Das erste Gespräch hat per VC 2 Wochen nach der Einreichung der Bewerbung stattgefunden. Es war ein sehr offenes, nettes Gespräch. Dabei ging es hauptsächlich um Detailfragen zum Lebenslauf, meine Motivation für die Produkte und die Arbeit.

A job database sent an email suggesting the job as a good fit. Despite having written to Garmin in the past (and hearing nothing in reply), I sent in a resume expecting to hear nothing back. I did get a call and the folks I spoke to over several calls seemed pleasant. I went out for an interview in Feb 2013. The interview questions were largely technical, about database search algorithms that I'm not familiar with and specifics of the implementation of the standard C compilers. The tools I use every day are specific to other weird processors and the managers I interviewed with didn't seem to care that I don't use the same tools they do. One interview was with the fellow who runs the innovation group. In preparation for meeting with him, I had jotted down several ideas that I thought would be reasonable enhancements to Garmin's line - some handheld, some automotive and some marine improvements. I filed Provisional Patent Applications (PPA) on them before traveling. That conversation went well, or so I thought. The flight back was cancelled due to weather problems on the east coast. Shortly after getting back, I heard that I had been denied a job I hadn't applied for. Then I heard about the one I did apply for. Also no. Garmin agreed to pay the extra expenses and it's now May and I still haven't seen a check. I have since licensed two of the design suggestions to Garmin's competitors and I'll be curious to see whether Garmin "thinks of them on their own" or not. The biggest concern I had was Garmin's managers jokingly referring to themselves as a "cult". It seemed rather cultish when I toured and it was disturbing to hear comments about the "cult" or "you never have to leave the building" and "you'll like our family better than your own". I knew during the tour & interview that I couldn't work there, so being turned down wasn't a problem for me.