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My TikTok Interview Experience in Singapore (and why I accepted their offer)
Introduction
In a recent journey of professional exploration, I found myself diving into the world of job searching on LinkedIn. A couple of weeks ago, after some consideration, I came across a job posting from TikTok for a Talent Acquisition Specialist role. Initially, I was hesitant about joining a China-based company, given the cultural differences and the relatively new establishment of their Singapore office. However, I had a clear list of objectives: I wanted to work in a regional role, focus on tech recruitment, and find a position within the internet industry. After weighing my options, I decided to apply.
One of the motivating factors for my application was the attractive salary I discovered on Glassdoor. About a week later, I received a WhatsApp message from the recruitment coordinator in China, who arranged my first interview with a Talent Acquisition Lead based in Singapore. The interview focused on problem-solving skills, with situational questions such as:
- If you had to hire 100 developers in one year, what metrics would you use?
- If you only hired 30 out of your recruitment targets after a year, what next steps would you take?
- What sourcing avenues would you consider for niche positions?
- How would you implement a staff referral program?
- If the quantity of referral applications was too high, how would you streamline the search to enhance the quality?
Following the first interview, I received an offer for a second interview within just two days. During this interview, I was informed they were considering a 12-month contract role rather than a permanent position. This often indicates a company’s uncertainty regarding a candidate's fit for a permanent role but shows they see potential worth nurturing.
Despite my initial hesitations about leaving a stable government job for a contract position, I opted to proceed with the second interview to understand more about the potential remuneration. This interview mirrored the first, with similar questions being asked. A couple of days later, I received another message inviting me to a third interview due to an overwhelming number of candidates for the role, which somewhat felt like an exhaustive process.
After three thorough interviews that each lasted about 50 minutes, I received a phone call from their partner recruitment agency with an offer. The role was indeed a one-year contract, but it came with a 20% salary increase compared to my previous position.
I took time to weigh the pros and cons of accepting this offer. The drawbacks included the instability of a contract role and fewer benefits compared to my current job, which I had grown comfortable with. The new position would undoubtedly be more challenging given its rapid expansion in Singapore. Ultimately, several factors influenced my decision to accept the job. My prospective boss at TikTok was understanding and patient throughout the interview process, addressing my concerns about the contract role. I realized that this represented an incredible opportunity to step into the internet industry—an area I previously struggled to enter due to lack of experience. Lastly, the significant salary increment was hard to overlook.
After much contemplation, I concluded that the potential benefits outweighed the risks, and this job aligned more closely with my career goals. Changing jobs is always a momentous decision, and I advise others to also lay out their pros and cons while keeping their long-term aspirations in mind.
Overall, my interview experience with TikTok was genuinely pleasant, and I hope my story provides insight for others facing similar decisions.
Keyword
- TikTok
- Interview Experience
- Talent Acquisition Specialist
- Job Offer
- Regional Role
- Tech Recruitment
- Contract Role
- Salary Increment
- Job Search
FAQ
1. What role did I apply for at TikTok?
I applied for the Talent Acquisition Specialist position.
2. Why was I hesitant to join a China-based company?
I was concerned about cultural differences and the stability of operations, as TikTok had only recently set up its office in Singapore.
3. What were the key factors that led me to accept the contract role?
I considered the patient support from my prospective boss, the opportunity to enter the internet industry, and a significant salary increase.
4. How many interviews did I go through before receiving the offer?
I went through three interviews, each lasting about 50 minutes.
5. What should others consider when changing jobs?
Evaluate the pros and cons of the new opportunity and align the choice with long-term personal career goals.