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“High-Tech Anthropologist®”, read the job posting on my LinkedIn “recommended for you” jobs feed. I almost scrolled past it–there was no way that was really a job I was suited for.
It was one month after I finished my first career as a high school French teacher. I had found the field of User Experience Design and couldn’t wait to dive into it. I spent the final year and a half of that 25-year career preparing for my transition. I took courses. I read books, articles, websites, and blogs. I watched YouTube videos and listened to podcasts. I joined professional organizations and groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. I began building my skills. I put them into practice, winning a pitch competition with a product I created with my partner using my UX skills. I worked on projects for clients.
I had seen all sorts of job titles in my month-long job search: UX Designer, User Experience Designer, Product Designer, UIUX Designer. But never a High-Tech Anthropologist®.
I was tempted to scroll past, guessing that it wasn’t really “recommended for me”, but most likely LinkedIn’s attempt to broaden my search. Then I skimmed the description. And as I did, I realized that I fit all the requirements and the responsibilities were exactly what I had been training for.
Being new to the field, Menlo Innovations wasn’t a company that I was familiar with. But I am an excellent researcher. I started with the company website: “Unique process”. “End human suffering in the world as it relates to technology.®” “Joy.” Intriguing concepts, but I was still a bit skeptical. Anything can be written on a website. Each click of a link exposed more of the Menlo process and culture, venturing deeper and deeper into the mission, vision, and culture, leading me to believe that this company may actually be different.
I submitted my resume. Through the links in the confirmation email I received, I read an article about the interviewing process, scheduled a virtual tour, and read a blog post from a team member about joining the company. I also checked out a copy of Joy, Inc., written by Rich Sheridan, Menlo’s Co-Founder and CEO, from the library. Many online profiles from reputable sources and several podcast interviews later, I was convinced.
Jumping from the world of education into the “real world”, I had no idea of what to expect from corporate life. I was thrilled that a company like this existed. Menlo felt like a perfect fit.
Now all I had to do was wait for the next interview cycle to begin. Fortunately, I had some reading material to pass the time and help prepare me. In Joy, Inc., I learned that the first step would be an Extreme Interview. Rich explained the process in great detail, which sounded both intimidating and amazing. “Kindergarten skills”--that’s what the team was looking for. Pairing with another interviewee and working through a task together seemed straightforward. I am a naturally collaborative person, and I passed kindergarten, so I thought I would do well. But it was such a different approach to interviewing that it was a bit unnerving.
I also passed my time visiting the office, which I quickly learned was called the Factory. First, I attended the virtual tour which gave an excellent overview of Menlo’s culture and methods. Then, I attended an in-person tour where I experienced firsthand the energy and vibe of the people. Each new piece of knowledge kept circling back to the fact that this company was incredible: they valued their employees as much as their clients. They believed in growth and that making mistakes is a significant part of the process.
A few weeks later, the invitation to the Extreme Interview came. It was terrifying because I could not prepare for it. It was also liberating because I didn’t have to prepare for it. I thought this company and I would be an excellent match–I just needed to convince them of that.
James Goebel, Co-Founder and COO of Menlo, hosted the interview with two Menlonians. He explained the process to our diverse group of anxious, excited candidates of all ages and backgrounds, then randomly paired each of us with another interviewee, and led us to a room full of tables and observers. Throughout the process, I paired with three other candidates. A different Menlonian observed each pair as we went through our tasks, and, with each pairing, the process felt easier. By the end of the night, my anxiety had ceased, but I had no idea how I performed. My job was to help my pair partners look good–did I succeed?
I didn’t have to wait long to find out–the invitation to the next round came the following day. I was invited to a One-Day Interview, pairing with different partners in the morning and afternoon, and having lunch with an assortment of other Menlonians. From this point forward, I relaxed. There was literally nothing I could do to prepare–I just had to be myself and learn from the team.
During my One-Day interview, my pair partners gave me a tour, answered questions, and brought me onto two different projects to work on small tasks. A different group took me out to lunch so we could get to know each other and they could answer any questions I had. It was the most enjoyable and comfortable interviewing experience I could have hoped for.
Two days later, I received the invitation for the final round: a Three-Week trial period. I began this final round of my interviewing journey in a High-Tech Anthropology® (HTA) workshop, led by two of the HTAs, where we spent two days learning about, and putting into practice the HTA methodology. I paired with former and current clients, sent by companies who have embraced the Menlo Way to learn from the team.
During my three weeks, I worked on 7 different projects, paired with 4 different Menlonians, joined various client meetings, presented to and worked with clients, and answered questions from James in front of an audience during his keynote address at a conference. I worked with each member of the HTA team and consulted with various Developers and Project Managers. I led a public tour of the Menlo Factory. I was truly part of the company for those three weeks.
I felt like a full member of the team. I was included in personnel meetings and project decisions. My opinion was asked for and considered. I felt free to disagree if I thought my partner was heading in the wrong direction. I was able to contribute and felt valued. Throughout the process, the team asked me to self-assess and gave me valuable and specific feedback. I knew exactly what they expected of me and how I was performing.
I was delighted when I was offered the job on the last day of my three-week interview. As a career changer, Menlo is the ideal place for me. I am not afraid of making mistakes, because it is expected. And if I do, my pair partner is there to support me. The company’s built-in support system allows me to grow in my new profession and also help my pair partner as they need it. I use the skills I honed as an educator daily–presenting, collaborating, empathizing, building relationships, problem solving, communicating, among others.
Now, five weeks in as an official employee, I am on the other side. With my pair partner, I observe candidates during the Extreme Interviews. I have been a panelist during workshops. I work daily on a variety of projects.
Today, I’m leading a virtual tour. My partner just introduced herself to the group smiling back through the computer screen. I take a breath. “Hi, everyone! I’m Angela. I am a High-Tech Anthropologist®.”