This was one of the worst interviewing experiences I have ever had. After an initial phone screen conducted by the recruiter, I was given an assignment that would be evaluated by members of the UX team upon completion. The assignment was easy and I submitted it for review before the deadline. Two weeks (!) later I received a call from the recruiter asking if I would like to chat over the phone with a couple people from the team. Despite some rudeness from one of the interviewers, it went fairly well, however that rudeness should have tipped me off that things about this company are a little askew.
A few days later I was contacted by the recruiter to schedule a series of in person interviews on-site at the Yammer offices on Market Street. I was told that I would first be meeting with a 'couple' of designers for a portfolio review, after which I would be given yet another design exercise to complete before meeting with other members of the team. That sounded all fine and good and I was excited about the opportunity.
Imagine my surprise when I arrived at my interview and was told that I would be presenting my portfolio to the entire team—about 15-20 people (plus a dog?!). The entire team crowded into a conference room and proceeded to conduct the most contentious and hostile group interview I have ever experienced. It seemed that the whole experience was geared towards seeing if they can rattle you. Having a dog jump up onto your lap was an added bonus as well.
After being misled about my portfolio presentation I was immediately thrown into a white boarding exercise with two team members who seemed to be more than happy to continue theme of contention. At this point I was so miffed at the proceedings that I pretty much checked out. I couldn't imaging myself working with such an arrogant, entitled and disingenuous group of people.
I have been working in this industry here in the Bay Area for quite some time. Long enough to know how small it is, and if you treat people poorly, no matter if you think they are a 'fit' for your team or not, word gets around. And there are some of us that have long memories.
