[eloff]

The interview experience is terrible. I completed a much more ambitious project than I needed to, demonstrating the ability to pick up a complex new framework quickly (React Native). I also implemented a very thorough auth system demonstrating mastery of secure programming (proper salting, message signing, defense against timing attacks.) That didn't matter one bit, I got denied for omitting a requirement which wasn't in the listed requirements and for not communicating to clarify the requirements. Whilst I understand the value of timely communication with real clients, I assumed these guys could get their own assignment requirements correct.

In addition to all this, you will get a much lower rate than you're expecting. While it's true that you set your own rate, they basically told me if I don't charge at the same below-salary rates as the rest of the people on their network, they won't send business my way.

So huge waste of time on the interview, plus you'll make less than a salaried position for the advantage of sporadic work and no benefits. Stay away if you know what's good for you!

[spoiledtechie]

I couldn't agree more that their interviewing is terrible.

[bnt]

Were you interviewing for one of the Core developer teams (the ones actually building Toptal), or for Toptal to work as a freelance developer (to work on Client projects)?

Toptal has a lot of open (internal) positions and their interview process is different than when applying to work on Toptal as a freelancer. Everyone on the Core development team is remote.

https://www.toptal.com/careers

[spoiledtechie]

Freelance work.