I applied on the company website after getting a few emails from a recruiter. A couple days after I applied, I was contacted by another recruiter to schedule a phone interview and the infamous skills assessment---I scheduled both for the following week. I wasn't sure what to expect for the skills assessment, I just knew that most people did not get past this stage in the process. Like many before me have said, it included a quantitative, verbal, logic, and coding section. All sections were timed, some shorter than others. You can't really prepare for the skills assessment. Most of it is basic math/reading knowledge and common sense. I would suggest, however, making sure you have good internet connectivity and are mental prepared to take an "exam" for at least an hour. Please note that you CAN use scratch paper and a calculator...the people at ProctorU may tell you otherwise (although, I didn't end up needing it anyways). After the skills assessment, I had the phone interview. I spoke with a current employee. He asked me a few questions about why I had applied, what I majored in during college and why, and if I was willing to travel. Very straightforward. A few hours after my phone interview, I was invited for the onsite interview.
Epic does a great job making sure everything is organized for your onsite interview. Airfare, hotel, cab/taxi, food, etc. is all taken care of beforehand...and they even reimburse you for food bought on the way there/home. The night before the interview I was taken to a fancy-ish restaurant with one other candidate and a couple of employees. It was actually pretty fun---we mostly just talked about our backgrounds, what Epic was like, etc. Again, very fun and relaxed. Nothing to worry about here!
On the morning of the interview, a taxi will pick you and a few other candidates up from the hotel. Once you arrive at Epic, you will receive a personalized schedule. For me, I had a company overview and software demonstration first. Then I met with another current employee. This was more of a conversation and I could ask them anything I wanted about the job, traveling, Madison, life....The employee was very friendly. After this, I had a one-on-one interview with a different employee. He asked some behavioral questions (which are all over Glassdoor). It was very easy and lasted about 15 minutes. Then, I had a group 'case study' with two other candidates. We were given a scenario then had to prioritize issues and come up with a plan for one of our 'clients.' The scenario is pretty straightforward, and it was surprisingly easy to work with the other candidates. I was expecting that one of the other candidates would take lead and dominate the exercise, but it was actually a collaborative attempt. We took turns coming up with ideas and presenting our thoughts. My advice for this case study is to forget that the other people you are with are candidates. Go in with a collaborative mindset, rather than competitive. Take lead for a portion of the presentation, but also be respectful of your peers. Also, speak up when you are presenting your ideas. Answer any of their questions with confidence!
After the group case study, we went to lunch as a group; a few candidates, myself, and one employee (They aren't lying when they say the food is good). Once that was over, I gave my 10-minute presentation to HR and two other employees. I suggest picking a topic you find interesting and can answer questions about afterwards. I wouldn't recommend a narrow-minded topic (i.e. super specific technology or biological process). Pick something that is known to the public, but put a twist/different perspective on it. Most importantly, just be confident! They make it a low-stress situation. I also suggest making handouts or having some type of demonstration to keep the group engaged.
After the presentation, I met with my HR recruiter, where we discussed salary, starting date, relocation information, etc. He also asked some unusual behavioral/personality questions (5 things you are not, assertiveness, collaboration, etc.). A week or so later, I was called with the offer.
At a high level, my advice would be to just be yourself. I know it sounds cliche, but I really mean it. Focus on the assessments (mentally prepare---but honestly no need to study). Once you get past those, research the company, search through Glassdoor, and prepare for all of the questions you expect to see. Once you are onsite, be confident. It is a bit tiring because you have to be "on" for 6 or so hours. You will be by yourself for a few minutes during the day, so take that time to breathe and relax. You aren't guaranteed a job offer after the onsite (I think), but if you go in prepared (research the company) and outwardly show enthusiasm for the company, you should be just fine. Lastly, casual dress code really does mean casual. Don't look sloppy though.
