BBC Studios Interview Questions
& Process

The interview starts with a technical whiteboarding session about a past data pipeline project. You'll need to explain the whole process, including the tools and methods involved. Then, there will be competency questions to check if you understand how to build reliable pipelines.

The hiring process was quite transparent and communicated clearly. It moved surprisingly quickly. It started with a personal interview focusing on about 10 delivery-related questions. Then, there was a take-home exercise, which I had to prepare to present in the second stage interview. The interviewers maintained a neutral stance throughout, and I wasn't sure about the outcome. The gender diversity was good across the process.

I had an initial chat with the two hiring managers, it was pretty laid-back and felt like a 'get to know you' kind of thing. They said I'd hear back about a second interview, which was supposed to be in person, by the start of next week at the latest. But, I never heard back, even after I followed up with the HR person who set it all up. It was really disappointing not to get a response, especially from a company like the BBC, who I know, from when I used to supply them, are really focused on 'process'. It's a shame that ghosting candidates seems to be happening so much these days, I just wasn't expecting it from the BBC.

I applied for the job and had a call with the HR manager. Then I was invited into the studio for an in person interview with the HR manager and the person who I would be reporting to if I was to be successful. I was invited back for a second round, this time with the hiring manager and HR manager. I was asked pretty much the same questions again. I was then invited back for a 3rd interview which was a coffee with someone a bit higher up in the company. At this point, I had taken time off with my current job twice, and I felt I couldn't do it again in the space of 2-3 weeks when I still had no indication if I was going to be offered the role with BBC. When I asked if a video call would suffice or if I could reschedule for a time that suited me better with work I was given no wiggle room. It was the time they stated or nothing. I couldn't make it so I withdrew my application. The role was underpaid for such a large corporation and I felt they were trying to see how far I would bend for them. Perhaps, had I been given an offer and accepted, the experience working with them would have been different within the role itself but the interview process seemed lengthy and unneccesary to me especially for a junior role.