I applied online. I interviewed at Starling (Southampton, England)
Interview
The interview process took much longer than necessary. I applied online by submitting a CV but then didn't hear anything for months on end. I was then invited for a telephone interview and then through to a face to face. Because they were recruiting for a whole new hub it was set up similar to a speed dating exercise - very off putting! I answered all the questions well such as why starling, what does customer service mean to you etc.
However I was advise via email (really?!) that I was unsuccessful and when I asked for feedback they couldn't give any. Not impressed.
Thanks for sharing your feedback with us. As you mentioned we are rapidly hiring for our Southampton office, and we appreciate your comments on the set up. We'll be taking these into consideration for our future candidates. Apologies for not responding sooner with feedback, our recruitment team always tries to provide feedback to candidates who ask, and if you would like a call we're more than happy to facilitate one if you email us at people@starlingbank.com.
Other Customer Service interview reviews for Starling
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Starling
Interview
Two stage interview, with background check process. Stage one is personality orientated whilst, stage two focuses more on skill and processes ability. It was professionally laid back and there was consideration of personal lifestyle alignment.
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Starling (Southampton, England) in Oct 2019
Interview
Applied online - answered a series of questions around customer service. Then had an automated video interview that asked about why I'd applied for that role, Starling and fintech as well as hobbies/interests. I liked that this could be scheduled in as and when but as I'm not used to talking to cameras, I did find it a little awkward.
I was then invited to a face to face interview. I turned up was given a cup of tea and told to sit in a corner of the office. I waited nearly 20 mins past the start of the interview before someone came to get me. They asked me to follow them with no apology as to the delay.
There were 2 interviewers, they barely looked at me during the interview. Were typing or reading from their laptops for most of it and yet had started by saying it was more of an informal chat and they wanted to have a conversation. It didn't feel like a conversation more just a random series of disconnected questions. When I answered they would say mmm giving the impression they weren't actually listening to my answers.
The interview lasted 20mins and I got the impression they were too busy to actually interview me properly. It ended by them saying this was a first-round and they'd let me know about a second round.
Given that I had had to travel a long way (2 hr journey each way) for this interview I felt it was something that would have been better conducted over the phone. Had I know it was just a first-round, I would have requested a phone/skype interview.
Starling seems like it would be a great company to work for but based on the 20mins I spent sitting in the office and the time with the interviewers I think there's a disconnect between the image they portray and the reality. Massively disappointed as Anne Boden seems like she has some great ideas for Starling and her book was an excellent read.
I've asked for interview feedback and haven't received a response. Overall I feel it was a waste of my time.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What are your expectations of the role? What do you know about Starling? Talk me through your CV.
Thanks for sharing your feedback. Our apologies for your experience in the interview. We do pride ourselves on our more authentic and casual approach to interviews, which is meant to make candidates at ease. Starling is a busy world, and while things come up all the time we always want to ensure candidates have a great experience with us as we know people have prepared and rearranged their schedules to come in. We also always strive to provide feedback, so we urge you to please email people@starlingbank.com so we can respond to you promptly.