I applied online. I interviewed at Thoughtworks (Gurgaon, Haryana) in Jan 2018
Interview
I got a call from the HR team almost after 3 months of application. The skeptical thing told was that the CTYC will be based on what I bring on the table rather than what company is looking for(like… u don’t know what u need??)Nevertheless, I gave HR telephonic round which lasted for 45 mins. This was followed by another telephonic round taken by a BA who excelled on banking domain. It went for almost an hour where details were being asked about my current experience, past experience, typical BA questions waterfall vs. Agile, challenges faced so far and how did I overcome and a case study. I was given a positive feedback and was then invited for F2F interview at gurgaon office.
I reached the office and HR accompanied me to a meeting room next to cafeteria. Office seemed to be happening with colorful walls all full of the user story sticky notes. Next came the two ladies who carried same experience as that of mine and started off with the interview. Started off pretty well with introduction, current and past experience and project details. They put up a case study where I as BA had to seek details for designing a event management portal. I was given 10 mins to think and then start. There were no clear guidelines as to what’s expected out of case study. I prepared a rough flow diagram, listed various modules and platforms of what can be worked upon and detailed on every possible detail of portal. The discussion was healthy wherein I emphasized on the all the aspects around the portal but it seemed that the panel wasn’t convinced very well and emphasized on the points which they wanted rather than what I stated. They asked me what module means…and they haven’t used “Module” as a term in thoughtworks ever…(Like seriously??? I doubted their knowledge right there) what revenue share means inspite being BA’s(Dude…r u up-to-date??). I was given a feedback that I shouldn’t have asked questions about their knowledge. My take is –
1. A senior should have taken the interview as the feedback from their side sounded more like they were egoistic about their knowledge and didn’t value my knowledge.
2. Set the expectation from the case study right before you start. Rather ask to prepare a ppt.
3. This is for HR- if you call someone for whole day interview, understand the person has taken time off from their work...please utilize their time. You shouldn’t just rely on judgement from 1 round when you don’t have right set of people to judge.
Final note: Thoughtworks- you were my dream company but after interview, you have given me a sour taste about the culture and employees. Work upon your interview process and choose right people to conduct interviews!
2 rounds of interview - one of them would be case study. Mostly on previous experience and scenario based questions. Case study round would be more of actual BA roleplay
Great interview experience. Quick responses, feedback was given timely after each stage. The interviews itself were very engaging, very smart and prepared people, asking challenging but fair questions. I loved the cultural interview.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Product Vision, Tech Skills, Tech soft skills
Example Questions:
How do you validate the requirements? What are your responsibilities when it comes to requirement clarification? When are you done with a requirement? Tell us some examples.
What, in your opinion, are the essential practices for the success of a team? What would be the signs that a team is not healthy? Tells us a case that you got on a team that did not do essential practices and you had to make it happen.
...many more
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Thoughtworks
Interview
4 rounds - 1 with HR, 1 technical assessment (conversation where they assess your BA theoretical + situational knowledge), 1 case study, and 1 cultural and leadership interview. The entire process took about 1 month.
Overall a fantastic experience; one of the most enjoyable interview experiences I've had. Next steps were always clear and came quickly (within 1 to 2 days), so you never really have to be in limbo for long. Interviewers were also very genuine and kind - they really want to get to know you and assess your fit for the company. They're also very helpful with answering any questions you may have, which really helps in understanding whether Thoughtworks is right for you.