Interview Time Frame:
I applied online and got a call from HR. 2 one hour phone and video conference interviews with 2 managers and an analyst in NYC and San Jose. The onsite interview was 4.5 hours interview with 8 people (4 managers and 1 director). The position location was option between NYC or San Jose office. I got the feedback a week after.
Interview and position:
I believe the position was more business oriented rather than technical. Also, it was not senior level position. Therefore, the hiring manager felt I might not enjoy working at the role. I thought Decision Scientist is very like Data Scientist role (which initially I got interview for DS position with Paypal in San Jose as well; but the HR decided to continue the interview for only of the role. Since I showed interest to live in NYC; they continue the interview process for Decision Scientist role). Majority of the interviewers had operation background and only one of them had a strong math and statistics background. So you could tell the position is not very technical and would not involve developing statistical and ML modeling. You would at most work with SQL and Excel.
Team and management:
The director was clean cut and straightforward. She was extremely sharp and direct to the point. The hiring manager in NYC was super fun and a cool guy. You could see he is a super fun manager to work with. The hiring manager in San Jose also was very excited for this role. It seems to me that Venmo Risk does not have much corporate politic. I did not see that you are required to work long hours like other firms in NYC.
HR and Travel Expenses:
The HR was super helpful to book me flight and hotel. (Venmo paid for ALL of my travel expenses). The hotel was super nice. My flight cancelled 3 times due weather condition. However, the HR did a fantastic job to make my travel smooth as possible. Once I meet the HR in the office, he thanked me for using my PTO and travel to NYC for the onsite interview. It was very thoughtful and he gained my respect. Also, HR immediately followed up after interview with me to report other travel expenses. I got my check 5 weeks after they approved my expense report. (3 to 5 weeks travel expense reimbursement is very normal time frame in any companies.)
Pros:
Fantastic business model, very successful Fin-tech startup with super bright future. Not much corporate politic; great location and interesting people to work with.
Cons:
Long interview process; talking with almost entire people working at Venmo Risk; Some of the interviewers asking similar questions over and over. The office was kinda dark. I felt it was a military base. They may need to focus more on the office interior design.
Overall:
I would definitely consider working at Venmo in future possible opportunities. I wish them best of luck!