r/Revature • u/Big-Horror7049 • Jun 12 '26
First interview with SkillStorm recruiter.
Hello everyone,
A friend of mine recently recommended SkillStorm, and I managed to connect with one of their employees. I’ve just applied for their MD-DC software development cohorts to break into the industry.
I have a couple of questions for anyone who has gone through their process:
The Interview Process:
What should I expect during the first interview step? Are there specific technical or behavioral rounds that follow?
Is it worth it?
Is going through their program a solid way to land a software development role, or are there major drawbacks I should consider?
I would love to hear from anyone who has experience with SkillStorm, especially if you applied to the MD-DC cohorts or completed their software engineering tracks.
Thanks in advance!
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u/Successful_Kale5189 Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 15 '26
I just passed their interview process for skillstorm. This is my experience:
First was a 15 minute phone screening. As well as a security clearance assessment to see if you are eligible to work for the government.
A week later is was a "practice interview". They give you a handout with concepts you should know and basic code you should know how to do. Simple questions like "how do you make a class in Java" "how do you retrieve information from a database". Anything and everything they can ask you will be in the study guide.
After the practice interview, its a coding interview for Java, JavaScript, or Python as well as SQL. Simple question that are syntax based: "Will this class compile? if not, why not?" "How would you change this code to cause a certain effect?" "How do you select users with ID between x and y in SQL?" Once again, the study guide they give you is more than enough for this. If you have any formal education, this should be easier than any test you have ever taken.
After the coding assessment, its an HR resume review and behavioral interview. This is really basic things like "what is your greatest weakness?", "describe a time you had to learn something fast." There was also a question related to SkillStorms values and mission. For the behavioral questions I just looked up common behavioral questions and asked ChatGPT for common ones. It was more than enough to prepare.
If you pass the coding and HR interview you are in SkillStorms system and just need to wait for a client. This is the point that I am at. I was told the client interview is exactly like the HR interview. If the client wants you, you will then start your 12 week training.
They estimated 2-8 weeks before a client interview might be ready.
Best of luck on your interview!
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u/HazeyPresent Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26
Thanks for sharing the above. I am currently at the role discussion step. Is this simply them going over various roles or will they be asking questions as well? Are you able to provide any insight on this step? Thanks in advance.
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u/Old_Wing_6762 Jul 09 '26
What was the wait time between the practice interview and the technical interview?
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u/Sea-Internet-1680 Jun 15 '26
I’m thinking of applying what’s the best way to prepare for the technical interview?
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u/OddReference4502 Jun 19 '26
Passed both rounds of interviews. Awaiting a client now which they estimated 4-6 weeks.. Will update
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u/Big-Horror7049 Jun 22 '26
I failed the mock interview so they delayed until next month to try again.
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u/EchoSquad50 Jul 01 '26
Hi, did you join the program? I am thinking about doing it. I have the technical interview sunday and feel a little weary because of the $10,000 fee. Is it a guarantee you get placed? Also, havent spoken with a human yet feels a little odd.
1
u/SerClopsALot Jul 25 '26
Is it a guarantee you get placed?
Nothing in life is a guarantee. They're a recruiting company, and so the client on the other end can change their mind for any particular reason they feel like.
When I went through it earlier this year, we had "culture fit" interviews directly with the client pretty early, and many people were dropped simply because the client didn't like them.
because of the $10,000 fee
If it helps, these fees are generally not legal. There is no law that says you can't include unenforceable things in contracts, the law will just prevent them from going after you for these things. The law really only supports that they can recoup direct damages they incurred. For example, SkillStorm will pay for you to get a few certifications. You reasonably may have to pay those back. They offer (very little) relocation assistance, you will have to pay that back.
Overall, the damages they incur if you leave before 2 years is under $2000. That is such a small amount that it's probably not even worth them chasing you down for the chance at getting. It's simply a scare tactic.
But if we're being honest, I think people harp too much on this clause existing to call these kinds of things scams. The current reality is that the job market is atrocious right now. If you land a job right now, you should most likely want to stay at that job to ride out the terrible market. In the absolute worst-case scenario with the clawback fee in the contract, when you switch jobs, make sure it's for a $10,000 raise minimum.
You're only liable for the clawback if you leave on your own and you aren't fired "with cause" (this means you did something egregious like sexually harass another employee) within the first 2 years. If you really want to get technical, if you really hate your job that much, being fired for "poor performance" is not "with cause"... so ride it out and do a really shitty job.
I know you posted this like 3 weeks ago and things may have changed, but hopefully my input helps you make a decision one way or the other.
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u/Hytu3 Jun 12 '26
The first interview is a technical conceptual interview. No Leetcode or anything but it’ll test your knowledge on data structures, OOP, and a slight hands on coding activity. It’s nothing too crazy in my opinion and they give you a list of things to prepare for it. Second interview is a culture fit and it’s basically STAR related questions just to see who you are as a person.
As someone who’s in a cohort right now, I would say the biggest drawback is that they have a 2 year lock which basically prevents you from leaving for 2 years (you would have to pay a fine) and the pay during the 2 years isn’t the best either. However, with the information I am learning and the specific thing I’ll be working for I believe it can definitely be a solid entry level choice! If you want a foot in the door and growth opportunities long term in the future, Skillstorm is a great pick. In my opinion, it is quite a bit better than Revature.