Is Pinterest hard to get a job at?

Yes, getting a job at Pinterest can be challenging, but it is attainable with the right skills, experience, and preparation. The level of difficulty in securing a position largely depends on the role you're applying for (technical vs. non-technical) and the competition for the position. Here are some factors that make Pinterest a competitive place to work:

1. High Competition

• Like many top tech companies, Pinterest attracts a large number of applicants, especially for positions in software engineering, data science, and product management. The volume of applications means you’ll be competing against highly skilled candidates with strong portfolios or technical backgrounds.

2. Technical Skills Requirements

• For technical roles, Pinterest has a rigorous interview process that tests your coding skills, system design, and problem-solving abilities. Candidates often face complex questions similar to those on LeetCode or HackerRank, and for senior roles, system design interviews are particularly demanding.
• Creative roles such as UX/UI design require a strong portfolio that demonstrates both creativity and user-centered design thinking. Candidates are often expected to solve real-world design challenges during interviews.

3. Cultural Fit

• Pinterest emphasizes a strong alignment with its mission and values. They seek candidates who are collaborative, inclusive, and innovative. Therefore, even if you have the necessary technical skills, a poor cultural fit could hinder your chances of landing the job.

4. Behavioral Interviews

• Pinterest places a lot of weight on behavioral interviews to assess how well you’ll fit into their culture. You’ll need to demonstrate how you’ve overcome challenges, worked with diverse teams, and aligned with their mission to inspire users to “do what they love.”

5. Selective Hiring Process

• According to employee reviews, Pinterest is known for being selective about who they hire. They aim for top-tier talent and are careful to ensure that the people they bring onboard are aligned with both the role’s requirements and the company’s long-term goals.

6. Feedback From Past Candidates

• Many candidates report that the interview process at Pinterest is thorough and challenging, particularly the technical aspects. Feedback from sites like Glassdoor and Indeed indicates that candidates who make it through typically undergo multiple rounds of interviews, including technical tests, portfolio reviews (for designers), and cultural fit evaluations.

Conclusion

While Pinterest is competitive and selective in its hiring, strong technical skills, creative problem-solving, and good preparation can improve your chances. If you align with their mission and demonstrate the right skills, landing a job at Pinterest is achievable.

Prepare thoroughly by practicing coding challenges, honing your design portfolio, and showing that you share Pinterest’s values of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration.