I found out about this job position through Monster.com. I had to apply through their website (taleo.net, which is what most companies use these days). The application procedure started with the basic form (Personal Info, Resume, Education, Work Experience). Then some Prescreening info asking about detailed skills level for Java, XML, HTML, SQL, Web Portal development, Object Oriented Design). Some questionairre for Work authorization, salary expected.
After the basic online application procedure, you had to go through a Talent Test which was more of a Personality Test than an IQ Test (I found it very interesting and it was fun). You had to answer like 40 or so questions and each question in a second, if you couldnt answer on time, you have to move on to the next. The questions were mostly asking about your Personality - Positive attitude? How would you deal with such and such situation...? How would you define success?... You dont have much time to think, only a few seconds. I felt like I did very well on these questions.
After 2 days, I received an email for setting up a phone interview. The date was set after a week.
The phone Interview was in the evening for 45 minutes (it took about an hour actually). It went on the same lines as the Talent Test described above. The woman who called me informed me that she would ask me some preset questions and at any point if I didnt understand any of the questions, I could ask for her to repeat them. The interview was going to be recorded (upon my consent) and so she was not going to hear it and just listen to it (she wasnt going to assess it right then but later when they would hear the recording).
So, the whole experience of the phone Interview was like talking to an automated machine.
As I mentioned before, the questions were on the same lines of the Talent Test but more detailed this time (and I did have time to think before I could answer). Questions like - Give me an instance when you failed to do a task..? Have you done something creative recently...? Did you offer some interesting idea to someone recently...? (It was fun!)
Then I heard from then in a week and they said "Our goal is to find the best fit between a person's talents and strengths and the company's needs. We believe this approach provides individuals with the greatest opportunities for personal and professional growth. Unfortunately, at this time, we do not have an available role that would take full advantage of your strengths. Therefore, we cannot further pursue your candidacy."
