A prep guide for general interviews
Everything you need to know to prepare for your interview with our team.
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What is Chainlink Labs?
Chainlink Labs is one of the primary contributing developers of Chainlink, the decentralized computing platform powering the verifiable web. We're a world-class team of 500+ developers, researchers, capital markets experts, and startup operators dedicated to the development and integration of Chainlink as the industry-standard platform for providing access to real-world data, offchain computation, and secure cross-chain interoperability across any blockchain.
Chainlink: the global standard powering mainstream blockchain adoption
Chainlink has emerged as core infrastructure for powering the verifiable web and onchain finance. Chainlink has enabled over $16 trillion in transaction value and powers verifiable applications and high-integrity markets for banking, DeFi, global trade, gaming, and other major sectors.
As more users realize the superiority of verifiable applications, more assets and applications will leverage Chainlink as the universal platform for pioneering the future of global markets onchain.
What to expect in the interview
Your interview at Chainlink Labs will focus on several key areas:
Understanding blockchain and smart contracts
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of blockchain technology, smart contracts, and decentralized finance (DeFi). Familiarize yourself with how Chainlink's decentralized oracle network enables smart contracts to securely interact with real-world data. Valuable resources to sharpen your knowledge can be found here: https://chainlinklabs.com/resources
Problem-solving and innovation
Showcase your ability to think critically and innovate. Chainlink Labs values creative problem solvers who can address complex challenges.
Key Principles alignment
We are proud of our collaborative culture. Be prepared to discuss how you align with our Key Principles:
Ownership
We apply high standards in our work and take complete, unconditional responsibility for all outcomes. We always go the extra mile when helping one another, our users, and our community and working toward achieving our objectives.
Focus
Prioritizing outcomes and avoiding the many distractions in our industry enables us to pay full attention to our objectives and achieve more in less time without wasting energy.
Dialogue
Chainlink Labs is an idea meritocracy. We seek to arrive at the truth about every situation through open, honest, and constructive dialogue. We avoid personal biases and ego and seek to overcome the fear of engaging in productive conflict to arrive at truth.
Interview steps
Screening interview
A 30-minute conversation with someone from our Talent Acquisition Team to discuss the role, position requirements, and our key principles.
Tip: Reflect on your application and why you’ve applied for this role. Come prepared with questions and examples that demonstrate your alignment with our principles of ownership, dialogue, and focus.
Hiring manager interview
A 45 to 60-minute video interview with the Hiring Manager to delve into your resume and skills, and discuss your career goals.
Tip: Be ready to discuss specific examples of high-impact work and how your experience aligns with the role and our principles of ownership and delivering high-quality work.
Team interviews
Three interviews with cross-functional team members, typically within the same department. This will most often cover topics like your ability to partner with key stakeholders and a deeper dive into your specific skills for the role with a peer.
Tip: Be genuine and keep our key principles in mind. Show how you fit into the team and demonstrate your commitment to dialogue and focus.
Take-home exercise
A practical exercise to evaluate your technical ability and simulate working together.
Tip: Complete the assignment to the best of your ability. Ask questions, validate assumptions and seek feedback from your recruiter as needed.
Executive interviews
An interview with a high-level executive or manager, such as a C-Suite, VP, or Director. If applicable, we may also conduct an interview with one of Chainlink Labs’ advisors to discuss management style, team building and growth.
Tip: Use the resources provided on our resources page. Be prepared to discuss how your experience and skills align with the expectations of the role.
Case-by-case basis
Alignment interview
A 90-minute non-technical conversation with a senior member from a different team to gain a broader perspective on collaboration.
Tip: Reflect on our key principles and be ready to discuss how you have embodied these in your past roles.
Advisor interview
A 60-minute interview with one of Chainlink Labs' advisors to discuss management style, team building, and growth.
Tip: Demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to our key principles.
General tips for success
Listen carefully
It is perfectly fine to rephrase questions for better understanding or to request clarification. Also, if you need a moment to gather your thoughts, don't hesitate to let the interviewer know.
Be direct
Ensure your responses address the question directly. Avoid using pre-prepared examples that do not relate to the question being asked.
Focus on the process, not just the answer
The interviewer is interested in your problem-solving approach. Don't stress about finding the perfect answer. Be prepared for follow-up questions.
Communicate clearly
Explain your thought process out loud during the interview. This helps the interviewer understand your approach and reasoning.
Be ready
Remember, interviewing is a two-way street. Come prepared with thoughtful questions (e.g., team priorities, culture, etc.). We want you to feel comfortable and understand how the role aligns with your career goals.