Reflecting on My Interview Experience at Glassdoor

You can find the same post on LinkedIn here.

Over the past few days, I've received multiple inquiries regarding my interview experience at Glassdoor. Given the positive nature of the hiring process I experienced, I decided to write this structured overview to guide others interested in Glassdoor’s interview process, particularly for the Data Engineering Summer Internship.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of the Interview Process
   • Hiring Manager Interview
   • Technical Interview
   • SQL Challenge
   • Final Round
2. Key Highlights from My Experience
   • Transparency and Communication
   • Respect for Candidates' Time
   • Supportive Interviewers
3. Why I Recommend Glassdoor
4. Final Thoughts

Overview of the Interview Process

My interview took place in November 2023 for a Data Engineering Summer Internship role. Here is a detailed breakdown:

Hiring Manager Interview

The first interview was with Vipul, who later became my manager.

• Focus areas included my past experiences and technical questions related to the role.
• Data modeling questions were posed, with helpful guidance provided throughout the process.

Tip: Clearly articulate your thought process; interviewers value your reasoning more than a flawless answer.

Technical Interview

This session was conducted by a Senior Data Engineer and emphasized problem-solving capabilities.

• I was required to solve two Leetcode-style questions.
• I was expected to explain my methodology, solutions, and analyze time and space complexity.

Tip: Proactively suggest optimizations to demonstrate analytical thinking.

SQL Challenge

In this segment, I was provided with sample Glassdoor data and asked to perform SQL queries.

• Tested skills included table joins, aggregation functions, and fundamental SQL operations.

Tip: Emphasize clearly articulating your logic and strategy, particularly when time is limited.

Final Round

The concluding round covered:

• Compensation and benefits
• Job location and role expectations
• Feedback on my overall interview performance

Key Highlights from My Experience

Transparency and Communication

Glassdoor demonstrated remarkable transparency throughout the interview process:

• Clearly communicated expectations for each interview round.
• The recruitment team (Evan Tarkington and Danny Cao) were highly responsive and supportive, promptly addressing all queries and concerns.

Respect for Candidates' Time

• The interview process was exceptionally structured.
• Regular and timely updates were provided at every stage, ensuring clarity and respect for my time.

Supportive Interviewers

• Each interviewer made a conscious effort to create a comfortable environment.
• This approach significantly reduced typical interview-related stress.

Why I Recommend Glassdoor

Having completed eight months with Glassdoor, I can attest to the strength of their company culture. The organization consistently embodies principles of transparency, innovation, and professional ambition. Glassdoor is an excellent place to work for anyone considering a career in technology.

Final Thoughts

If you are preparing for a role at Glassdoor or contemplating an application, I am more than willing to answer your questions or offer advice based on my personal experience.

For those interested, you can explore Glassdoor's current openings here.

Good luck with your interviews!