I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at PlayQ (Santa Monica, CA) in Apr 2018
Interview
My overall experience interviewing with PlayQ was positive and reliable. I had a great time interacting with the team. The recruitment manager kept in close communication with me from beginning to end (3-4 weeks), and I was always made aware of next steps and expectations. PlayQ thoroughly vets their candidates, wanting to get a good feel for the skills they can bring to the team. But what I really appreciated was also being asked whether I felt the company and position were a good match for me. This showed me that besides interviewing you for their needs, they are also concerned with candidates finding an environment and position that will be enjoyable and rewarding in return.
I came into gaming from a completely different industry. PlayQ looks for quality people with usable skills. My interview focused on the skills I could bring to the team rather than the lack of knowledge I had within gaming. The interview process consisted of multiple phone conversations, at home exercises, half day of on site interviews, and checking of references. During the on site interview I met both co-founders as well as multiple team members that the job interacts with. My references were located overseas, so the team put in extra effort to accommodate for after-hours reference checks.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
I had some questions specific to my responses to the at home exercises I had completed prior to the interview.
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at PlayQ (Santa Monica, CA) in Jun 2017
Interview
The interview process was multi-step, starting with a phone screening, followed by a skills assessment, then an in-person interview at the PlayQ headquarters in Santa Monica.
From start to finish, I was impressed with how organized the team was. They were able to accommodate my scheduling needs and consistently confirmed each appointment and started all interviews on time. The skills assessment, in particular, was really fun to work on, and also the moment I knew the role was going to be a great fit. My in-person interview sealed the deal for me - I felt welcomed by the team, had some really great conversations, and left feeling like I had a lot to offer PlayQ and vice versa.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Give an example of a time you failed at something and how you handled it.
I interviewed at PlayQ in April 2018.
AVOID AVOID AVOID.
When I didn't get the job and I asked for feedback, the recruiter said over the phone I didn't "give in-depth answers to their case questions. " When I asked for specifics, she said that was all she could provide. The phone call was literally over in a minute (not exaggerating). Her response was, ironically, not in depth at all and anyone could have given that kind of bs answer. She also decided to call me instead of email probably because she didn't want things documented in writing. She could have easily saved my time by sending me a one to two sentence email.
The interview also consisted of a take-home exercise with 9 questions. When I arrived on site, all the interviewers gave me really good feedback on my deliverable and thanked me. With the way things turned out though, I almost feel like they "interviewed" me to take my ideas. This company is a 3-match gaming company that is way behind King (candy crush) and GungHo (puzzle & dragons) and are thirsty for ideas - so BE AWARE. They will take and take and leave you out the door after.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What is an example that would increase sinks in a game?