I applied online. The process took 5 weeks. I interviewed at Van Stry Design (New York, NY)
Interview
Applied and contacted through an indeed listing after about 5 weeks. Asked to schedule a 30 minute meeting slot via indeed mail. No contact or follow up with anyone on what to expect or an itinerary. (red flag #1 - no forethought of time usage)
I show up 15 mins early to the entrance on the side of a warehouse that has obviously seen some better days; peeling sign, dead flower bed, and a trashy parking lot. (red flag #2 - no pride in outward appearance). Quick note: the lineup of cars in the parking lot; old sedan, old truck, basic economy, and a new Range Rover. "I bet that's the owner..." (red flag #3 - obvious income inequality)
After walking into the office with zero reception, someone remembered that there were interviewees coming in that day and ushered me into the break room. I sat down with a current industrial design engineer and the owner. We had a very quick discussion of almost no substance about why I was interested and what I wanted to pursue.
After the fastest portfolio run though of my life, I was shown around the rest of the company operations. I was impressed with how they maintain vertical integration within their market by designing, manufacturing, and shipping their own work. I will say that they have a very capable shop space with many cnc cutters/tables and assembly workers.
After the tour, I was lead into an obviously forgotten about office space to talk a little further. We discussed a little more about the desired roles and responsibilities, as well as, glossed over possible compensation. The owner even broke down to me how I could look forward to being paid overtime and how that could help boost my earning potential. (red flag #4 - overtime shouldn't be used to make ends meet)
After a short discussion, we parted ways as the following interviewees we're stacking up on top of each other. The next day I received an email with a hilariously low offer. Not impressed.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
Why are you looking to leave your current position?
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 4 days. I interviewed at Van Stry Design (Malden, MA) in Jan 2011
Interview
The process was painless. After an employee referral, I visited there facility where they manufacture a great deal of their goods. They had me interview with upper management and the manufacturing managers for different processes. The questions were natural to my education and there seemed to be a great fit; I was right.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The only strange questions I can recall was, "Do you like to drive fast?"