Custom Ink Software Engineer Interview Questions
& Process

I was told there would be two interviews. The first one was in October and it went well. The interviewer was nice and gave me advice on how to do well on the next one. I waited for the recruiter to set up the next interview, but after a month I had to ask what was up. She said there were some issues but they'd get back on track soon. Then I got an email saying I was rejected. I didn't even get the second interview they promised. The whole thing was really unprofessional and I'm pretty disappointed.

I applied on the website and heard back in 2 days. The first interview was the next day and lasted about 20 minutes. It was basically to see if my resume was good enough for the next round, checking if I was comfortable with the tech needed and asking about my previous jobs and why I wanted to work there. The technical interview was scheduled 3 days later. The interviewer started by explaining the job and work environment for about 15 minutes, which was nice. Then they asked me to design a library for a Deck of Cards, to check if I understood all the requirements of building a library. I think I did okay. The interview lasted 45 minutes. I had to submit the code I discussed within 2 days, and got a no-offer response 3 days after that.

I applied online and had an inside referral, but didn't hear back for a month. Then my friend invited me to the office informally for lunch and to meet the team. During that visit, I met the VP of Engineering/hiring manager and expressed my interest. About a week later, I got an email inviting me back for a formal 4.5-hour interview process. It started with a half-hour office tour and company overview. Then, four hours of interviews: first, an hour-long non-technical lunch with the VP to discuss my background and the role. Next, an hour with two developers focusing on technical questions, including pseudo-coding on a whiteboard about Ruby on Rails and database design, starting with simple array iteration and getting harder. They also asked non-technical questions about my communication and ability to explain technical concepts. The third hour was a pair-programming session with two other developers where I had to code a basic JavaScript/jQuery front-end game, with access to them and the internet for help, but expected to do the coding and explain my strategy. The exercise was supposed to be emailed beforehand but wasn't, so they gave it to me on the spot, which tested my ability to think on my feet. The final hour was with an Engineering Manager, mostly non-technical, about my coding philosophies and processes, and a two-way discussion on the company's project management and team structure. After sending thank-you notes, I got an offer two and a half weeks later after a couple of follow-ups with HR.