Interviewing at Feathr 🪶
🐦 What does Feathr's interview process look like?
If your application is selected, our interview process typically consists of about 4 stages. The order of these stages might shuffle and change around a bit, but here’s the general roadmap:
HR Screen (~20 minutes): Kick things off with a brief conversation with our Talent Acquisition Specialist to discuss your background and qualifications. During this initial discussion, we will cover key aspects of the position, such as experience requirements, compensation, and location. Additionally, your Talent Specialist will provide a high-level overview of the role you are applying for. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the interview process, organization, culture, and perks.
Manager Interview (~45 minutes): An in-depth interview with your potential future manager to explore your experience and how it aligns with the role. This in-depth conversation will delve further into your skills and background, covering more typical interview questions. It's also an excellent opportunity for you to ask specific questions about the role, daily activities, and potential challenges. Go ahead, ask away in this interview!
Work Assignment: A task designed to simulate the type of work you would be doing in the position. This is our way of seeing your practical skills in action while giving you a taste of the job. Afterwards, we'll review your work, and will typically use the next interview as an opportunity to review your work together. Either way, you'll hear some feedback from us on your submission.
Panel Interview (45- 60 minutes): Meet the Flock! Get to know your future team and peers, giving you the chance to interact with the people you’ll be working with and for us to see how you fit within the team. We might revisit some earlier questions and toss in a few new ones, allowing this fresh group to get to know you as thoroughly as your previous interviewers.
If needed, we might wrap things up with a Final 30-45 Minute Chat with your future manager or a Senior Feathr Leader. This is where we cross our t's, dot our i's, and tie up any loose ends from previous interviews, while also giving you an opportunity to ask any questions you didn't get a chance to ask in previous steps.
We tailor the process to each role, so expect some variations depending on the department or seniority. This could mean additional team members or a more intricate challenge. But don’t worry, the job postings list out the interview process specific to the role you're interview for, and our Talent team will lay out the specific game plan for your role during your initial chat and arm you with all the info and resources you need to succeed.
Remember, each interview is a two-way street. It’s your chance to learn as much about us as we do about you. So, ask questions, be curious, and let’s make this process as enjoyable as possible!
🪿 How can I prepare for my interview?
While we can't give you the exact details of your interview process, we do have some handy tips and tricks to help you prepare and shine.
Research is Key: We don’t expect you to be a Feathr expert, but having a basic understanding of who we are and what we do is essential. Spend some time on our website and read up on our latest news. It's also useful to do some LinkedIn research on your interviewers to learn a bit about who you’ll be speaking with.
Prepare for the "Tell Me About Your Experience" Question: Almost every interview will start with this question. We’re looking for a quick 2-minute summary focusing on your most recent and relevant positions. This serves as both an ice-breaker and an introduction to your background, setting the stage for follow-up questions. Before your interview, review your resume, highlight relevant roles and achievements, and practice a concise, 2-minute narrative.
Here are some other typical questions you will likely hear during your interview, so be sure to prepare and practice for these themes:
"Why did you decide to apply to this role?" Or "What stood out to you about this position?"
"Why did you decide to apply to Feathr?"
"Why are you looking for a new opportunity at this time?"
Additionally, be sure to prepare some examples of projects, accomplishments, and challeges you've experienced in your career.
Understand Behavioral and Situational Questions: Many questions you'll encounter will be behavioral or situational. Here’s a breakdown:
Situational Questions: These hypothetical questions explore how you might handle a particular situation. They’re designed to understand your problem-solving approach and how you tackle challenges. Take a breath, think about where you would start, and explain the reasoning behind your approach.
For example, a situational question might be, " What would you do if a manager asked you to perform a task you've never done before?"
Behavioral Questions: These questions ask for real-life examples of how you’ve handled specific situations in the past. They help predict future behavior based on past actions. Look for openers like "Share a time when...".
For example, a Behavioral Interview Question might be: "Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at work. How did you handle it, and what was the result?"
When you hear a Behavioral Question come up, use the SAO method to structure your responses to ensure you've thoroughly answered the question:
Setting: Set the scene. Describe the situation, who was involved, and the context.
Action: Explain what you did and why.
Outcome: Describe the result. If it wasn't ideal, talk about what you learned and what you would do differently next time.
General Tips
Practice Makes Perfect: Conduct mock interviews with a friend or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become.
Prepare Questions: Have a few questions ready to ask your interviewers. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if Feathr is the right fit for you.
Stay Positive: Approach each question with optimism, even when discussing challenges. We encourage honesty and authenticity in all our interviews, so it's okay to acknowledge that something didn't work out as intended. However, focus on what you learned and how you grew from those past experiences.
Be Kind to Yourself: Interviews can be nerve-wracking. Don't pressure yourself to deliver a "perfect interview." Take a moment to collect your thoughts, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification if needed.
Tie it Back to the Job: Remember, interviews are our way of understanding how well you’d perform in the position. We ask questions that relate directly to the role, so when you answer, try to do the same. Align your responses with the skills, experience, and tasks outlined in the job posting. This approach not only shows your relevance but also helps us see how you’d be a great addition for the team.
Be Mindful of Your Communication: Interviews offer just one glimpse into how we assess candidates. Every interaction is a chance to demonstrate your communication style, demeanor, flexibility, and collaborative skills. Whether you're communicating with your Talent Acquisition Specialist or other members of the Hiring Team, even outside of formal interviews, remember that every interaction matters.
Additional Preparation
Review the Job Description: Understand the key responsibilities and required skills. Think about how your background aligns with these.
Prepare Examples: Have a few examples ready for common behavioral questions, focusing on your most relevant experiences.
Know Your Resume: Be ready to discuss anything listed on your resume, including your achievements and how they relate to the role.
We hope these tips help you feel more confident and prepared for your interview. Remember, each interview is a two-way conversation, so you’ll have ample opportunity to ask us questions as well. Good luck!
🐥 What should I include with my application?
Application processes can be unnecessarily complicated, so we strive to keep ours as straightforward as possible. Typically, we only require a resume and contact details, along with a few simple "Application Questions" to qualify essential criteria, such as location.
While you have the option to include additional documents or a note, it is not required, and we do not assess applicants based on materials beyond the stated requirements. If any additional documents are needed, this will be specified on the application page.
🦉 Will you adjust the interview process if I have a disability?
Absolutely! Your success at the interview is important to us. If you require any accommodations due to a visible or non-visible disability, please don't hesitate to let us know. You can find a link to our Candidate Reasonable Accommodation Request Form in our job posts under "Accommodations."
But while we're at it, here's the form for you to submit, if needed: Candidate Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
🦜 How long until I hear back about my application/interview status?
We strive to update applicants within 2 weeks of receiving their application. However, due to the high volume of applications, there may be occasional delays. Rest assured, we send notifications to all applicants regardless of the outcome, so please check your Spam folder if you haven't heard from us.
Following your interviews, we typically provide an update within a week (7 days) of your last interview. Again, we ensure that all candidates receive communication, whether successful or not. If you haven't heard from us within this time frame, don't be shy! You're welcome to reach out to the Talent team for an update.
While we typically don't provide feedback with rejection notices, your growth and development are important to us. If you're interested in feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out. We extend this offer in our rejection communications as well. It's worth noting that we only provide feedback for candidates who have reached the interview stage.
🦆 Can I re-apply if I'm not selected?
Absolutely! If you're not selected, there is a 3-month waiting period to re-apply for the same position. This waiting period allows you time to develop new skills and gain additional experience, enhancing your chances of success in future interviews. However, we encourage you to explore and apply for other positions listed on our career site.
🦚 How does Feathr select candidates to move forward?
At Feathr, we evaluate applicants based on specific criteria unique to each position. Here are the key assessment points:
Application Review: Our initial selection is made at the application stage, based strictly on the requirements listed in the job post. In highly competitive pools, we may prioritize candidates with relevant industry experience, such as working for a nonprofit software company or similar-sized organizations.
Interview Reviews: During interviews, we assess criteria closely tied to the job description. Carefully review the job description and align your experience with the listed requirements and responsibilities. We also evaluate candidates on their potential cultural add and communication skills, which are crucial in our remote-first environment.
🐧 How to join my interview?
We host our interviews virtually via Google Meet, but for higher-level positions, we may ask you to travel to the office. Here are some tips and instructions to ensure your virtual interview goes smoothly:
Joining the Interview: You will receive a calendar invite that includes your Google Meet video call link, along with an option to join by phone. Please join by video and reserve the call-in option for any audio or technical issues that might pop up.
Rescheduling Interviews: If you need to reschedule or cancel your interview, it's easy to do using your calendar invitation. Simply open the invite and click on the provided link to make changes.
Additionally, please inform your interviewer if you need to cancel or reschedule. This demonstrates your proactive communication skills, which are valued throughout the interview process.
Preparing for the Video Call: At Feathr, we keep things pretty laid-back, especially since we're mostly a remote team. While we don't expect a picture-perfect set-up, just keep these tips in mind:
Camera On: Make sure your camera is turned on for the interview.
Quiet Space: Find a quiet area free from distractions. We know life can be unpredictable, but minimizing interruptions will really help.
Lighting: Try to face a light source so your face is clearly visible.
Tidy Background: Ensure your background is tidy and professional. A plain wall or a well-organized space works best.
Attire: Feathr leans casual, so no need for a three-piece suit. Dress appropriately and feel free to show off your style. Business casual is always a safe-bet.
Notes Ready: Keep a notepad or document with key points and questions you want to discuss. This shows you're prepared and helps you stay focused. And feel welcome to take notes during your interview as well.
Safety First: Ensure you conduct your interview from a secure location, and refrain from participating while driving.
Testing Your Equipment: Test your equipment ahead of time. You can join the Google Meet link in your calendar anytime to check your audio and camera settings. Make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in during the interview.
Using Closed Captioning: If you require closed captioning, you can learn about Google Meet's closed captioning capabilities here.
Troubleshooting Technical Issues: Join the call a few minutes before your scheduled interview time to allow for any necessary troubleshooting. If you encounter issues, try the following steps:
Close your browser completely and try joining the meeting again.
Check your mic and video input settings on both your browser and computer.
Restart your device if the problem persists.
If all else fails, you can use the phone details provided in the invite to join the interview.
You can always use Google Meet's Help page to further troubleshoot.
We hope these tips help you feel confident and ready for your virtual interview. We look forward to speaking with you and wish you the best of luck!