great sense of optimism, in large part due to being told I pretty much had this job in the bag.

Was offered the position only one day later, but learned due to shifting priorities within the company due to recent events the position had been diluted back to more a "pure coder" assignment with a lower salary than I had requested. With this drastic change in mind, I declined the offer while leaving the door open with the EVP in the future. Neither the company environment nor those I interviewed with were a factor whatsoever; I'd be working there right now if only things had worked out and they could offer the salary I had requested.

Interview Questions

Reasons for Declining

Dilution of position's responsibilities and opportunities within the organization. Due to these changes, salary could not be matched against the offer from another local company that exceeded my target.