1. Initial screening by Recruiter + send sample code
2. BR sends you a iOS project to complete. Project includes use memory management, downloading JSON, UITableView concepts. Given 48 hours to complete the project.
3. On site interview:
Memory management: Retain/release. Alloc/init.
Table view concepts: custom UITableViewCell
Loading data from the internet: delayed loading, JSON parsing.
Application state preservation
Cachig: where is the cached data located?
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Bottle Rocket (Addison, TX) in Jun 2019
Interview
I would like to start off by saying some parts were a little rocky, but I've been on plenty of interviews and I've experienced worst first impressions. The interviewing process is quite generic, initial phone screening, coding challenge, and finally a technical and behavioral interview.
Initial phone screening was to determine if you were human.
The coding challenge was probably my favorite part. You're given a pretty straight forward app to build with a time frame of 48 hours (though there isn't really a hard limit to it, they understand everyone has a life). They give specifications and pictures as to how the application should be built, along with a PDF of Bottle Rocket's coding conventions. The code challenge tests your ability to implement core iOS functionalities without the use of CocoaPods. You are also encouraged to add your own "spice" to the application to where you see fit. The entire challenge however seems more to test how clean your code is and how you architecture it. Do not hesitate to ask questions.
After they review your code challenge, you will get scheduled for a 30 minute technical and a 30 minute behavioral interview. The technical interview was very easy going, they test basic knowledge to insure you are somewhat competent. Be sure to ASK QUESTIONS, they are absolutely willing to help, and even if you leave without an offer you'll probably leave with something to takeaway to your next interview. As for the behavioral interview, though perhaps won't be difficult for you, may be the make it or break it part of the entire process. Bottle Rocket seems to have a huge emphasis on culture fit, and if you don't fit it, they probably won't take you in no matter how much of a genius you are.
I applied online. I interviewed at Bottle Rocket in Feb 2019
Interview
I applied for the job from Dice.com and received a call from HR after a month. It was a general discussion about my experience. I was provided with a coding assessment to finish a sample app within 48 hours. I finished the app and also did the bonus part that was mentioned in the coding assessment. It has been a month since I submitted the app and I haven't heard anything since inspite of multiple follow up calls and mails.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Coding assessment to build a sample app following coding rules
I applied online and did a first round of telephone interviews. The interviewer was pleasant enough and was interested enough to continue the conversation, but as soon a we talked salary he pretty much ended it there.
I don't want to disclose amounts, but what I was asking for was average, so I assume what they want is below average. That combined with the lack of benefits in the company (or so what is stated on Glassdoor) I'd have to pass on them.
Interviewer didn't try to take the conversation further or try to sell me on other reasons why I would like to work for them. Honestly, I would be happy to take less money if the benefits were good and I received good training and was sent to a conference 1-2 times a year.
For me this signaled that Bottle Rocket Apps is all about money, like so many other companies as well, but I have to pass on that.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Didn't answer any specific technical questions. Only gave a brief history of my background.