Solar Innovations Architectural Glazing System Interview Questions
& Process

I had a phone interview first, and then an onsite interview. In between those two, they had me take some tests about general behavior and technical knowledge.

The process started with a phone interview with HR, covering basic skills and job requirements. Then, I was invited for an in-person interview that included a 3-hour skills test. While I'm not a fan of skills tests when I have a portfolio, I did it because the job market is tough. The testing involved 6 parts: basic math, CSS/HTML/JavaScript (on paper, which I found odd), writing a blog post, writing a career fair brochure excerpt, designing a 2-page brochure, and designing a t-shirt. After the tests, I met with HR again, toured the facilities, and had another HR chat where they said I did well and asked some generic questions. I was supposed to meet the hiring manager but they became unavailable. They asked me to fill out paperwork for a background check and drug test, which they said was a good sign. I was told I'd hear back by the end of the next week. After not hearing back, I followed up and was told they were interested and checking references. Another HR person emailed about my willingness to commute or relocate. Still no word, so I followed up again and was told they were very interested and I'd hear back by the end of the week. That date passed, and they said they were still interested but interviewing more people and I'd have an answer by the end of that week. That date also passed. Over a month later, I got an email saying they chose someone else. While I get that other candidates might be a better fit, I was bothered by the excessive testing, not meeting the hiring manager after such a long process, and the repeated missed deadlines for a response.

I applied online and it took about a week to get a phone interview invitation which I gladly accepted. After that though, is when things went south. The interview wasn't difficult. Typical questions about where you want to be in 5 years...Explain to them why you are trying to leave your current employer. My interview lasted about 20 minutes, so not too much time. However, it is their process that is sending the wrong message. I was told it could take a week for the next step? I've never had or heard of that happening after a phone interview. So, after almost 3 days of waiting, I received a rejection email saying they had "moved on" with other candidates. Meaning they knew who they wanted the whole time. What gets me about this process is that I heard new management was taking over and it was supposed to translate to a different culture. I beg to disagree. What kind of message are you sending to someone like myself with 10 years of manufacturing experience that I couldn't possibly hack it with your company? BS! I'm not trying to get salty but interviews in general take time and effort, and when you toss someone to the side without any regard? It send the wrong message period! I don't know how many others experienced this but someone in the HR department needs a hard look in the mirror. I mean I'm grateful I had this opportunity but holy crap do things with class please! I'm hoping this review doesn't inhibit me from getting another opportunity with this company, but after this experience, I'm not sure it matters? Happy interviewing to future candidates!

The hiring process was super fast, almost too fast. Applied online and got a quick chat with a recruiter in like 2 days. They were nice but didn't spill much about the job. Then, a video call with the hiring manager where they asked the typical "tell me about a time" questions. After that, a take-home task that felt like free consulting work. The last interview was a panel with three team members who seemed okay but were clearly busy with other things during the call. Got the offer about a week later, but HR was radio silent for a bit when I had follow-up questions. It was efficient but kinda messy.