Do you get butterflies in your stomach before an interview? You’re not alone.
Since 2009 when Prominent was founded, our team feels those butterflies too, every time we interview candidates for a role on our team. We try our best to find the right people, whether that’s a Developer, a UX/UI Designer, a Project Manager or an Account Executive.
Because hiring the right people is so important to us, our hiring process is unique to our company – and we do our best to keep those butterflies at a minimum for everyone. While our process has evolved over time, the heart of it still rings true; creating a fun and enjoyable series of interviews conducted in a way to take the pressure off candidates so their unique skills and strengths shine through.
How We Hire
Through building our team over the last 12 years we’ve learned that transparency goes a long way in making new hires. If you’re thinking of applying for one of our openings at Prominent, here’s what you can expect if you get called in for an interview.
1. The initial call
We get a lot of applications, but it means we need to do a bit of homework before deciding who the stand-out candidates are. We start off by running through profiles and choosing who we feel would best fit the position. Then someone from our recruitment team will reach out to set up a call.
This is a chance to create a great first impression on both sides. One of the very first topics discussed is compensation and benefits. Addressing this right away enables both parties to be transparent about expectations. Next is your opportunity to share any relevant skills and experience you have and why you’re interested in joining our team which we refer to as “The Posse”. Our goal is to give candidates a feel for what it’s like to work at Prominent. It’s equally important that Prominent is a good match for you – meeting your needs and expectations as well as ours. Think of this as having a coffee with a friend, not an interrogation with a blinding light in your face.
So relax, breathe and be yourself. After all, that’s exactly who we want to meet.
2. The Tech Screen
Nervous? Don’t be. This stage offers candidates a chance to talk about what they’re bringing to the table, to describe their experience and expertise. Each team has a unique screening, designed especially for the role you are applying for. This step is designed to give us a high-level overview of your skills.
It also gives you a chance to get to know a potential team member – typically a leader in the practice for which you’re interviewing – and ask any questions you may have of someone who is doing the same work you’ll be doing.
3. The Technical interview
This stage is a chance for you to show us your problem-solving skills in a real software development scenario. It’s also our way of showcasing the types of scenarios you’ll encounter should you join the team.
This is a hands-on exercise where you and two team members (in-person or virtual) will solve a problem together. Don’t worry, we won’t be grilling you. It’s just a chance for us to get to know you, understand how you think and see your skills in action. By the end of this stage, you should have a great sense of whether or not Prominent is the right company for you.
4. Executive interview
Only a handful of people get to this stage, so congratulations!
This is where you get face time with one of our executives, but don’t be intimidated. For a lot of candidates, this is a really fulfilling meeting in which they get to see the big picture for Prominent and talk about how your role will figure into it. And this is a time for you to ask our leaders the tough questions.
- What’s great about working here?
- What projects make the team proud?
- What are we working to improve?
At this point, we really want to see that you embody the right values and have the ability to contribute positively to our culture. After this stage, our team deliberates and will contact the best candidate with an offer. If you get that phone call, you’re only a “yes” away from joining the posse.
Why We Hire Like This
The nature of the modern workplace is changing quickly, so we believe that the hiring process should change with it. People today care more that their company is making a difference in the world than just hearing about a job description. Technologists want to move the dial for their customers, not just collect a paycheck. Modern workers want a great team dynamic, not just a list of tasks to do. Everyone wants a job where they can be the best version of themselves.
We get it. That’s what we want too!
And so we’ve crafted an interview process that has helped us identify and hire the smart, caring, driven people that make Prominent what it is today. If this post has piqued your interest in joining the posse (or more interested than you already were), you can find out what opportunities we have on our careers page. We hope you’ll try out our interview process for yourself.
