Presto Interview Questions
& Process

I had two online tests first. One was a 60-minute math test covering calculus, linear algebra, and some brain teasers. The other was a coding test that took about 4 hours, with difficulty around LeetCode medium to hard. After passing those, I had an onsite interview which included HR questions, a discussion about my past projects, and then technical questions. There was also a live coding session and more brain teasers.

The interview process included one hour with HR, followed by an hour with the hiring manager where we discussed my resume and projects. Then, there were two separate one-hour technical interviews focusing on LeetCode problems and fundamental ML concepts, also touching on my past experience. It was all pretty standard stuff.

It was a total of 6 interviews, which included the CEO. It kicked off with an HR round, then a technical interview, an assignment, and then 4 more interviews with the team. This all went down within 3 weeks, and I prepped and interviewed for about 6-7 hours. Everyone I spoke with was really nice. The final interview was apparently to see if I'd be a good fit for a different role they were considering me for. After getting good feedback from all interviewers, including the CEO, I was told an offer was being prepared, but the salary and equity needed CFO approval. This took about 5 days, and I followed up once, being told an update would be available in 24 hours. They were probably busy with their IPO announcement. On the morning of the announcement, I was told the same thing - 'last stages of approval on salary and equity' and the team was 'looking forward'. Then, a few hours later, the offer was rescinded due to a 'change in strategy'. I emailed the CEO and got a generic response apologizing for the 'miscommunication' and stating they were going in a different direction. I've dealt with startups before, but never experienced a strategy change so quickly after a final interview (where I'd actually asked about strategy) and right before an IPO announcement! It makes me wonder if they were being dishonest or just disorganized. Nevertheless, they all liked me and would keep me in mind for future openings. In the meantime, another offer I had expired.

This company has a really urgent hire process, they told me it would be quick and transparent and that they were looking for serious candidates. I had a phone screening with the recruiter which was really nice. Then I interviewed with the VP of project management and it seemed to go well. They said the recruiter would follow up the next day, but it's been a week with no feedback. I reached out to a recruiter and was ignored, and then a second recruiter told me they decided to go in another direction. It makes you wonder about the value they place on future employees. I'd say avoid this place and don't waste your time unless you want to be treated this way.