./with Imagination

Update and Interview Experiences

Friday, April 13th, 2007

So things have been a little quiet around here during the last few weeks with the exception of naked day which happened at a very awkward time this time around. But as you all know I have been searching for new employment as noted in a recent entry labeled “hire me” which has been taking up most of my time. I received some comments through the thread, but not nearly as many emails. The fact is that I never even had to put my resumé on a job board. I must certainly say that I am most definitely flattered by everyone’s proposal and I can’t pick all of them. The best part is that very little of them were recruiters, but instead actual managers and folks in a group looking to have me on their team.

I’ve replied to some, others not. In the end I’ve turned down quite a few requests, some of which can be found in Wired’s top 40. I’ve told Jina that if nothing works out I’d give Apple a go.

Why not freelancing

Some folks have asked me “why don’t I go freelance?” And the simple answer is, I would go bankrupt. I find it extremely hard to “manage” myself in the business sense and I wouldn’t want to deal with the cruft of doing those 1099’s ever again (U.S. independent contractor tax form).

So what have I been doing?

Besides loafing and drinking beer, I have been hard at work sprucing up my portfolio, putting together presentations, and going to interviews. So at this time I’d like to be open and honest about where I’ve been, and who I’ve talked to.

Meebo

If they haven’t contacted you yet, I’m sure they’ll get to you sooner or later. Many friends have dropped me a line letting me know that they too have been contacted by them, but in all actuality, I contacted Meebo. What they’re essentially looking for is JavaScript Ninja (please send in your puzzler questions ahead of time). From what it seems, they have interesting challenges to solve, and they look like a hot startup for our times.

Entering into the interview, I was told I would be doing a simulation exercise where for four hours I would sit beside the team and work amongst the crew. As a matter of fact, I sat exactly where Aj is sitting in this photo (except without that giant cinema display). This is definitely my kind of interview since I can show my talent through writing code and making functional, usable components. I was given a mini-spec to work off of, and off I went working.

After a few moments had gone by, a news station came in to interview the founders. Ok, whatever. Just don’t bother me. Oh, except they did in fact. They didn’t like the angle they had for their first run, so they decided the best spot they get was directly behind my chair (yeah, look at that photo, and the amount of space between the chair and the wall). I couldn’t help but think “um… they’re filming my back.” Eventually they wanted to tilt the camera down so they can capture the code I was writing on the monitor. I eventually advised them that it wouldn’t be wise because.. well “I don’t work here… and I’m just here for an interview.”

Soon afterward time goes by and I was able to concentrate again, then lunch arrives. I had some of the chicken they brought in and it was good. I eventually get back to my temporary desk and immediately as I begin to work, about six guys start playing 4 Square next to my desk. Yes, 4 Square. They were loud, but had a lot of fun doing it. This went on for what seemed to be about 30 minutes. I later came to find out they had a 4pm deadline that day… which makes me curious as to “what the hell they were doing.” After they had finished… randomly, a few guys from Yahoo! showed up after having lunch in Mountain View. Um… awkward. It was a little funny because I knew one of them (Hi Scott). I paused for a moment and greeted him. They went on to talk to Sandy yet I couldn’t help but overhear a conversation on the topic of YUI (Um, hey guys, what is it you want to know?). I went on to focus on my work trying to complete a few extra features in the spec.

At this point most of the day has gone by and I’m wrapping things up. One other thing to mention is that I had finger rockets sporadically fly above my head throughout the entire day, randomly knocking stuff over. A few times I had to bat them away. Um… wtf?

At the end of the day I gave my final demo to a group of engineers and it seemed to go well. After everyone left back to their desk, I spoke with one of the founders just as a quick debriefing on how I felt things went. As I’m speaking to her I briefly turned to my left only to be smacked directly in the face with a finger rocket. The entire offices heaves in uproar “oooOOOOOohhhh!” I literally wanted to walk out at that moment. Seriously now, wtf? One guy even encouraged me to pick up a rocket and throw it back, even to the point where he was trying to teach me how they work. Sorry, but I wasn’t there to play games. I was looking for employment.

In the end, I can dig fun and games. No really, of all people, that’s me. I have a sense of humor. But there comes a time when things need to calm down. Overall, I’m happy the way it turned out. It was better to find out early than after the fact. I have received some apology letters and for that I am grateful. My only recommendation is to not change a thing.

LinkedIn

I must say, I’m really impressed with these folks. Hey, they even play 4-square too (but it’s outside). Unfortunately there’s not much to discuss since I signed an NDA, however I was treated with much respect and enjoyed both of my on-site experiences with them. Some of the great benefits there include free food every day, a fully stocked snack bar, and industrial sized beverage fridge (including strawberry milk!), plus a giant game room. The folks there were intelligent, passionate, and loved what they do. Quite a few folks mentioned it was their dream job, and that says quite a bit. They’re definitely on my radar.

Yahoo!

Some of you might be thinking, again? Well to be quite honest, I have a number of friends there and it was a tough decision leaving in the first place. I am still at that point where I am not publicly discussing why I left in the first place as that will remain confidential for a while (no, I was not fired).

All in all I’ve traded a few emails back and forth with some folks there, and in the end, as said by H.R., “you’re always welcome back.” Nothing is final, but I just thought I’d mention it to my readers that it’s been in the back of my mind.

Google

Perhaps first on my list, I had nothing but a great experience at Google. I’ve heard other stories of folks who’ve walked out on their Google interview, and others who felt like jello by the end of the day, but mine was definitely a positive time. The folks were extremely intelligent, the questions were challenging, the campus is nice, and the food was great. If all turns out, I believe I would fit into a category of people called “Yahooglers.”

The F.B.I.

Just kidding.

Now what?

Now I wait. In the meantime, it’s about time I get busy on my book writing and tech reviewing… my editors have been on me about that. Cheers.