Gallop Poll in North Adams, Michigan 18 months ago
What are the average starting salaries, bonuses, benefits and travel requirements like at Garmin?
What do you like best about working at Garmin? Are there any great perks or special treats for employees?
Gallop Poll in North Adams, Michigan 18 months ago
This is a feeling, but I wanted to convey my experiences at this company.
First of all, this is a company of mostly under 30 engineers. The bean bag chairs, phooze ball tables and all. I'm in my early 50's... and for some god foreseen reason, the 20ish college recruiter aggressively pursued me. I put him off as I was in the middle of a job, but finally made the time and they flew me out.
The general interview...apparently I impressed them. The recruiter said I hit it out of the park. They did the background check and reference check. Apparently that went well. Then they wanted my transcripts, which I provided. Up until this time, they didn't know how old I was, I had only listed the jobs over the last 15 years and left all my dates off my education. It also helps that I am fit, and many say I look like I am in my 30's. And frankly, I try to look as young as I can when I go on interviews as age discrimination is very real.
Well, they got my transcripts and that was the last I heard from them. Do note, my GPA was in the 3.9 range. Should have been no problems here.
I tried to do a follow-up, the recruiter had left, The one there claimed they didn't have my application. Outside of Garmin, I tracked down the recruiter that had left, his story was they never got my transcripts. Then shortly after that, the recruiter that was still at Garmin, said they got all my material and where not going to extend an offer, with no explanation what-so-ever. Gave me a two line form letter and would not return calls/e-mails.
I have to say, it clearly wasn't a dream job, and all I was looking for was a debrief, but to me it confirmed my suspicions that this is not a company an older person would want to work at. You are made to feel out of place. Its not so much I missed out of anything, but what a scummy feeling I have having to deal with such unprofessional kids.
Don't bother if you are over 30.
Gallop Poll in North Adams, Michigan 18 months ago
I had the opportunity to interview with Garmin in Olathe, KS a couple of weeks ago. The first interview was with HR and the interviewer asked basic personality questions such as describe 3 major lifetime achievements, describe your ideal workplace, etc. It was a little more in depth than the 30 minute phone screen. I was told I would have 4 technical interviews with different managers throughout the day, lunch, and a tour.
It started out pretty well I thought. During the first 2 interviews, I was asked intermediate questions about C++ and Java, my work experience and asked to solve some problems. One question was to describe the difference in an STL string and a Java String. I didn’t do very well on the problem solving. My nerves got the better of me and I just couldn’t think clearly in that high pressure situation. I do better taking a problem to my desk and working through it in silence. Something I need to work on for future interviews… but anyway…
There wasn’t a single question on design patterns, which every good programmer should be familiar with. And nobody asked to see my code which they told me to bring.
The 3rd interview is what got me. The interviewer was a low level programmer, ( OS, device driver level ) guy and began asking me bit twiddling questions. When I told him those are things I studied for certifications years ago, but nothing practical I have used in my over 9 years of experience, he seemed annoyed. The position was for an application programmer, so I didn’t review this kind of low level programming questions. “I know how to build houses, not bricks and nails.” That’s what I should have told him, but didn’t. Then he asked me to implement a bubble sort algorithm on paper right in front him while he’s looking over my shoulder. Again, I just couldn’t do it. Sure, I know what a bubble sort is and yes I have used it. But in practice, I have never had to implement one.
Continued...
Jones Johnston in Columbia, Missouri 35 months ago
This company is filled with 20 year old Big Bang Theory types. Dark offices, no social interaction, geeks galore.
If you have experience don't bring it here. They don't want to hear any suggestions or recommendations on how to improve processes. They are set in their ways "The Garmin Way". If you are a new grad, and don't have experience, then this is the place for you. Anyone with experience is a threat to the managers. If you are a grad from KU or Mizzou, then you've got it made..and they may even include you in their anti-social circles.
Bole in Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro 59 months ago
I'm a student and I really need help with this.I would like to know how gps works.I need to know the DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RUSSIAN AND AMERICAN GPS SYSTEMS,especially coordinate system.I would also like to learn about spheres.It would be nice if you could post it in english,or serbo-croatian. My Email is nj_k_v_bole@yahoo.com
If you can help me,please let me know quickly.
John in Waterloo, Iowa 59 months ago
The Columbus Dispatch had a listing in its career section for a Cartograpic Technician at Garmin. Is this position in Ohio or in Olathe, KS????
Host 66 months ago
It's always hard to know what to expect when going in for that interview -- and preparation can make all the difference. What is the interview process like at Garmin?
Any advice on striking the right note?
Host 66 months ago
Every business has it's own style. What is the office environment and culture like at Garmin?
Are people dressed in business casual, jeans and t-shirts, or full-on suits? Do folks get together for Friday happy hours and friendly get-togethers?
What is a typical day in the life of an employee at Garmin?
Host 66 months ago
Do you work at Garmin? How did you find the job? How did you get that first interview?
Any advice for someone trying to get in?
Host 66 months ago
What do you think -- is this company going to survive and thrive? Are they looking to expand their staff, or do you think layoffs are inevitable?
How does Garmin stack up against the competition?
