The Hillman Group Interview Questions
& Process

It was a really drawn-out process. I don't think I would have accepted an offer anyway because the hiring process felt too micromanaged. It started with a recruiter call, then another recruiter call about two weeks later. The communication was pretty bad; I was always told someone would get back to me in a couple of days, but it usually took at least six days. I then spoke with a Regional Sales Manager who kicked off the interview by asking, "So you think you want to work for Hillman; why?". Two weeks after that, I was told again that someone would reach out about the next steps in a few days. About ten days after that, I got a call to set up an interview for a few days later. The whole thing took about 3 months and around 5 to 6 hours of my time.

The interview was a full day event. It kicked off with a chat with the hiring manager, then I got a look around the office and production area. After that, I met the team. Once we were all introduced, I had to walk through some product development scenarios to see how I brainstorm and solve problems. Then, I had to create a CAD model from a reference part within a time limit. We then went to lunch together, which was a good way to get to know each other. After lunch, we talked about my previous work and I showed them some product samples.

The hiring process began with an initial phone screen by HR to discuss my background and interest. This was followed by a first-round interview with the hiring manager, focusing on my experience and fit, using behavioral and situational questions. I then completed assessment tests to showcase my skills. The final round involved interviews with more stakeholders to assess my qualifications and fit with the team and company. Hillman conducted reference checks to confirm my work history and performance. After positive feedback, I received a job offer with details on salary, benefits, and start date, which I accepted, leading to onboarding, paperwork, orientation, and training.

This was the longest application and interview process I have ever had. I was contacted by the HR Rep for an initial phone screen approximately 6 weeks after applying online. I waited a week before contacting her about a phone interview with the hiring manager (left voice mail). A few days later she called back to schedule the phone interview for the following week. The phone interview went well and lasted about an hour. I waited another full week and called back and left voice mail for both the HR Rep and hiring manager. I heard nothing back and had pretty much written off the opportunity. Nearly two weeks after I left my voice mails, I received a call from the HR Rep to schedule an onsite interview. I believe this was on a Monday and I suggested that Friday for the onsite interview. By Thursday I had not received a confirmation and so I emailed the HR Rep. She replied that she forgot to send me the confirmation, but yes we were on for Friday. The onsite interview was a series of meetings with the hiring manager, VP of Engineering, a couple of other managers, and finally the HR Rep. Three of the interviewers used a script that walked through my employment history and asked the same questions about each position and employer. Overall I thought the interviews went well. I was told they had a couple more interviews the following week and they would be making a decision within two weeks. I waited two weeks and called back and left voice mails - no response. Finally, I sent an email and received an immediate response from the HR Rep saying that they were still interviewing and it would be another week for a decision, and promising to let me know either way. At this point, I don't really want to work for a company that can't even manage the hiring process, but I waited another week, and sent an email to the HR Rep and hiring manager. Two days later, I received a phone call(!) from the HR Rep who told me that although they hadn't yet made an offer, they were leaning toward another candidate.