Rakuten interview questions

The first round was primarily resume-based, discussing projects, skills, and experience. The second round involved a detailed evaluation of core computer science fundamentals, data structures, algorithms, and analytical problem-solving abilities.

Initial interview in English with 3 people who couldn’t speak English properly, one of which didn’t utter one word apart from introducing himself and spent the rest of the time looking at his laptop. They asked me technical questions which I was able to answer apart from one. Asked me some questions in Japanese which I answer answered fine as well. They didn’t try to sell the job or the company but just focused on whether I could work at midnight or on weekends, which I answered I could as long as it was balanced, since I already worked weekends often. When I asked them standard questions about working conditions, potential of the job, they answered by starting off with “ah yes…” as if it was not that important to them, to discuss such topics. Didn’t get an offer, but didn’t come out of the interview with a good impression, as most interviews beyond trying to ascertain your level and suitability for the role will also try to sell you the potential of said role. Additionally, although they profess to use English in professional communication, it is obvious that they don’t since their level is so poor. Maybe was unlucky with this particular department, but the pay is low as well even for Japan. One good thing is that they have a free canteen so maybe good place for when you’re starting off your career, but not for mid career, as this was advertised as a senior role, but in practice obviously was not.