ERM Staff Software Engineer Interview Questions
& Process

It started with a simple HR phone chat. Then, I had an in-person interview with three staff members. Looking back, I regret taking this job offer given how the interview went – my potential manager was late, seemed unfocused, and left early. The other interviewers were the director of the Austin office and another staff engineer. While the director was nice, the other engineer was quite rude. She was doodling on my resume during the interview, and when it was her turn to ask questions, she rudely asked, 'what do you suck at?'. Even her colleague seemed embarrassed. It was very unprofessional and would have been a terrible experience to have her as a coworker.

So, the whole thing was pretty involved. Everyone I talked to was nice and professional. First, I had to fill out this questionnaire which took like 3 hours, they wanted to see how I write and about my background. Then, a 30-min call with the recruiter, mostly behavioral stuff. After that, another 30-min Skype call with some project managers. The big one was the 2-hour on-site with partners and engineers, and right after that, a 30-min technical test. They weren't trying to trip me up, just see if I'd fit in. Had to answer behavioral and technical questions, needed a solid technical background to do well. Since it seemed like an entry-level role in consulting, they were really checking how adaptable I am. It was a good chance for both of us to understand expectations.

Last semester of grad school, I cold-called an ERM office. I happened to catch a senior person since the secretary was out, and our 5-minute chat became a 90-minute deep dive into the company. Their willingness to talk to me gave me a good feel for the place and them a feel for me. I sent my resume, and a new position was created on their site since ERM often hires people they want, not just based on openings. I applied, and HR contacted me for a phone interview within days. The interview was another 90-minute chat with someone genuinely passionate about ERM. Both people I spoke with seemed to really like the company and answered my questions thoroughly. HR said I'd be recommended and set up another hour-long call to answer my questions. The Branch Manager mentioned the hiring process recently shifted to be HR-handled company-wide. I was then invited for an in-person interview. I met with the Branch Manager and the senior person I initially called. After 20-30 minutes, they seemed ready to move forward. The energy was high, and my prep helped the interview fly by. Next, I had a video call with a potential colleague, met the rest of the office staff, and went to lunch with my potential peers. This lunch was a chance for us to get acquainted and for them to 'size me up.' I mostly asked them blunt questions about their experience, and they were candid but generally positive about the company. We were back in the office, and I was out quickly, feeling good about getting the job. The following month or two involved reference checks, more emails, and maybe a call I requested. Eventually, I got the offer at my expected salary and accepted. The whole process, from my initial call to the offer, took about three months, which was quick. I've been here less than six months.