Nil, was rejected on CV submission with no reason given and no feedback despite meeting the criteria for the role, at least on paper. Very opaque process. Disappointed considering the reputation of the company.
No offer
Positive experience
Easy interview
Application
I applied online. I interviewed at Xero (Sydney) in Aug 2024
Interview
Step 1: An online assessment on coderRank.
Step 2: A video interview with technical manager.
Step 3: An online programming exercise with two team members.
#1: Was a simple codeRank Q&A, just make sure you manage to complete this within the time limit.
#2: A general discussion with the technical manager about your skills, current employer, etc.
#3: You are sent a coding exercise on google drive to complete. I was sent one in C# programming language, and although never having used C#, I could finish it fairly easily after spending a weekend learning C#. The online interview process is then about enhancing what you've submitted to add a feature or two. One of the interviewers acts as a product owner and the other as your peer programmer. You are given instructions about the new requirement.
My mistake #1: I did not ask enough questions to the product owner and assumed certain things. Avoid this mistake, ask as many questions as you can *before* jumping into coding the solution.
My mistake #2: I did not involve the peer programmer at all. He had to interrupt and pitch in certain things, trying to give me a hint that he is available all the time if I need him. Avoid this mistake. Understand that both these colleagues are available to you throughout the exercise, ask as many questions as you want to, and try and involve them as much as you can. It is all about team work. Don't be a cowboy coder and try and implement the solution yourself.
My mistake #3: Did not keep track of time. You are told to finish this within 40 minutes, and I could not finish the implementation in time.
I obviously failed the technical round at step #3.
Overall, they seem to be a friendly bunch.
It's quite easy. Just some questions about the general technologies. No tricky questions. But I've heard the experience also depends on team by team. They are large organization, so the culture is very mixed.
I applied through other source. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Xero
Interview
1st round 1 hour HR Screening.
2nd round 1 hour technical - coding on Hackerrank.
3rd round 1 hour system design on Hackerrank.
4th round 1 hour behavioural with hiring manager.
Unfortunately after a verbal offer following the 4th round there was a week of radio silence, followed by a phone call informing the role is no longer available due to team restructure/repurpose. Quite disappointing overall considering the amount of time you have to spend on the interview process. A hiring freeze before such a move is much more appropriate approach and ensures you won't waste time of candidates, engineers running the interviews and HR coordinating the whole process.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How do you approach managing conflict in your team