Databricks interview debacle - awful experience

Jan 14 10 Comments

Posting for those curious about Databricks interview process. I was reached out by a recruiter back in October 2021 (yes, October) for a non-tech bizops role. I went through seven interviews, then was told they wanted to move me to the final presentation stage - put in hours to prepare and be ready.

The day before my presentation, I was told they had to move it because they "forgot to schedule me with the VP" of the team. So had to go through THAT interview, making it a total of 8. Did the interview, and find out over a week later that the VP wants to move in a different direction, despite apparently glowing feedback from the rest of my interviewers.

I am not upset that I did not get the role, I am more upset that Databricks puts candidates through this gauntlet, and in my case, at the end, shifts things to essentially throw away hours of work that I didn't even get to present. Hours of interviews and presentation prep over three months.

If the VP has that power, why the f*$k wouldn't that be the first or second interview?

This post risks my anonymity given my firm but I feel like it's right to expose how they treat candidates. Rant over. Thanks for reading and allowing me to vent.

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
TOP 10 Comments
  • Datadog
    Storycat

    Go to company page Datadog

    Storycat
    They could have 15-round 3-day onsites and people would still apply, it's probably the hottest pre-IPO company right now.
    Jan 14 4
  • I know its hard to face rejection after putting in a lot of effort and hardwork, but based on the information you provided, this is usually how it is done everywhere. Amazon has the bar raiser, microsoft has the AA etc. usually the person with the most power is also the person with least amount of time on their hands. Companies cant afford to send them for screening all candidates.
    Jan 14 1
    • I certainly understand and that’s why I caveated that I’m not upset about not getting the role, just the manner in how it unfolded.

      Does Amazon “forget” to schedule an interview with the bar raiser? Don’t think so.

      It’s about the lack of communication (the recruiter was MIA through most of this), and didn’t even mention the additional interview. It went from great interviews are done let’s get you ready for the presentation to oops jk after three weeks of having the presentation scheduled.
      Jan 14
  • Google
    jäâàáąāåãæ

    Go to company page Google

    jäâàáąāåãæ
    I wonder if that's the same role I went through first interview for. The very moment I heard - written assignment I told them I am no longer interested. Seems like I avoided the hassle.

    To your other question:
    If VP has that power it doesn't change the fact it should come last and not first.
    VPs time is valuable for the company and it makes sense to give them one very well screened candidate than 10 randos to talk to.
    Jan 14 2
    • potentially - DM me and we can confer haha

      Ok, fair - I understand your perspective on the VP and it does make sense. However, that does not change the fact that the presentation was scheduled for over three weeks and I had put the time and effort into creating and QCing it with the hiring manager. Only to be notified the day before that they "forgot" to schedule the interview with him.

      It's very disrespectful in my humble opinion.
      Jan 14
    • Google
      jäâàáąāåãæ

      Go to company page Google

      jäâàáąāåãæ
      Definitely. That's shitty. But so is asking for homework at that point. So no more take home assignments.
      Jan 14