A 15-minute HR screening. The candidate introduces themselves, and the HR asks some basic information and whether the candidate is able to commute to the office. The HR will also introduce the details of the position. They may ask whether the candidate has used certain research software and inquire about relevant experience from past projects.
I applied online. I interviewed at Advanis (Montreal, QC)
Interview
You begin by filling out an online application with several mini questions regarding how you would communicate with a client, how you would problem-solve to make the most out of a situation, and going over basic math/statistics competency. They expect you to write a cover letter. If they like what they see, they will follow up with an email to extend a phone interview.
The phone interview consists of 30 minutes to 1 hour with the standard phone interview questions to screen your viability with primarily behavioral questions. Once that is complete, you're provided with an emailed case analysis that you're expected to complete in four hours. You're then expected to present your findings in a fifteen-minute presentation with several higher-ups.
Afterward, you can expect two more rounds of interviews consisting of 30min to 1-hour sessions in front of the hiring committee and various seniors, followed by a reference and background check.
The phone interview was pleasant and straightforward. My only critique is that the interviewer never asked me to elaborate and had little to say in response to my answers. At the end of the call, I was told I would receive an email regarding their decision and to feel free to ask any further questions by email.
I sent an email not long after with a few follow-up questions. I never received a response or a letter of rejection.
Some concerns to be wary of:
- Their compensation pitch is below fair market value (around 40k).
- Their interviewing process is very rigorous and time-consuming.
- They expect you to adapt to a fast-paced environment and work very flexible hours with compounding workloads during busy periods. They mentioned that they're looking for individuals who can resist burnout and juggle 3-4 projects/tasks at once. However, their website suggests that they value work-life balance, so YMMV.
- They are hiring because of increased demands for their services, which I suspect will drop once the national/global market faces less uncertainty.
- The job postings have been up for three months with no change.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Phone questions:
1. Can you legally work in the country?
2. Can you tell me what you think we do?
3. What are your expectations in this role?
4. What are your hobbies?
5. Language(s) proficiency questions
6. General questions about your resume
7. If you had to choose between completing three separate client projects at a satisfactory level and completing two at an excellent level but failing one, what would you choose and why?
8. Compensation expectations
9. Tell me about a time that you had to deal with a difficult coworker
10. Do you have any questions for me?
11. Where did you hear about this position?
12. Where do you see yourself in five years?
