How We Hire in an
AI-First World
At Sendbird, we’re building the AI workforce of tomorrow, and that shapes how we hire.
Our interview process is designed to be thoughtful, transparent, and fair. You’ll get to understand the role, the team, and how we work. In tandem, we’ll get to learn how you think, communicate, and solve problems.
We know that interviews take time and energy. Our goal here is to provide clarity: what to expect, how we evaluate candidates, and where AI fits into the process.
What We Look For
We evaluate candidates across two core areas:
Role-Relevant Skills & Experience
We focus on the skills that matter most for the role you’re applying for. Depending on the position, this may include:
- Problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Role-specific knowledge and AI skills.
- Communication and collaboration.
Values in Action
How you work matters just as much as what you build. Our interviews include conversations designed to explore how your experiences and approach align with Sendbird’s core values.
We’re not looking for perfection or a checklist match. We’re looking for:
- Thoughtful reflection on real experiences.
- Clear examples of impact and ownership.
- Curiosity, self-awareness, and a growth mindset.
What To Expect
While the exact steps may vary by role or team, most candidates can expect:
- Application Review
Our recruiting team reviews applications on a rolling basis. If there’s a strong match, we’ll reach out to schedule an initial conversation. - Recruiter Screen
A Zoom conversation to align on your background, the role, and expectations. You’ll also have time to ask questions, we encourage it. - Hiring Manager Interview
A deeper discussion over Zoom about your experience, how you approach your work, and what success looks like on the team. - Role-Specific interviews
These interviews focus on skills most relevant to the role and may include:
- Technical interviews for Engineering and technical roles
- Presentations or role plays for sales or customer-facing roles
- Technical interviews for Engineering and technical roles
- Presentations or role plays for sales or customer-facing roles
- Onsite/Virtual Interviews
We’re a hybrid team and believe there’s value in meeting in person during the interview process. Some exceptions may apply for remote roles. - Offer
Your recruiter will always keep you informed about next steps and how to prepare along the way.
Using AI in the Hiring Process
We’re an AI-first company. We believe strong candidates know how to work with AI and when not to.
Our goal isn’t to restrict candidates. It’s to create a fair, consistent environment where everyone is evaluated on their own thinking and abilities.
Where AI is Encouraged
Applying for Roles
You’re welcome to use AI tools when preparing your application as long as the work reflects you. Good uses include:
- Refining or editing a resume you drafted yourself.
- Improving clarity, grammar, or formatting.
- Brainstorming how to better highlight your experience.
- Researching Sendbird, our mission, values, or the role.
Interview Preparation
We encourage candidates to use AI to prepare, thoughtful. Good uses include:
- Generating and practicing common interview questions.
- Building study guides or notes.
- Summarizing the job description.
- Researching interview best practices.
Think of AI here as a coach, not a script.
Where AI is Not Allowed
Live Interviews (Virtual or In-Person)
During recruiter screens, hiring manager interviews, panels, or live conversations, candidates should not use AI to generate or assist with real-time answers. This includes:
- Reading AI-generated responses.
- Using AI chat or transcription tools to guide answers.
- Having AI listen and respond on your behalf.
Assignments and Coding Interviews
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, AI tools are not allowed to:
- Write code during live coding interviews.
- Fully complete take-home assignments.
- Generate solutions for exercises or case studies.
Some roles or assignments may allow or even encourage AI usage. If AI is permitted, we will be explicitly clear. If it’s not explicitly allowed, don’t use it.
Our Expectations
Regardless of the role, we expect candidates to:
- Use AI as a support tool, not a substitute.
- Be transparent and ethical in how AI is used.
- Show their own judgement, experience, and thinking.
- Ask for clarification if anything is unclear.
Many of us at Sendbird use AI every day to work faster and smarter. In fact, AI was used to help refine this guide that you’re reading right now! We’re excited by candidates who also use AI responsibility and intentionally.
Accessibility
Sendbird is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible interview experience for all candidates. We’re happy to offer accommodations throughout the hiring process to help you participate fully and comfortably.
If you need accommodations, please let your recruiter know as soon as possible. This will never impact how your candidacy is evaluated.