Just got my schedule for next week onsite. There's a bolded AA interview in one of my rounds. Searched on blind but only found one thread. It looks like AA = As appropriate, but how does that work? Is the AA round the person I need to get a 'yes' to get hired?
What is AA?
As appropriate.
It's not necessarily director++. I'm an AA and I'm an l66 (and have been since I was an l65). Yes, its typically the last interview and for external candidates, that round is often not on their loop schedules but gets "added" if the rest of the interview goes well. The primary goals are to assess long term fit for Ms, help determine level if appropriate, and follow up on any open questions the interview team has. This could be background, problem solving, coding, etc. In some orgs there are rules that an aa has to be from a different team than the hm, and some where a no hire from the aa sinks you no matter what. Those are group dependent, however.
True. My AA interview was with an L66
The AA’s opinion matters most!
If you don’t make it to the AA, you didn’t get the job. If you make it to the AA, the AA can make or break your chances. Usually they’re not on the interview schedule because the candidate may not get that far, that’s why AA stands for “as appropriate”. Good luck.
Is there an AA interview even for hiring events?
Every one I've been on.
John Cena runs in and gives you an Attitude Adjustment. 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Best comment ever!!!
Recently had an interview with Microsoft, just 4 rounds including Hiring manager. But no AA interview and its been a week havent heard anything. On following up with the recruiter, was told the initial feedback was positive, but the team hasn’t made a final decision which may take a week or two . I realize my chances are low, but having no news on a AA interview so far, is it a confirmation of rejection?
Usually a director or higher up. Also, usually only happens if you folks before you gave you an overall hire. Always a good sign, if you make it to that round. It's also the most relaxed and conversational interview, because at that point it is mainly to convince you to join.
If it is indeed the director++ round, I'd suggest OP to brush up technical stuff too. My own round with a partner manager was informal, but a friend of mine got rejected after a very deep technical round in his round with a partner.