I applied through an employee referral. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Arm (Santa Cruz, CA) in Jun 2015
Interview
I called and used social engineering to get to a hiring VP, who gave me fifteen minutes right away. She was the wrong person, but forwarded me to a hiring manager with a job that was a better fit. Three phone interviews over two days by folks in different countries, followed by a conversation with HR. Then a quickly arranged in person interview by associates in the local office. It was all very professional, fast and detailed.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Interview questions varied by the interest of the interviewee. In all cases we engaged in a dialog about the relevant technology and experience. The focus was on my ability to carry my end of the conversation and if I had any insights or points of view that I had developed on my own.
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Arm (Southampton, England) in Feb 2017
Interview
The first step of the hiring process is an online application. You will have to fill in some information about yourself and 2-3 questions, as well as, attach a CV and a Cover Letter.
If you are successful on the first stage, you will receive an invite for an online interview. It is not a live one, but you will have to record yourself, answering some easy questions about your motivation and skills and the second part is 2 questions - first a program, you will need to write in C++/Python and the second - a System Verilog questions (I had to design a simple sequencer system).
The last step is a face to face interview, where you will start with 1-2 motivation questions and then get into technical ones - computer architecture and computing. Relax - if you know your fundamentals it will be fine! The idea is not to know everything but the why you approach a problem.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Draw a block diagram of a simple processor and explain how a particular instruction will flow through it.
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Arm (Loughborough, England) in Aug 2017
Interview
I initially interviewed for a different project manager position a couple of months before this one, where I was interviewed on Skype. I received quick feedback that although I interviewed well, I wasn't seen as a good fit for the position, but I would be considered for future project management positions. I was contacted regarding this position, and asked to attend a face-to-face interview in Loughborough. The fact that I was kept on record for future positions, and received quick feedback was very impressive.
The interview itself consisted of three consecutive one-to-one interviews; one with a hardware manager, one with a software manager, and one with the line manager (a programme director). I found out later this would have been 4 interviews, but the research manager was ill that day - this is a very thorough interview process. Due to the timing of the interview, lunch was provided, which was again, a very nice touch. The interview(s) in total lasted around 3.5 hours. I was questioned on my past experiences, things that had gone well and gone wrong, strengths and weaknesses and that sort of stuff. In addition to this, I was asked to explain my understanding of the design processes that were followed, how I would solve various challenges, what risks I saw in some example scenarios and my thoughts on a number of technical and non-technical issues.
The interviews were conducted in a relaxed and friendly way, and I was given plenty of opportunity to ask my interviewers questions. I was given a brief tour of the site as well, and more information on the role, as well as an indication of a decision timeline. I received an offer within a week of the interview, which I gladly accepted.
Overall, a great and impressive experience, where I was kept informed throughout, and one which I would highly recommend to others.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What is the biggest mistake or bad decision you have made as a project manager?