I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Shopify (Winnipeg, MB) in Dec 2021
Interview
Altogether, it is a 7 stage hiring process with the first three stages being the most important.
The first stage is just the applicant submitting their application and a support email sample. You also need to submit your typing speed test. I would try to get over 50 words per minute.
In addition to this stage, there is an unbiased interview. This is essentially a situational interview where you explain what would you do into a microphone, record it while being timed, and then send it to a recruiter to review it. No camera is necessary.
If selected, the next stage is the Life Story interview. My recruiter/Talent Acquisition Specialist was very kind and I felt like he really took the time to read my resumé. It was very much a conversation about my experience and how I explained my journey thus far, rather than a question-answer type of interview.
The final interview is the gauntlet/technical interview. Here, you'll have two simultaneous chats going for 15-minutes where you'll have to answer questions, then a follow-up call from an interviewer for 10-minutes who will ask you another question that you need to solve. This interview is supposed to give you a taste of what you're actually going to be doing in the role.
I ended up canceling my technical interview because I did not feel like this was the right role for me, but I certainly enjoyed the process, despite it being very different from what I was used to in the hiring process.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Some possible technical interview questions:
• How do I add product images? How do I share my Shopify store in a Facebook post? Where can I read more about adding images to my product?
• How do I make a product active?
• How do I link social media to Shopify?
• How do I add a contact page to my store?
• How do I change my domain name?
• What is cryptocurrency and how can I accept this on my site?
• How do I set up free shipping for local orders?
• I created a Contact Us page, how do I put it in the place
**Remember to add links to your answers.
Positive Interview Process - different than conventional interviews - really gives you a chance to talk about yourself as a person and professional. Definitely discuss any customer service skills and experience when interviewing for the role
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Describe a time you had to handle an uncomfortable experience?
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Shopify (Calgary, AB) in Nov 2021
Interview
I applied for Support Advisor in the middle of November, the process took 3 weeks.
The whole hiring process consists of several steps.
1. Application including a typing test and scenario question
2. Online Assessment on Knockri
3. Life Story chat with a recruiter
4. Technical/Gauntlet Interview
5. Reference Check
I came across the opportunity on LinkedIn and applied through their website. I applied with no connection to Shopify besides being exposed to their e-commerce platform before. The application encourages you to create your own test store which I would recommend doing to show you are truly interested in their platform. It also helps you prepare for the technical test.
The Online Assessment asks some behavioural questions e.g. overcoming failure, greatest success etc. These are pretty standard for any interview. This process was really nice because it was an online interview that was not live. You recorded your answers on this platform called Knockri and then it is transcribed, removing your voice/bias from the application.
After this is an invitation to the 'Life Story' interview, like many people have mentioned, this is a laid back interview and lets you talk about your previous experiences with the recruiter chiming in with questions. Just be yourself and be ready to chat about your work! I'm curious how they evaluate this stage though. I feel like it is sort of subjective. I'm not sure if they deny anyone after this stage?
The next step is the technical interview and I'm not going to sugarcoat it, it is difficult but intended to simulate what a day of being a Support Advisor is like. I studied for a few days by watching YouTube videos and playing around with my test store while going through the Shopify Help Centre. I have had previous experience with e-commerce (Etsy, Big Cartel) so I was sort of familiar with how to do certain things and set up on a shop. I would say if you do not have this previous experience, starting a test shop is a must!! You have to answer 2 simultaneous chats at once with a recruiter on the other end acting as a merchant. You will act as if you already work for Shopify. There is a time limit of 15 minutes and then the recruiter asks you how your experience is. Be honest and aware of how you did. Don't just say 'It was good' but dive deep into what you really thought of the experience. The chats was still tough for someone who has fast typing skills and LOTS of studying. Remember to ask the merchant more questions about their business while you find the answer to their question, break down the answer into pieces and help them go through it step by step. I ran out of time on the chats and did not answer the second chat to the best of my ability but at least provided links for them to refer back to later. Remember to thank the merchant for their patience, for myself, I kept saying 'Just give me a moment and we can go through the steps together.' Overall, the experience was quite fast-paced and hectic, but again, gives you a taste of what your day-to-day might be like. I found it to be interesting and stimulating but stressful.
After the chats, you will receive a phone call with the same recruiter and again, act as if you are a support advisor helping a merchant. The phone call was much easier as you could search and talk at the same time but still remember to match the merchant's energy/tone and get the information to them succinctly. The recruiter I chatted with was really nice and made the experience pleasant. He also gave really great feedback after. :^)
After this, you will be invited to submit three references through a third-party so be ready with your references emails and notify them of the process ahead of time.
My technical was on Wednesday, references submitted Thursday/Weekend and I got a call on Monday with an offer from my Life Story recruiter!
Overall, it is quite a long process for a customer support position but looking forward to becoming part of the team!!
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Gauntlet questions:
- Can customers tip on Shopify? How do I set this up?
- Can I sell digital downloads/albums on Shopify?
- Can you tell me more about Shopify's plans and features? What is the best for my shop?