Everything about Toptal interview process

Toptal is a marketplace for top freelancers and top clients to meet and engage. It is similar to freelancer.com and upwork though the big difference is Toptal’s claim of providing the best developers. I have recently passed the screening process on my second attempt and thought of sharing my experience. The screening process is 4 step and it’s definitely not easy to get into the network. I will try to explain the interview process and how things work later.

Screening process to join the network

• Round one (26.4% pass): Skype interview to talk about the company, note candidate’s work experience and understand the reasons to join Toptal. It’s a brief interview to check ability to read, write and speak English extremely well. They also try to look into personality traits, passionate and driven individuals. This round is to probe if the candidate is above average developer and has good communication skills.
• Round two (7.4% pass): An online codility test with three programming problems to solve in a limited time of 90 minutes. This test is to check for computer science or design fundamentals, problem-solving ability, and intellect through timed algorithm tests. There are a bunch of languages to choose from for solving the puzzles. I found this round the toughest and I had failed it in my first attempt. I would recommend to practise a lot of codility tests and try to attempt two out of three tests and give your best attempt. I cannot disclose the problems though you should practise the codility test well and that would make this test relatively easier. It’s ok if you do not pass in the first attempt, Toptal allows to re-apply after a break of couple months. :-)
• Round three (3.6% pass) : Next round is a google hangout interview where the candidate is screened by a senior Toptal engineer. The screener provides two live exercises which the candidate has to solve in 20 minutes each. The problems are relatively easier than round two though there is added pressure as the screener is analysing the code and the time is lesser. You have to solve both the puzzles to get through this round. If you have cleared the second round that proves you are good at problem-solving and can handle pressure. The key here would be to not panic and try to solve the puzzles calmly.
• Round four (3.2% pass) : Moving to the last round, it consists of building a test project. The test project is your chance to show your true coding skills as a developer. The project is a web application with a frontend client (I chose EmberJS) and backend (chose Rails here). You are free to use any technology stack. The code should be test driven and clean. You have 2 weeks to code and it should be treated as a project that you would deliver to a client. If you are really good at what you do, this round should be very easy. I was able to finish the project with 40 hours of coding effort. There will be one last google hangout to demo the project by another screener. The screener checks the project, code style and how the tests are written. The screener can demand some small changes that you might have to do on the call and also asks some questions. If all goes well, you get to hear the words “Welcome to Toptal”.

Getting jobs

The first thing you do after joining Toptal is building your public profile. Toptal helps you in this process. You need to add you work experience, portfolios, skills and achievements. Once the profile is reviewed and active, you can browse for opportunities in the jobs feed and apply for jobs. Yes, you can apply for jobs in any technology. Toptal then forwards your profile to the client if it finds you suitable to be a match to the requirements.

Conclusion

Getting into the network is tough and also it takes a time to start bagging projects after clearing the process. But as you keep working, the profile builds up and it gets easier to get jobs. The toptal community is very active and helps you in being a better programmer. Overall, it’s worth a shot and I would recommend you to give it a try. All the best. Cheers.