Monday, June 18, 2007
ThoughtWorks is hiring
ThoughtWorks is hiring. I'm not big on using my blog for this type of stuff, but this time I'm being selfish. I want to work with the best and I'm willing to do a little company promotion to make it happen.
As usual, we are looking for talented Ruby, Java, or C# developers.
I'll skip the long pitch and get to the top 3 reasons to join:
1. Learn/work with the best. At ThoughtWorks you'll get opportunities to work some of the best developers in the industry. In my first 3 months at ThoughtWorks I was given the opportunity to contribute content to one of Martin Fowler's upcoming books.
2. Flat corporate structure. A few months ago I had an idea for the business. I pitched it to a few colleagues, who also liked it. At that point I called up our CEO to get his perspective. ThoughtWorks is approaching 900 people world wide, and yet the CEO still takes the time to talk to anyone with an idea.
3. Interesting work. Whatever you are looking for, we probably have something that will please you. If you want to work in the US, China, India, London, Australia, or Canada we have that. If you want health-care, banking, retail, energy, or insurance, we have that also. If you want Ruby, Java, or C#, we have projects for you. In practice you generally have to pick 2 of location, domain, or technology, but it's nice to know you have options. And, each new project you can change which two are important to you.
While I'm at it, let's address the top 2 excuses for not joining:
1. You don't have enough experience. This simply isn't true. We hire talented developers at every level. In fact, we even hire college grads with no experience. If you have aptitude, a good attitude and integrity, we have a place for you.
2. You don't know where to start. You can start by sending me a resume: my first name at thoughtworks dot com
As usual, we are looking for talented Ruby, Java, or C# developers.
I'll skip the long pitch and get to the top 3 reasons to join:
1. Learn/work with the best. At ThoughtWorks you'll get opportunities to work some of the best developers in the industry. In my first 3 months at ThoughtWorks I was given the opportunity to contribute content to one of Martin Fowler's upcoming books.
2. Flat corporate structure. A few months ago I had an idea for the business. I pitched it to a few colleagues, who also liked it. At that point I called up our CEO to get his perspective. ThoughtWorks is approaching 900 people world wide, and yet the CEO still takes the time to talk to anyone with an idea.
3. Interesting work. Whatever you are looking for, we probably have something that will please you. If you want to work in the US, China, India, London, Australia, or Canada we have that. If you want health-care, banking, retail, energy, or insurance, we have that also. If you want Ruby, Java, or C#, we have projects for you. In practice you generally have to pick 2 of location, domain, or technology, but it's nice to know you have options. And, each new project you can change which two are important to you.
While I'm at it, let's address the top 2 excuses for not joining:
1. You don't have enough experience. This simply isn't true. We hire talented developers at every level. In fact, we even hire college grads with no experience. If you have aptitude, a good attitude and integrity, we have a place for you.
2. You don't know where to start. You can start by sending me a resume: my first name at thoughtworks dot com
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Jay,
I'm afraid you didn't address the biggest reason of all for not applying: the 100% travel policy. I have a lot of admiration for Thoughtworks, but until you guys change your tune on this you will have hordes of excellent developers who are committed to their families as well as their jobs that will be off limits to you.
I'm afraid you didn't address the biggest reason of all for not applying: the 100% travel policy. I have a lot of admiration for Thoughtworks, but until you guys change your tune on this you will have hordes of excellent developers who are committed to their families as well as their jobs that will be off limits to you.
In addition, you have to move to one of their base cities. I don't want to live in any one of them. I like Raleigh and if they were to open an office here I would definitely consider applying.
# posted by 
: 10:43 AM
: 10:43 AM
Relocation and 100% travel can be tough. Though, travel is only common in the US. Also, I've been with ThoughtWorks for 2.5 years and only been on a project that required a plane trip for .5 of those years. Being at ThoughtWorks doesn't mean you will travel, it means you must be willing to travel.
However, if you want to live and work somewhere that we don't have an office, say Tuscon, you're right, TW probably isn't the right place for you.
Interesting side note: We currently have a large project in Raleigh...
However, if you want to live and work somewhere that we don't have an office, say Tuscon, you're right, TW probably isn't the right place for you.
Interesting side note: We currently have a large project in Raleigh...
Hi, I'm just about to accept a Thoughtworks offer. I fully expect to be on 100% (80%, whatever) travel most of the time. I also fully expect to come home virtually all weekends. I hope not to be disappointed in this expectation!
Basically, if you are interested in working with great people, and interested in a variety of projects and technologies and locations, as well as open source, perhaps a bit of writing opportunity .... then the travel requirement is a fine price to pay, methinks.
Basically, if you are interested in working with great people, and interested in a variety of projects and technologies and locations, as well as open source, perhaps a bit of writing opportunity .... then the travel requirement is a fine price to pay, methinks.
Hi Jay, Do you have any opportunity for QA/Test Engineers. what kind of work is expected from a typical QA guy and what's the skill-set you look for while hiring?
- Nikhil
- Nikhil
Hello Nikhil,
We have opportunities for QA/Test Engineers, Project Managers, and Business Analysts.
Since I'm a developer and I expect the audience of this blog to be mostly developers, I didn't bother mentioning that. However, we are definitely looking for talented people for those roles also.
Cheers, Jay
We have opportunities for QA/Test Engineers, Project Managers, and Business Analysts.
Since I'm a developer and I expect the audience of this blog to be mostly developers, I didn't bother mentioning that. However, we are definitely looking for talented people for those roles also.
Cheers, Jay
I am looking for oppurtunity in technical architect role in India. How to know specific requirement in a country?
# posted by : 12:49 PM
: 12:49 PM
Our India specific page is located at: http://www.thoughtworks.com/work-for-us/recruitment-in.html
Also, or anyone else, the general page that links to specific countries is found at: http://www.thoughtworks.com/work-for-us/work-for-us.html
Cheers, Jay
Also, or anyone else, the general page that links to specific countries is found at: http://www.thoughtworks.com/work-for-us/work-for-us.html
Cheers, Jay
Hello carfield
I believe you would need to live in one of the cities where we have an office.
http://www.thoughtworks.com/work-for-us/recruitment-cn.html
Cheers, Jay
I believe you would need to live in one of the cities where we have an office.
http://www.thoughtworks.com/work-for-us/recruitment-cn.html
Cheers, Jay
Hi Jay,
If I choose to work for TW it'd be because of what I think TW is like, going by blogs like yours and Martin Fowler's:
1. TW does exciting work in the field of Ruby, really cutting-edge, using best practices in the industry
2. TW works in a committed, truly Agile way
3. TW has ONLY talented people. Period. So you get to learn something from ANY ThoughtWorker you interact with.
4. You are given ample opportunities to express ideas, and also grow in your career, horizontally and vertically.
What I want to know:
1. Is the above true for all TW offices? I'm especially interested in TW India - what work it does and how talented the people there are.
2. Since TW is on a hiring spree (I've seen blog posts like this one on other TW blogs), is there not a risk that you'll start compromising on the talent and quality of the hires?
3. What is the reason behind the hiring? Are you getting loads of new projects? Do you have enough work (the exciting kind) for all the people you're gonna hire? Hope you guys aren't looking to increase your "bench" or "pool" strength.
Would really appreciate if you can appease these doubts of mine. If you don't have the answers, could you please get some from those who have? It'd mean a lot 'cos leaving your current job for a new one is always a big decision.
Thanks.
If I choose to work for TW it'd be because of what I think TW is like, going by blogs like yours and Martin Fowler's:
1. TW does exciting work in the field of Ruby, really cutting-edge, using best practices in the industry
2. TW works in a committed, truly Agile way
3. TW has ONLY talented people. Period. So you get to learn something from ANY ThoughtWorker you interact with.
4. You are given ample opportunities to express ideas, and also grow in your career, horizontally and vertically.
What I want to know:
1. Is the above true for all TW offices? I'm especially interested in TW India - what work it does and how talented the people there are.
2. Since TW is on a hiring spree (I've seen blog posts like this one on other TW blogs), is there not a risk that you'll start compromising on the talent and quality of the hires?
3. What is the reason behind the hiring? Are you getting loads of new projects? Do you have enough work (the exciting kind) for all the people you're gonna hire? Hope you guys aren't looking to increase your "bench" or "pool" strength.
Would really appreciate if you can appease these doubts of mine. If you don't have the answers, could you please get some from those who have? It'd mean a lot 'cos leaving your current job for a new one is always a big decision.
Thanks.
# posted by : 8:10 AM
: 8:10 AM
Hello Aman,
Each TW office strives for interesting work, using the best methodology (currently Agile), with the best people. And, you are definitely given plenty of opportunity to express ideas and grow your career.
That said, just like no one is perfect, no company is perfect either. I've worked with people that I didn't think were fits. I've also worked on projects that I didn't consider to be in our sweet spot. However, those employees have left and those projects have ended.
We strive for the things you are looking for, and continually improve towards those goals.
Each TW office strives for interesting work, using the best methodology (currently Agile), with the best people. And, you are definitely given plenty of opportunity to express ideas and grow your career.
That said, just like no one is perfect, no company is perfect either. I've worked with people that I didn't think were fits. I've also worked on projects that I didn't consider to be in our sweet spot. However, those employees have left and those projects have ended.
We strive for the things you are looking for, and continually improve towards those goals.
I'm in talks with one of TW India's recruiting team members... one of the questions I asked him was "What's the career ladder like in TW?" and funnily, his reply was "There is no career ladder in TW. We're a very different company." He said that I'd be hired as "Application Developer" and there are many ThoughtWorkers with 3-4 years of experience who are still "Application Developer" in designation. He added that appraisals are with regard to salary and not with regard to promotion.
Frankly, all that made no sense to me. Could you better explain what the recruiter could have meant? (I didn't pursue with more questions with him as I was dumbfounded... because what he said seemed to be like saying "If you're joining TW as Application Developer, you're in a dead-end job"!!)
Jay, could you please state what designations you guys have in TW and how people progress in their careers? If I join TW as Application Developer, where can I see myself 3-4 years from now (with respect to various roles and designations)?
Frankly, all that made no sense to me. Could you better explain what the recruiter could have meant? (I didn't pursue with more questions with him as I was dumbfounded... because what he said seemed to be like saying "If you're joining TW as Application Developer, you're in a dead-end job"!!)
Jay, could you please state what designations you guys have in TW and how people progress in their careers? If I join TW as Application Developer, where can I see myself 3-4 years from now (with respect to various roles and designations)?
# posted by : 3:09 PM
: 3:09 PM
Hey Jay, nice to know Thoughtworks is hiring... I just might apply...
But before I do that, I'd like to know where Thoughtworks stands vis-a-vis the "put problem" - its $43 million debt to SVIP (Thoughtwork's VC). Any idea about that?
According to the following links (including the official court document), in mid-2005, Thoughtworks had to seek a $10 million line of credit to pay its employees! What's the company's financial situation now?
Links:
http://courts.delaware.gov/opinions/(5iwbml55qliqzireoy5eoe45)/download.aspx?ID=79250
http://briandonovan.info/self-assembly/2006/08/02/thoughtworks-solving-the-put-issue/
But before I do that, I'd like to know where Thoughtworks stands vis-a-vis the "put problem" - its $43 million debt to SVIP (Thoughtwork's VC). Any idea about that?
According to the following links (including the official court document), in mid-2005, Thoughtworks had to seek a $10 million line of credit to pay its employees! What's the company's financial situation now?
Links:
http://courts.delaware.gov/opinions/(5iwbml55qliqzireoy5eoe45)/download.aspx?ID=79250
http://briandonovan.info/self-assembly/2006/08/02/thoughtworks-solving-the-put-issue/
# posted by : 4:39 PM
: 4:39 PM
Like I said in my entry, ThoughtWorks has a very flat structure. The flat structure translates to different job titles and responsibilities per office. I'm not sure what the structure looks like in India.
I can tell you that in the US there are career paths, and you can choose to take any one that you are interested in. If you excel in your roles, you will move up in the organization.
I'm very sure the same applies to India. Don't be afraid to ask your contact to be more specific. From what I'm told, titles are more important in India. If it's important they should be happy to talk to you about it.
Cheers, Jay
I can tell you that in the US there are career paths, and you can choose to take any one that you are interested in. If you excel in your roles, you will move up in the organization.
I'm very sure the same applies to India. Don't be afraid to ask your contact to be more specific. From what I'm told, titles are more important in India. If it's important they should be happy to talk to you about it.
Cheers, Jay
Vincent,
For legal reasons I can't comment on the put or lines of credit.
If you are truly interested in applying, please do and ask those questions during the interview process. I expect you'll receive honest answers.
Don't believe everything you read. I have links that contradict the ones you posted, but this isn't really a good forum for a legal discussion.
Cheers, Jay
For legal reasons I can't comment on the put or lines of credit.
If you are truly interested in applying, please do and ask those questions during the interview process. I expect you'll receive honest answers.
Don't believe everything you read. I have links that contradict the ones you posted, but this isn't really a good forum for a legal discussion.
Cheers, Jay
Thanks for your forthcoming reply, Jay. Much appreciated.
I will agree that legal hocus pocus is best left outside this forum. I'll be sure to ask the right people the right question at the right time.
For you, I have these questions, which I think you can reply safely... ;-)
1. Are you satisfied with the salary and the increments you receive from Thoughtworks?
2. Do you receive the full salary promised to you by Thoughtworks, on time, every month?
3. Do you expect to continue receiving your full promised salary from Thoughtworks, on time, every month, for many years to come?
An answer of "Yes, yes, yes" would satisfy me for now. ;-)
I will agree that legal hocus pocus is best left outside this forum. I'll be sure to ask the right people the right question at the right time.
For you, I have these questions, which I think you can reply safely... ;-)
1. Are you satisfied with the salary and the increments you receive from Thoughtworks?
2. Do you receive the full salary promised to you by Thoughtworks, on time, every month?
3. Do you expect to continue receiving your full promised salary from Thoughtworks, on time, every month, for many years to come?
An answer of "Yes, yes, yes" would satisfy me for now. ;-)
# posted by : 2:51 AM
: 2:51 AM
Vincent,
The answer to all 3 questions is absolutely yes. In fact, I would quit if that wasn't the case.
Cheers,
Jay
The answer to all 3 questions is absolutely yes. In fact, I would quit if that wasn't the case.
Cheers,
Jay
Hi Jay
I have been approached by thoughtworks for a job interview, i got through the initial round (coding problem), i have a telephonic round coming up,
i am really excited about working with tw, but have heard of their tough selection process, could you give me some pointers in this regard ?
i have applied for a c# developer position
I have been approached by thoughtworks for a job interview, i got through the initial round (coding problem), i have a telephonic round coming up,
i am really excited about working with tw, but have heard of their tough selection process, could you give me some pointers in this regard ?
i have applied for a c# developer position
# posted by : 12:38 PM
: 12:38 PM
It's good to read this.
There's not much you can do to prep for the technical questions.
Relax and be yourself.
Good luck.
There's not much you can do to prep for the technical questions.
Relax and be yourself.
Good luck.
thanks jay
I am going to TW's Bangalore office on next week end, lets see how i do there ...
I am going to TW's Bangalore office on next week end, lets see how i do there ...
# posted by : 1:18 PM
: 1:18 PM
Tw is recruiting junior devs these days and many experienced guys in the company are leaving.
# posted by : 10:52 PM
: 10:52 PM
Like I said in my original entry, ThoughtWorks recruits at all levels including junior and senior.
Some senior developers have left, and some senior developers have joined. Any medium to large services corporation will experience churn. However, Martin Fowler, David Rice, Neal Ford and many others remain.
For me, ThoughtWorks remains the best consultancy to work for.
Some senior developers have left, and some senior developers have joined. Any medium to large services corporation will experience churn. However, Martin Fowler, David Rice, Neal Ford and many others remain.
For me, ThoughtWorks remains the best consultancy to work for.
yeah but you dont pair with any of these guys in projects. Read Fred George's latest posts about Agile Team structure. The big guys fly around in first class and talk in conferences. have you ever paired with Fowler ? he sucks
# posted by : 7:07 PM
: 7:07 PM
Actually, I've paired with both Neal and Martin on several occasions. They are both very talented.
One of the best things about ThoughtWorks is that you'll have an opportunity to do whatever you want if you are motivated, good at what you do, and it's beneficial to the business.
One of the best things about ThoughtWorks is that you'll have an opportunity to do whatever you want if you are motivated, good at what you do, and it's beneficial to the business.
Jay, I'm already impressed with you for showing such patience and respect to "anonymous" posters who can be so disrespectful!
If all ThoughtWorkers are people like you (and it seems so, going by my interactions with a few), I'll join ThoughtWorks in an eye-blink!!
I must say -- you're doing a great job representing ThoughtWorks. :)
If all ThoughtWorkers are people like you (and it seems so, going by my interactions with a few), I'll join ThoughtWorks in an eye-blink!!
I must say -- you're doing a great job representing ThoughtWorks. :)
# posted by : 1:43 PM
: 1:43 PM
I second Aman's opinion, it would indeed be great to work @ TW if most people at TW have attitude and patience like yours Jay.
I have an interview scheduled for
18th August, lets see how it goes.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this forum ;)
Also , I would like to know if selected ,would I have choice to work/relocate to different country like USA, does TW give employees this option, even at a later stage.
cheers,
Venkat Reddy P
I have an interview scheduled for
18th August, lets see how it goes.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this forum ;)
Also , I would like to know if selected ,would I have choice to work/relocate to different country like USA, does TW give employees this option, even at a later stage.
cheers,
Venkat Reddy P
There are various ways in which you can end up working out of another office. A few common ones are:
You request to transfer to another office.
Another office has a need and TW asks for volunteers. (note: TW will not require you to move if you do not volunteer)
Cheers, Jay
You request to transfer to another office.
Another office has a need and TW asks for volunteers. (note: TW will not require you to move if you do not volunteer)
Cheers, Jay
Hi Jay,
Could clear the Logic assessment,Code review , but somehow couldnt make an impression during the technical interview.
I am feeling really bad about not being able to join TW.
How long should i have to wait before I can re-apply ???
Venkat Reddy
Could clear the Logic assessment,Code review , but somehow couldnt make an impression during the technical interview.
I am feeling really bad about not being able to join TW.
How long should i have to wait before I can re-apply ???
Venkat Reddy
Venkat,
The recruiting process is tough. I suggest taking it as a challenge and focus on improving the areas that you thought you could have done better in.
I believe you can reapply every 6 months.
Cheers, Jay
The recruiting process is tough. I suggest taking it as a challenge and focus on improving the areas that you thought you could have done better in.
I believe you can reapply every 6 months.
Cheers, Jay
Jay,
I went through ThoughtWorks hiring process to the end before.
You mentioned, "In practice you generally have to pick 2 of location, domain, or technology".
I requested only one of them during the interview, i.e. technology - focusing on working on Ruby or Ruby on Rails. I even said I will relocate if I can work on them.
But at the end of the process, I received a call saying that ThoughtWorks cannot hire me because I am focusing only on Ruby. (Though I appreciate their integrity that they called me and let me know the reason. Other companies usually don't call a candidate if they decide not to hire him/her.)
You also said in one of the answers, "One of the best things about ThoughtWorks is that you'll have an opportunity to do whatever you want if you are motivated, good at what you do, and it's beneficial to the business."
I understand that you are talking from your own experience. But there seems to be some inconsistency between what they say on job boards, etc. and what they are actually looking for.
Could you please clarify about this?
Also which office are you working at? Maybe I should apply for a position at your office.
Thank you.
I went through ThoughtWorks hiring process to the end before.
You mentioned, "In practice you generally have to pick 2 of location, domain, or technology".
I requested only one of them during the interview, i.e. technology - focusing on working on Ruby or Ruby on Rails. I even said I will relocate if I can work on them.
But at the end of the process, I received a call saying that ThoughtWorks cannot hire me because I am focusing only on Ruby. (Though I appreciate their integrity that they called me and let me know the reason. Other companies usually don't call a candidate if they decide not to hire him/her.)
You also said in one of the answers, "One of the best things about ThoughtWorks is that you'll have an opportunity to do whatever you want if you are motivated, good at what you do, and it's beneficial to the business."
I understand that you are talking from your own experience. But there seems to be some inconsistency between what they say on job boards, etc. and what they are actually looking for.
Could you please clarify about this?
Also which office are you working at? Maybe I should apply for a position at your office.
Thank you.
# posted by : 10:34 AM
: 10:34 AM
I am speaking from my experience, but I do believe that it applies to all of our offices. However, some places have less work than other places when for each technology. For example, I don't think they have any Ruby work in Canada. However, we do have one of our best Ruby guys living in Canada. When he joined he was working on a .net app, and then he found something that was beneficial for the business and now he gets to work primarily with Ruby.
I generally work out of the US office, but I am currently in London. We have more Ruby work in the US than anywhere else, I believe.
Cheers, Jay
I generally work out of the US office, but I am currently in London. We have more Ruby work in the US than anywhere else, I believe.
Cheers, Jay
Hi Jay,
I recently had a phone interview with one of Thoughtworker. The interview was very good. But they asked me to travel to Banglore for training from February. It turns out that my professor needs me to work with him next semester and I might need to wait as they are not recruiting right now for June/August.
Meanwhile, I did a good research on the company and I have never been more excited to work for any company. It sounds a great opportunity to me and something I dont want to miss out.
I have 6 more months before I re-apply for June openings. I need your suggestions on areas I need to concentrate to have a favorable impression. I just dont want to miss an opportunity to work with this dynamic growing company.
Best Regards,
I recently had a phone interview with one of Thoughtworker. The interview was very good. But they asked me to travel to Banglore for training from February. It turns out that my professor needs me to work with him next semester and I might need to wait as they are not recruiting right now for June/August.
Meanwhile, I did a good research on the company and I have never been more excited to work for any company. It sounds a great opportunity to me and something I dont want to miss out.
I have 6 more months before I re-apply for June openings. I need your suggestions on areas I need to concentrate to have a favorable impression. I just dont want to miss an opportunity to work with this dynamic growing company.
Best Regards,
There's no recipe, but the easiest thing to do is follow blogs.thoughtworks.com and look for hints on what other people are working on.
Cheers, Jay
Cheers, Jay
Hi,
I have been through the code review round from thoughtworks recently and then they asked me to meet in their office personally.
I wanted to know if they provide the travel cost or I have to bear this from my side.
Thanks in advance
I have been through the code review round from thoughtworks recently and then they asked me to meet in their office personally.
I wanted to know if they provide the travel cost or I have to bear this from my side.
Thanks in advance
Hello Jai,
Each office has different policies, and even then situations differ. I would contact whoever you've been dealing with and ask them directly.
Cheers and good luck, Jay
Each office has different policies, and even then situations differ. I would contact whoever you've been dealing with and ask them directly.
Cheers and good luck, Jay
Hi Jay,
Thanks for your prompt response.
I have been called from ThoughtWorks Bangalore, India office.
Regards,
Jai
Thanks for your prompt response.
I have been called from ThoughtWorks Bangalore, India office.
Regards,
Jai
Hi i have an interview for QA this weekend. have 2+ work ex. can u plz tell wht exactly is the skill set they look for.
# posted by : 12:36 PM
: 12:36 PM
I have a QA interview with TW this weekend. Can you please advice on the expectations at TW to hire QA ppl. ihave abt 4 yrs exp in software testing from CRM and Security domain.
Thanks.
Thanks.
# posted by : 6:59 AM
: 6:59 AM
Hi,
I have been through the code review round from thoughtworks recently and they asked me to meet in their pune office personally.
Could you please help to let me know what type of logic and general aptitude assessments test taken by TW. I have no idea about this test. Please help me ....
Thanks in advance ....
--
Regards,
Vineet
I have been through the code review round from thoughtworks recently and they asked me to meet in their pune office personally.
Could you please help to let me know what type of logic and general aptitude assessments test taken by TW. I have no idea about this test. Please help me ....
Thanks in advance ....
--
Regards,
Vineet
# posted by : 12:38 AM
: 12:38 AM
hi jay,
I have been through the code review round from thoughtworks recently and they asked me to meet in their bangalore,india office.
Could you please help to let me know what happens at Code pairing round in TW. I have no idea about this. Please help me ....
Thanks in advance ....
Regards,
Shraddha
I have been through the code review round from thoughtworks recently and they asked me to meet in their bangalore,india office.
Could you please help to let me know what happens at Code pairing round in TW. I have no idea about this. Please help me ....
Thanks in advance ....
Regards,
Shraddha
# posted by : 7:44 AM
: 7:44 AM
Unfortunately, i've never worked in the Bangalore or Pune offices, so I'm not really sure what happens. Each office has their own practices that work well in that region.
Good luck.
Good luck.
hi TW is visiting my campus for hiring so could plz give an example of what kind of codes they ask u to write bcauz i don't have any idea................
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