VIDA Select Interview Questions
& Process

The interview process was really well put together and thoughtful. It covered my experience and explained what the role entails. I met with three different levels of management, and each person asked their own set of strategic questions.

I sent in my application in early March. It was a pretty long process: online application, cover letter, resume, video intro, personality test, and three Skype interviews over two months. They were pretty quiet in between. After the last interview, they said I'd hear back in a week, but I never did. I tried reaching out a couple weeks later, still nothing. For a company that's all virtual and expects people to work six days a week, you'd think they could communicate better. They just ghosted me after I spent two months on it and turned down other job offers. Total waste of my time and very unprofessional.

I didn't get to an interview, but I did submit an application with my resume and complete a writing test. The writing test had about 5 parts and was supposed to be completed in 90 minutes. They said they knew the time was short, but they wanted to see how I'd handle the "scenarios" - basically acting as a guy asking women out on dates. The test itself was interesting, but the negative experience comes from two things. First, I was expected to submit a cover letter and resume with the test, but I didn't know about the cover letter requirement until the test started. This didn't give me enough time to tailor it. Second, I ran into a minor tech issue during the timed test. I contacted support, and after I eventually resolved it myself, I continued the test but went 8 minutes over the time limit, which might have affected my score. I just got a rejection email. The company's idea (ghostwriting online dating profiles for men) is novel, but the constant canned responses and never talking to a human made it feel sketchy, especially for a work-from-home job. This lack of human contact was the biggest drawback. The process would have been neutral if not for these "minor" issues. Also, their application has some subtle language suggesting they prefer male writers, though they say they'll consider women with the right skills. I guess this woman writer will never know.

The entire process went by really fast and was super smooth. The interview over Skype was awesome: it was totally informal, respectful, and got right to the point. Scott's a great guy and I really enjoyed chatting with him – it felt more like a conversation with a friend than a formal interview. Even though I didn't get the job, that's not what's most important. Getting the chance to connect with people online, especially those who share our business and life values, is what truly matters.