The application and interview process is a multi step process that evaluates both your fit in the company's culture, and your ability to perform day to day job duties. It's both extremely fun and challenging, and I can say with confidence that it was the best interview process I've ever taken part in.
The first step of the process is designing your own mock Shopify store. It's really up to you what it's about, so long as it meets the requirements specified in the outline. For example, mine didn't feature any real products, I just had fun with the features and made sure that the finished product mirrored that. From what I understand, all they are looking for with this is that you know how to use their product. Take the time to go through it step by step, and just demonstrate what they are asking for. It's okay to look everything up through Google, this is actually something you're going to be doing every day in the actual job.
The second step is a one on one video interview through Skype with one of the Talent Acquisition folks. You won't be discussing your qualifications for the job, or how much you know about Shopify, they just want to know about YOU. Just have a normal chat like this guy (or girl) is your friend. Talk about what you're passionate about, what you do for fun, and don't be afraid to ask them the same questions. They haven't looked at your resume yet, and don't have any information in front of them, they just want to see how you interact with people, there is nothing more to it than that.
If you move on from here, then you get to the real meat of the process. The Gauntlet. This is where you prove that you can not only do the research, but execute given the bare minimum information and perform it all in real time. You sink or you swim in the Gauntlet, do your homework and prepare and you'll be fine, but if you're not prepared, be ready for a battle. My Gauntlet consisted of...
- 1 'Teach Me' session - Teach the interviewer about something you're passionate about. Anything at all but you have 5-10 minutes to do so.
- 2 Phone calls - You'll receive a call from the interviewer pretending to be a merchant. They will ask you a question and you're tasked with answering it right then and there and going through all the steps with the caller.
- 1 Chat session - They'll have you implement a piece of code in your mock store, and then the interviewer will contact you pretending to be a merchant. They'll ask you a question and you have to research and answer on the fly. Be prepared to multi task!
3 - Emails - The interviewer will send you emails one by one (each getting progressively harder). You have 10 minutes to research, answer, and send it off followed by 5 additional minutes if you are required to make any changes.
You'll never be expected to know the answer to any of the questions thrown your way, but you'll be expected to know how and where to look for it. All the resources are available to you somewhere online, and Shopify is looking for people that not only know where to look, but how to do it in a personable and fun way. Being able to keep your composure when the pressure is on is not only important, but crucial to you getting the job.
Have at least some familiarity with Shopify themes, Shopify apps, and the Docs website. One thing that will benefit you greatly is if you're able to provide some value beyond just the required answer. If you're asked about marketing to clients on Facebook, don't just give advice and link to an article, suggest a Shopify product that might help the merchant, both, execute what they are trying to do and save them money.
Lastly, just have fun with it! It's a very unique way to interview for candidates and it was a blast from start to finish.
