Application process

What does the application process look like?

You like what you've read so far and would like to work with us in Berlin? Great! We look forward to receiving your application.

Our application process consists of four steps which usually take far less time than you might have experienced with other companies. While applications at big companies usually run through many stages and a thousand hands, we at think-cell put our efforts into quick replies. This means that if you send us your application today – depending on your own time flexibility – you will know within a few weeks if you got the job.

No big surprises in this step. Just send your CV using the button below or submit it through the job board where you found us. If we like your paperwork, we invite you to an online test, usually within a few days after you apply.

You can access the online test through a link we send you in our invitation email. It consists of a real-life task that you could encounter in your new job and is meant for you to foresee the kinds of challenges you would work on when part of the think-cell team. Almost all tests allow for a variety of good solutions, so that we can learn about your technical skills and your personal style. You can start the test whenever it fits your schedule, including weekends.

Developers will receive a programming test, which usually shouldn't take more than 3-4 hours to complete. We will give you a timeframe of 9 hours to submit your solution, so that you have some flexibility. The idea of the test is to find an elegant solution for a real-life problem our developers have experienced (and solved) in the past and to implement that solution in C++.

If you applied for a non-developer position, you will receive a position-related problem as a test, which you will be asked to solve within 2 hours.

We will inform you by email about the outcome of the online test within 5 working days after submission.

We appreciate your understanding of the fact that we are unable to provide personal feedback to the test if you don't pass. Nevertheless, we can assure you that we value your time and effort and that we will not use the information you provide for anything other than the application process itself.

This step consists of two parts: A phone interview and an on-site visit.

If you submit a good solution for the online test, we invite you to a conversation via phone, MS Teams and/or TeamViewer, depending on the role you are applying for. During the interview, our CTO Arno, and/or a role-related colleague will work with you on some tasks that help us find out about your skills.

If you are applying as a developer, the phone interview can last between 1-4 hours and you will be assigned programming tasks in C++. These tasks focus on algorithmic aspects and do not require any specific knowledge about any technology or subtleties of C++. A good solution has to be correct, fast, need little memory and, importantly, should be short, elegant and easy to understand.

If you are applying for any other position, the telephone interview may only take 20 to 40 minutes.

If the call goes well, we will invite you to come meet us in person in Berlin! You should schedule 2-4 hours for the on-site interview and be prepared to solve role-related problems and some case questions.

Our on-site interview is very similar to the phone interview. Arno generally interviews developer candidates on their C++ coding skills and their knowledge of algorithms and formal logic. There is no need to bring anything along with you to the interview. You will write your code with a pen and paper.

While you are with us, we will also show you our modern office where you will meet some of your potential new colleagues. You may ask questions about the team, your field of work and our culture. We will, of course, cover the costs of your travel and hotel.

After your on-site visit is over, Arno and the person that interviewed you, will make up their mind shortly thereafter. This allows us to give you feedback only a few days after your visit. Meanwhile, we will keep our fingers crossed for you.

Let’s say you pass all interviews. We will then send you an offer that should convince you to join our team as soon as possible. Our HR team will do its best to help you to settle in. If you are coming to us from outside of Berlin, we will help you with your relocation and we can offer you an apartment in Berlin for the first month. If you need a visa, we will of course support the process and sponsor it.

We also get reviewed – Find out what candidates say about our application process

Thank you very much for taking the time to process my application. I have made many similar tests before in other job applications. I succeeded with some and failed in the other. However, this one was really interesting ... actually, the most interesting one at all by far.

Humam in December 2017

You may already know that I have submitted my solution to the problem. I would like to thank you for the given opportunity. The problem is well formed and all given information was, indeed, helpful. Though it was a bit tricky, I hope I did not miss any point. It was a great brain exercise. Hope to hear from you soon.

Miradham in December 2017

Want to know more?

If you have any questions regarding working at think-cell, our job openings or events, please feel free to contact our colleague Julia Zhachuk.

hr@think-cell.com
+49 30 6664731-81

think-cell HR representative.


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