Pros:
The interview process was well-organized, with clear communication from the recruiter.
The scope of the role was clearly explained during the interviews.
Cons:
The engineering team is making a risky move by completely rebuilding their tech stack without clear justification. This approach seems more driven by a desire for interesting projects rather than technical necessity.
Some engineers I spoke with were more focused on showcasing their own achievements rather than understanding what I could bring to the team. This made the conversation feel one-sided.
The principal engineer seemed disinterested and overly confident, which made it hard to have a meaningful discussion.
The CTO's comment about replacing the previous CTO within three days came across as immature and insensitive. It didn't seem appropriate for an interview.
The engineering culture seems to lack support for individuality and might be controlled by a few dominant individuals. This could lead to a lack of diverse ideas and creativity.
Overall:
I would cautiously recommend Howl as a potential employer. While the interview process seemed structured, there are concerns about the engineering team's decision-making, the behavior of some team members, and the overall culture. If these issues are addressed, Howl could be a more appealing place to work.