The interview date and length selected below are to the best of my recollection.
The process was very thorough and lasted approximately 2-3 weeks with several technical interviews along the way. As is often the case, it included many emails. The last interview was held in person at the company and lasted 3.5 hours. I met with 2 Chief Technical Officers, 3 lead developers, and 2 software developers, as well as one of the product managers. The in person interview quite effectively tested the depth of my technical competency.
At the end of the process I was told that they were very pleased with my qualifications, and felt I would be able to contribute to other areas, e.g. natural language processing and data analytics. They were visibly exited that I brought added value to the position. They had conversations with at least 4 references, 1 manager and 3 software developers, who all gave me great reviews. The company quickly offered me the position, and I accepted.
When I was asked to disclose whether I had a criminal record, I didn't hesitate and stated that I had a 12 year old felony. I mentioned that if they liked I would talk with them about any concerns they might have. The crime had no relation to the job or the company.
I got the quickest callback I ever received from them. The HR employee was stumbling over her words, and with a laser focused determination began going over my resume with a fine toothed comb. She talked over me at times, and cut me off during our conversation. She sounded desperate to find any reason to rescind the offer, and came across as hostile and abusive. I had made an error on my job history, and HR used that as an opportunity to rescind the offer, stating I had lied about my employment.
When I asked whether ScienceLogic employed any ex-felons I was told that was irrelevant. From her response I assume that the company has a blanket policy for not hiring ex-felons. Blanket disqualifications from employment because of a criminal record are probably a violation of Title VII Equal Employment legislation. I have read enough, and talked with several attorneys, to know this as a fact. At the same time winning such a case is next to impossible unless it is in a class action suit.
As I came through the interview process I was hopeful. It is disappointing that employers will always find a way around these laws. A few months ago I had the co-founder of a company who interviewed me tell me I was qualified, and then the other co-founder who didn't interview me tell me I wasn't. That job offer was also rescinded.
The call was very unpleasant and serious, but for the end when HR wished me success in my continued job search. I laughed as I hung up.