I applied online. I interviewed at Builtrix (Lisbon, Lisbon District)
Interview
Interview was organized well with structured questions and logical checkpoints through felt in the interview. Questions were mostly creative and not very direct. Brainstorming and situational questions were also included which made the interview interesting
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Questions related to your past work experience. Describe the project in detail. General conceptual questions about machine learning algorithms you know about.
The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Builtrix
Interview
I saw them in LinkedIn looking for a senior developer to join their startup in Lisbon, Portugal. The interview started with introduction of their business (Builtrix). They told they want to build a connected-building solution. They also told they want me to join them as a full time on-site employee and that they will help me with the visa process of Portugal. The technical questions were not serious at all. I guess they did not have technical background. Later when I checked the background of the 3 co-founders who interviewd me, I relazied they have degrees in bio-medical, mechanical and marine engineering.
A week later they wrote I am accepted and I need to start my relocation process. They offered me a 2000 euro monthly salary for a year. But the huge surprise was when the CEO asked me over skype to send them EIGHT THOUSANDS euros before they can give me the contract to sign. That was super strange to me. I thought to myself this is probably the legal costs of my relocation. But they later told me "my visa and relocation has costs that I need to pay for them myself" and that "the eight thousands is the upfront price I should pay to Builtrix because they let me to go to the Europe". This was more like a human traffiking scheme rather than a software business. Who would ask an employee to pay for their position in 2019? I declined the job offer right away.
Based on my research for those who want to work in Lisbon:
1- Reports show that Lisbon has become so expensive in recent years. A two bedroom apartment in Lisbon would simply cost you 1000 euro or more per month. Your relocation to Lisbon will add hundreds of euros to that. So I believe a 2500 euro net salary per month is the minimum you can survive if you are a family of 2.
2- Based on Portuguese law when you get a visa your family cannot accompany you to Potrtugal at the same time. You first need to get your visa and travel to Portugal and get your residence permit. Then your family can start the visa process. This means your family can only join you after one year, sometimes 1.5 years.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Are you open to work under pressure, after hours and in the weekends?