I applied through other source. I interviewed at Syms Strategic Group in Jan 2023
Interview
Application process and scheduling of the first screening call went smoothly, but in the actual call the interviewer was having audio issues and frequently couldn't hear each other (my Teams configuration was working fine in a prior meeting but maybe there was a glitch). Interviewer was reading questions and didn't respond to any of my answers before asking the next question on the list. Interviewer wanted to know my home address, I gave the city and state. Interviewer said they need the address to make sure I live in a state that they work in, though I already had proof of residence and proof of security clearance. I declined to give my exact residence as a matter of privacy and security (would happily give it during the hiring process, but giving it in just the screening process is unwelcome). Interviewer ended the call before we got into any issues such as salary or job responsibilities.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about your experience and why you're leaving your current position? Why did you leave X position (a job that was 8 years ago and not the most recent positions held)? What is your highest level of education? When does your security clearance expire? Why did you apply/why do you want to work for SSG? What is your home address? Specifically.
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Syms Strategic Group (New York, NY) in Mar 2021
Interview
Lots of badgering even over the weekend on getting interview time set up which can be a good thing but not with repeated calls on Saturday or Sunday. Lots of repeated questions from initial recruiting prescreening that I already answered either on my resume or in application form and basic editorial mistakes on questions like "How many years of experience in Visio (sic) Studio?"
Founder/CEO call was pleasant and a good overview of their goals and objectives with the position.
Technical interview wasn't difficult or overwhelming technically, but it was very strange since the call of 5+ people had only one or two show their faces over the hourlong video conference while all asked questions or made remarks. I'm sure they needed my video on though during the interview. There was a question about my lack of college degree and explaining that which really irked me, too. If that is a barrier for entry over 12+ years of technical experience and being self-taught, then good luck living with that rigid and antiquated mentality.
I left the interview with a bad taste in my mouth, and I'm glad the turnaround was fast when I got a call the next morning that I didn't get the offer.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
Break down a SQL query and it's syntax for filtering, sorting, etc.
