I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Toptal in Nov 2020
Interview
Toptal application process is below average at best. They posture that they only select the top 3% of candidates, but fail to describe how they consider "top." From my experience, they mainly consider years of experience, not quality. And the "so-called" rigorous application process includes basic tests and rushed webcam interviews. I've never wasted so much time on an application process that showed how little regard they give to applicants. Toptal will fail to attract top talent if it continues down this path.
The process started with the video screening, You record yourself answering some Questions. After that, they sent case study, but the instructions and the timeline were very vague. They sent me a rejection after I sent the case study which I worked on For a very short time, out of worry to miss the deadline.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Generic video screening talk about yourself, your experience, etc.
Many steps, rigorous. Good communication (highly automated system), although the timing was unclear. HR screening, online profile. Request to give access to personal Gmail calendar AND ANY CALENDAR ACCESSED THROUGJ GMAIL.
Recruiter made very tempting offer, than as soon as profile was complete (took hours, over days), opportunity evaporated.
I applied online. The process took 5 days. I interviewed at Toptal (Dubai) in Mar 2022
Interview
Very technical interview, focused on DSA questions. Less time to solve problems (only 15 minutes were given to solve two ~medium leetcode problems). Focus on studing for technical interview and practicing leetcode.
