The Access Group (UK) Interview Questions
& Process

I had a really poor and disappointing experience with a company I used to like. First, I had two interviews, and the second one included a 20-minute presentation. After the second interview, I was told I'd hear back in a week, but two weeks passed with no response. I followed up and was told they were interviewing more people and I'd have to wait another two weeks. After another two weeks with no response, I followed up again. This time, I was told the team lead was out previously, so I'd need a third interview, which was a month after the original. I was then told I'd hear back in a week, but again, no response, so a third deadline was missed. Due to internal issues, I'd have to wait even longer to see if I could be placed on another team. A month went by with no response from internal talent acquisition before they said I'd have to start the whole 2-month process over. I took days off work, did multiple interviews and presentations, and weeks went by with no response to emails, even with read receipts on. My time has never been disrespected like this before; very disappointed.

The interview was quite something, a lengthy assessment of almost 8 hours with many different tasks, and honestly, I thought they were super relevant for the role. There were many candidates, and most were really ready, which made it tough to stand out, especially in the group parts. You really had to shine in the one-on-one with the team leader to get noticed. It worked out for me, but I wouldn't call it an easy interview. They were really professional and nice, very understanding and real. I hope it stays that way after I start. I've got a good vibe about this company and these folks, at least from this team. Everyone there seems really happy.

I had a phone call for a technical interview where I was asked about system performance optimization techniques. I didn't hear back initially, and only got an update after I followed up multiple times. Then there was an online LeetCode assessment. They went silent for a bit and then informed me the role was on hold because of a restructure. They then suggested a different role and I had to do the phone call interview again. After that, an onsite interview with the engineering manager was scheduled. They were silent for a month and then told me the role was on hold again, which was completely absurd!

It starts with the usual application stuff, then a one-way video interview where you record yourself answering 7 questions. These questions are mostly technical, like fixing bad code or explaining terms, plus some about your tech opinions. If you pass that, you go to a half-day assessment centre. This includes a LeetCode-style technical test, a group activity where you design something high-level and then present it, and an interview with two people (one in person, one on a call). The technical test is standard if you know LeetCode/Codewars, but watch out for the limited language options even if they say 'any'. The group activity involves designing an app at a high level and presenting it. The interview questions were pretty standard and the same for everyone, though a bit long-winded. They seem to really care about personality and culture fit, not just tech skills.