So you’re considering applying for DICE - that’s awesome!
We understand that you might have a lot of questions around the application process so we sat down with our recruitment team and asked for their help in this step-by-step guide.
We hope this will help get you started - and we hope to see you here soon!
Before you apply for a position (at any company) one of the most important things is to do your research. What kind of games do they make? Who is their core audience? How big is the company? The list goes on. Finding answers to these questions will not only help you in potential interviews later on, but also help you better understand how you and your experience may fit in and, most importantly, if the company itself seems like the right one for you.
Amanda Franell, Recruiting Consultant, Global Talent Acquisition
Anna Wedin, Senior Technical Recruiter, Global Talent Acquisition
Yui Washida, Lead Recruiter, Global Talent Acquisition
The Interview
The interview process here at DICE is broken down into a few steps, here is what you can expect in each step, and how our different disciplines differ a bit.
Screening call with Talent Acquisition
The first person from us you will meet with is our Recruiter. This is a chance for the both of you to talk a bit more in detail around your CV, your expectations and understanding about the role, and make sure that the role you applied for is what you expect it to be - and at the same time make sure the expectations on you in this role is clear as well.
Based on this call we will set up a first interview with your potential future manager and experts within the discipline.
We always want to make sure that you have full insight on what the next step in the hiring process is. So you have full visibility into who you will be meeting next, and if there are any skill assessment tests for the role.
First Interview with the Hiring Team
During this first interview you will have the chance to find out more about the role itself, the team you will be part of, and how we work at DICE.
This is where we will be talking about the cool things you will be working on and all the awesome people you will be working with (to make sure we can speak as freely as possible you will need to sign an NDA).
This is also our opportunity to hear from you what excites you about potentially working at DICE, and for you to share a bit with us who you are. We love to hear about your side projects and what books and pods you tap into to learn new things - if you are a cat or a dog person - tea or coffee - skiing or beach vacation - etc.
You will of course also have time to ask questions - so make sure to raise any questions you have! There will be time allotted for this in all interviews. Don’t go easy on us! Make sure we are right for you and do ask the tough questions that are important to you.
If there is mutual interest to move forward, we’ll move onto the Domain Focused Interviews and Skill Assessment for those roles that require it.
Domain Focused Interviews
This step looks different depending on which discipline you are applying for, and your hiring manager will walk you through the relevant process that applies for you specifically. Make sure to ask questions or check in with your Recruiter if something is unclear to you.
The Domain Focused Interview will provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge as well as give us a chance to know how you think, problem solve, and communicate.
During the interview we will dig into areas related to projects you have worked on, or that come about naturally throughout the conversation. Regardless of your level of experience and seniority the conversation may reach a point where you (or anyone else in the conversation, for that matter) simply do not have an answer; it is acceptable and even encouraged to disclose that you do not know. In these cases, if you have tangentially related experience or information, you can always go in that direction. “I have no experience with X, but I do have experience with Y and this was my approach and here’s why” - but it is equally as accepted if you do not. This thinking applies in our development teams as well as it's important to be transparent with challenges, and raise those.
You will also have time to ask questions to the people you meet in this interview; about the team, their experiences, etc. You are encouraged to use this time to your advantage. You should make sure you are comfortable and excited about working with us.
Unless you are looking for multiple perspectives across interviewers, we would suggest bringing unique questions to each interview round. This maximizes the information you gather to make a decision and shows an earnest interest in our team and people.
Following the domain-focused interview, the interviewers will review your answers and bring their assessments and conclusions back to the hiring manager. From this, the hiring manager will determine the next step in the process. You will always be kept in the loop for any decision made and next steps!
Wrap Up
Once all interviews are complete we will always try to have a final wrap up call with you and us from Recruitment. We want to learn more about your experience so far, making sure you have all your questions answered, and going through the next steps in the process.
On occasion, there will be areas which haven't been covered sufficiently during the recruitment process (from your side or ours). We may invite you to a final short meeting with leaders from your domain to explore these topics and resolve any final queries you have.
Once we have reviewed the interview feedback we will communicate the outcome to you in a timely manner.
The Offer
If you decide to take us up on our offer to start your new career journey here at DICE, you will be working with your Hiring Manager to get you set up and prepared for your first day at DICE!
Your manager will continue to have a great impact and be a support along your entire professional journey here at DICE. As part of our leadership philosophy we believe that management takes time, skill, and commitment. All managers are held to a high standard, go through continuous training, where our Team Engagement and Manager Surveys let you give anonymous feedback on how your manager is helping you grow in the company.
Where you are expected to drive your own career and set your own career goals here at DICE, your manager will continue to be there and guide you every step of the way.
But we will get to all that in your first weeks here!
Tips to be successful in your interview
Deep breath!
All our interviews are carried out via Zoom, make sure that you have your computer set up with a good internet connection, access to camera and microphone. As you are on NDA and might be discussing sensitive topics, also make sure you are in a secure, non public, place.
A huge recommendation is to listen to the questions. Many get very excited and start talking about their life journey before even a question has been asked and easily get side tracked. Listen to the questions, try to be precise in the answers, take a pause, and ask if the team wants a more elaborate answer.
It is ok to say, “I do not know”. Ask for elaboration on something you do not understand and contribute where you can.
Ask questions that are important to you. This is a two-way interview; you want to make sure we are the best fit for you too.
While it is important to have questions for each of your interviews, it is best if those questions are not something that could be easily found in a Google search. Steer clear of questions like, “What games do you make?” or “What does EA do?”. This is your chance to have a conversation with someone on your potential future team, so make sure you ask questions only they will know.
Think about the stories and experiences you want us to know about you and practice telling them to someone. Make sure we know what you want us to know before you go.
Oftentimes interviewers are as nervous as you. Nerves are ok! Take another deep breath.
We are a pretty casual bunch. Your interviewers are probably wearing something they feel comfortable in - a DICE t-shirt, jeans, and a pair of Adidas or something.
You’ll do great. Focus on the positives and sell your strengths - but don't steer away from areas of growth. Everyone has weaknesses and opportunities for growth. Everyone needs to get better at something. Sharing those shows insight and is a positive.
If you are interviewing for a creative role, it's also good to have portfolio or work samples ready if an interviewer would ask to see
Interviewing is hard work, and no one does it perfectly, not us, not other companies…well, maybe talk show hosts. We hope that these tips will help you succeed in your journey to become part of our DICE team!
Now that you have the tool make sure to check out our Open Positions Listings. Good luck!