I applied online. I interviewed at Xero (Auckland, Auckland) in Nov 2020
Interview
The interviewers have never heard of these concepts/techniques:
- Value Stream Mapping
- Relative Sizing
- Product Input Funnel
- Roadmaps with Milestones
- P-D-C-A
- DevOps Coaching
- Alignment of teams via a shared strategic theme that drives product direction
- Timeboxing
- Cargo cult Scrum
I mentioned all of these in reference to where I’ve applied them in my past experiences in the interview, but was met with blank stares.
Most of the interview consisted of questions about just what coaching entailed.
I mean, I don’t mind teaching people, but is an interview the best place for that?
The feedback that I received was that I didn’t mention enough techniques for product delivery, and that I didn’t have enough experience.
I have ensured delivery and organisational agility on million dollar projects using the techniques above and more.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Two questions I was asked stand out:
1. What was my “favourite product delivery technique”? Uhm, what? You need to give me a scenario or something. Techniques are only as useful as the situation they’re applied to.
2. The person who I would’ve reported to was worried that I might take his job, in so many words. Imagine being that insecure!
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Xero
Interview
I had 4 interviews, one with the recruiter (phone), video interview with a lead in NZ, video interview with two employees, and an in person+ video interview where they asked me to give a 15 minute case study presentation. Other than taking a long time and in the end not getting the job, Xero has the candidate experience nailed. They communicated throughout the process, I felt comfortable and welcome in each interview, and they really manage to build excitement about working for them.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Six months from now if this job is going really well what does that look like