Strongarm Interview Questions
& Process

The interview process included a 30-minute phone screening, a take-home assignment, a presentation where I discussed the take-home results along with two other technical interviews, and finally a behavioral interview. While communication was generally clear, the offer stage was a letdown. The salary offered was $25k below my initial stated range, which felt like a waste of time. They also wouldn't negotiate, and the offer was below market for NY. The equity was also insulting. I'd advise confirming salary expectations early on.

The whole thing took about 5 weeks and had a few virtual interviews plus a 24 hour take-home technical assignment. It started with a 30 min chat with the hiring manager, then the takehome, then 3 technical interviews that were 90 minutes long, and finally three behavioral interviews also over 90 minutes. I liked everyone I met and got to talk with the hiring manager throughout the process, which was great for getting to know her.

First I had a 30-minute chat with who would be my supervisor, then I went through about two hours of interview loops. Some of these loops had multiple future colleagues and my supervisor in them. They also gave me a practical exercise where I had to structure epics and user stories for a hypothetical client deliverable. This exercise was specific to the business and industry, and didn't need any knowledge outside of what the job required. The people I'd be working with directly, who have been there a while, were really nice and professional and asked questions about the most important parts of the job. Some of the newer team members asked more challenging questions, with some spirited follow-up questions. I think they were checking how I handle pressure or conflict. I stayed calm and answered honestly, even admitting when I didn't have the experience or knowledge they wanted. Since they were considering multiple candidates, I got an email saying I was selected the day after the last candidate's session. The offer came during a scheduled call. Once I accepted verbally, they immediately sent the written offer.

The whole thing took about 6 weeks, all virtual. Round 1 was with the hiring manager. Round 2 was a case study with 3 parts. The first two parts were about your discovery process on a random topic and then creating a visual summary of painpoints, which you had about 2 weeks to do. You then presented this visual and white-boarded solutions with the hiring manager – they said there’s no right or wrong answer, it’s more about your product thinking and how you work with others. Round 3 was a cross-functional interview with behavioral and cultural fit questions. The final round was with a senior PM and the Chief Product Officer.