I applied through a recruiter. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Calix
Interview
This interviewing process was the most extensive process I have ever experienced in my career. It includes an initial interview with HR, an interview with the hiring manager, six more interviews with people across the company the candidate may interact with, a panel presentation, and a final interview with the senior department leader. Most of these are on all different days, over a 3-4 week period. I was told I would hear back on a specific day about the next steps, but a day went by, then a few more, and I contacted the HR contact to ask for an update. I was informed they selected someone else for the position. It sounded like I did not have the right experience. I was confused about why I went through so many interviews if my experience was in question. I got the interview based on my qualifications and experience.
Positives:
-Overall kind and intelligent employees
-Company is on a growth path and seems to have a good culture
-Job seemed to be stable with lots of opportunity for growth
-Structured and defined culture
-Lots of information on the company to get candidates excited about a career path
Concerns:
-Interview questions sometimes took a somewhat challenging tone, as if to be questioning abilities, rather than allowing the opportunity to show how skills/experience can benefit the position
-Some interviewing questions unnecessarily probed for personal information
-Interviewing process is too extensive especially for a manager level - it is unlikely that all 10+ people will really resonate with a candidate - I wondered why so many need to buy-in and if this process reflects decision-making or lack of trust at the company
-Seems to be the belief that a one-track background directly supporting the position is better than diverse experience
This company relies on the Predictive Index test in decision-making and evaluating candidates, which can be good or bad depending. Candidates should research this test prior to taking it since the words chosen can be influenced by a workday, personal things going on etc., which will affect the outcome of the test. I found certain parts of my test results that were not accurate about my work or personality. I compared the results to the same test I took a year prior and the results differed. Hopefully companies really rely more on the candidate in front of them than this test.
I did appreciate the opportunity to interview with this company since it provided experience and perspective on interviewing processes and company dynamics.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
In-depth questions about work experience related to the job functions.
Easy, communicative, fair. Every one was very receptive and welcoming. Made me feel comfortable from the very start. Was not overly difficult, fairly standard questions asked. Multiple rounds to go through.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Describe a past experience that shaped your current self
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Calix
Interview
A total of 10 interviews of 30 minutes each including a case study. Interviews were conducted with HR, Managers of the Success team, directors and sales team. There was a case study to complete and present to other CSMs on the team.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Interviewers often made the 30 minute interviews conversational and allowed me to ask the questions that I wanted to. I was asked what I looked for in a Manager.
I applied online. I interviewed at Calix (San Francisco, CA) in Jan 2023
Interview
Review process is lengthy. Multiple rounds with individuals throughout the Customer Success and Sales teams. All sessions were 30 minute zoom calls. The calls start with an overview of the role, the interviewers direct role with the open position, ended with open floor to ask questions about Calix and the role.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Name some career development books or podcasts you have found value in.