Dyson interview questions

After a short phone screening I was offered an interview at the Dyson HQ in Malmesbury. The Dyson HQ is an amazing place. Very modern design and it looked like a very comfortable place to work. There are various pieces of great British engineering dotted around the place like the Harrier Jump Jet sitting in front of reception or the Concorde engine on display in the main office. Initially the interview process began with a brief overview of Dyson’s history and then a 1:1 with HR discussing why I would want to work for the company, what I could offer, where I want to be in 5 years etc. Pretty typical but actually very laid back and friendly. The technical interview consisted of getting to know how Dyson works internally and also the background of the interviewers. Then It was my turn to tell my story, my background, what my skills are etc. This was actually more of a conversation than a presentation. Afterwards I was given the Dyson 360 Eye robot vacuum cleaner in a partially dismantled state and given the freedom to go over its features and try and explain to the interviewers how it worked, various design decisions and constraints as well as possible improvements. This was very enjoyable for myself and I'm sure for the interviewers as well as it is a great technique to holistically analyse a candidate. The interview was wrapped up by a quick improvisational test. I was given a large sheet of blank paper and was told - "James Dyson is coming along in 15 minutes and wants you to have a specification for a new product ready". The interviewers dropped some hints but generally it was all up to me. I came up with a spec for motor size, battery capacity and some important design features and considerations mostly derived from first principles and simple thinking. Once done I had to pretend as if James Dyson was in the room and give a concise summary of what I had come up with. The whole interview process took around 2 hours. I got a phone call about a week later offering me the position.

I am a current employee and was interviewing for a DM position. I had a few phone interviews with the recruiter first, then I had a phone interview with the National Sales Manager, then they flew me to Chicago for a panel interview, where I felt very good about. After 3 months of waiting, and making the cut (they sent "noise out right away) they gave the position to another sales manager with Dyson from a different division. I could have really brought a lot to the area I was applying for.