Clay’s hiring process for Backend Engineers uncovered
Interviewing for a new job shouldn't feel intimidating. Still, we know from experience there are a lot of people who are struggling to hit that ‘submit application’ button. In this article, we explain what happens when you do decide to hit ‘send’ and apply at Clay as a back-end developer. We discuss the do’s and dont’s during an interview and what you can expect once you nail your first chat with one of our recruiters.
After reading this article we hope you feel more confident with this background information in your toolbelt.
Stage one
The first thing we do when we are looking for a person in the back-end team is to internally define what we exactly need in this role. Once the profile has been written down we create a job advert that is shared on our social media channels, LinkedIn and Instagram. After that, people can apply, and our recruitment team starts its sourcing process. We select people based on their experience and our requirements for the role. Our sourcing process is done manually, a time-consuming job, but we value the personal approach.
Tip: It’s great if you have your previous experience listed on your LinkedIn profile, but besides job titles, we also need to know what your work entailed. With just a job title it’s hard to learn what your strengths are or what you enjoy working on. Also, it helps to include your preferred tech stack so we know upfront if there could be a technical match.
To sum up:
Have your LinkedIn profile filled in as much as possible
Having a profile picture is nice, but not necessary
The information provided shouldn't be too long but it should at least be there
Make sure you have the ‘skill section’ on your profile filled in
Whether you’ve applied pro-actively or Clay approached you, we will invite you for an informal chat with one of our recruiters if we think it could be a match. This call is to get a ‘feel’ of the person's characteristics; whether it's a company culture fit and whether previous experience matches with the requirements of the role. Our interview meetings don’t always have to be online, but since we are not limited by borders and are in search of talent on a global scale they often are. So, if you are close to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, please pop by for a coffee!
Tip: If you have landed that initial chat. Be sure you are on time, look into the camera and be present. We don’t care about your background, so blur or don’t blur, this is up to you! Be sure to have read some information about Clay, SALTO, and the product SALTO KS so you won’t go in completely blank and you have some questions prepared which shows your interest. We want to make the most of the conversation and value each other's time. Let us know if you have trouble with the right setup or connectivity to make the call. Maybe we are able to help you!
‘Upload your CV in PDF, never in Word!’
For Clay, a proper company fit is a very important aspect of the interviewing process. You can be a badass backender but if the fit isn't right we foresee some hiccups in the future. Get familiar with our core values to see if you align with our vision. →
Tip: It’s not mandatory to show a technical portfolio in your first chat, but it shows pro-activeness and enthusiasm when you can tell about some technical experience you are proud of.
Stage two
Now you’ve landed in the second stage of the interview process. Here, shit gets real: you will meet some Bricks that might become your future colleagues. These Bricks (usually two) each represent a different part of the company. Someone who will chat about the technical side and one will be more interested in your characteristics.
Tip: If you don’t have the answer to a technical question: don’t worry! Just say you don’t know. Whatever you do, don’t make stuff up! We understand you might be a little nervous (no need to, FYI) or you simply just don't have the right answer at that exact moment. We are all human! No biggie!
The test case
If you pass this stage we will put together a test case which you get a week to complete (of course we can be flexible if needed). If you don’t pass the test case you will receive feedback on why it is we decided not to go through with you so you always get some points you can work on and you’re never left in the dark.
We are aware of the top frustrations among back-end developers that mostly revolve around not getting any feedback, lack of communication or alignment. Therefore we always try to avoid these. Our recruiters and Bricks always give honest feedback in a short timeframe. We consistently reply to e-mails and follow up. Because Clay treasures its personal approach in all facets of the business but especially in recruitment there is still room for human error. We therefore kindly ask you to speak up if something doesn't feel right. It could be a personal issue that came up or we simply missed a message. Just like you, we also want feedback.
When we do decide to continue based on your test case you will be invited for a session to discuss the case with your hopefully soon-to-be colleagues. They will pick your brain (in a good way) because they want to know how you came to this brilliance! (Beware you need to share your screen for this one.) Our Engineering Manager will also join to ask you about your thought process. How did you maneuver from A to B and why? When both parties are happy with this conversation you will have a final chat with the Managing Director. See this like a cherry on top of your interview process cake. 🍒
Jitters
Do you get a bad case of the jitters? Getting nervous before or during interviews? No worries, we all have this problem which actually is positive. It means you care! Our pro tip for the shy ones among us? Be yourself! Other people went before you so you are not the only one. The job needs to fit naturally. And if it doesn't? Then it's just not a match. Nothing personal!
So drop those shoulders, breathe and join that call with a smile on your pretty face!
Are you looking for another type of role? We encourage sending open applications. Even if there’s no job opening that meets your requirements we can keep your information in our talent pool. If we come across a role that fits your profile we can immediately reach out. Be sure that when you send an open application to upload your CV in PDF, never in Word! Our recruiters will be forever in your favor!
Clay Solutions - A SALTO Group company is the daughter company of SALTO Systems. A lock hardware manufacturer based in Oiartzun Spain. While Clay builds the cloud-based software that allows users to tap their locks open with their phone, SALTO provides the hardware, the locks that are enabled to communicate with the software. This website functions as a platform to showcase our company culture in our office in Amsterdam, the way we build our software, and why and who the Bricks are. Feel free to browse around, head over to SALTO to find more about the hardware, or apply if you see a job you think you are just perfect for.