CYREN Interview Questions
& Process

We had a hands-on interview in python, it was average difficulty. Then a VP R&D interview, which was mostly personal and a bit professional. After that, HR asked a question about a past workplace conflict. Finally, they made an offer.

I was contacted by an in-house recruiter about two weeks ago. We had a phone screen, then I had a Skype interview with the hiring manager. After that, they wanted me to come in for an in-person interview to meet two more people. They outlined a project I'd be working on if hired, and then revealed I'd start working on it during the interview itself. I asked for a clear outline of the project, the time commitment, and the expected duration. It was also implied I'd have at least two more interviews with additional hiring managers, making it a very long process. I expect companies to be in the final decision-making stage by the time of a face-to-face interview, not still probing skills. While I understand the need to ensure candidates can perform, there are ways to do this without actual unpaid work. This is the second time this has happened, and it feels exploitative and possibly illegal. Companies that do this seem unstable and disorganized, lacking proper hiring and business processes. The hiring manager wouldn't define the project, and the recruiter told me they weren't moving forward because I wouldn't work for free. That was enough for me. If a company can't decide on hiring you without free work, it's best to stay away.

I had an interview with HR and then with the hiring manager for this role. They seemed friendly, but they were serious about the job. I felt good about the interview, but I didn't get the job. They mentioned the role required minimal management and a lot of hands-on work, so I downplayed my management experience. This was my mistake because I later learned they hired someone else who had more management experience. If I had emphasized my past experience more, I think I would have been hired.

Fast go through with HR (going through my experience and what compensation I ask for) First technical interview (~1.5 hours). Second technical interview (~1.5 hours). HR - where I failed.