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Guide to Twelve's Hiring Process

  • Writer: People Team
    People Team
  • Feb 5, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jun 6

The job search can be daunting, so we’ve created this guide to provide visibility into our recruiting process.





At Twelve, our mission is to build a fossil-free future, and we’re committed to bringing together a high-caliber team to help us get there. We believe that every candidate is an essential part of our journey, and we work hard to make sure you have a positive, transparent experience as you navigate our hiring process.

Whether you're just learning about Twelve or already excited to apply, we hope this guide will provide clarity and empower you throughout your journey with us.



What to Expect During Your Interview Experience

Our hiring process reflects our core values and mission. We strive to create an inclusive, thoughtful process where you can learn about us, and we can learn about you. We aim for every interaction to be a conversation, not just an interview. While interview plans may vary slightly by role, here’s a general overview of what you can expect: 



1. Recruiter Screen

After submitting your application, if there’s a potential fit, our Talent Acquisition team will reach out to schedule a 30-minute phone or video call. During this screen, we’ll get to know more about your background and experience, career aspirations, and what excites you about Twelve. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask initial questions about the role, team, and our mission. If we feel there’s a strong match, we’ll invite you to the next step: a deeper conversation with the hiring team.



2. Hiring Manager Interview

If we move forward, the next round typically involves a 30-60 minute interview with the hiring manager. This interview is a deeper dive into your experience and how it aligns with Twelve's mission and the specifics of the role. You’ll also have the chance to ask the hiring manager about the team, day-to-day work, and anything else on your mind. We aim to keep this conversation open and relaxed, so don’t hesitate to ask questions that will help you decide if Twelve is the right fit for you.   



3. Assignment

Depending on the position, we might also ask you to complete a short task or assignment to discuss during the interview process. For example, a candidate applying for an Electrochemical Test Engineer role might be asked to complete a sample test analysis or troubleshoot a set of data from an experiment, which will then be discussed during the interview. This helps us understand how you approach problem-solving and interpret technical information. We care about how you think through challenges and the solutions you propose, so please feel free to share your thought process along the way.



4. Final Loop Interviews

For candidates who advance to the final round, we conduct 1:1 interviews (typically four to six) which usually last 30-45 minutes each. These interviews typically take place over one day, either virtually (for remote roles) or onsite, depending on the position. Each interview is focused on a different competency, so you’ll have the opportunity to showcase a variety of skills. In some cases, we might ask you to give a short presentation or participate in a collaborative activity. Don't worry - we care more about the content and your approach than your presentation skills, so feel free to focus on the substance.



Sample Final Loop Onsite Interview Agenda (for Materials Engineer)


  • 15 minutes | Lab Tour

  • 45 minutes | Candidate Presentation to a Panel of Interviewers

  • 45 minutes | Skills Assessment (Whiteboard Exercise #1)

  • 30 minutes | Lunch with the Team

  • 45 minutes | Skills Assessment (Whiteboard Exercise #2)

  • 30 minutes | Behavioral Interview

  • 15 minutes | Wrap Up


For behavioral interview questions (non-technical questions), we recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers:


  • Situation: What was the context?

  • Task: What was the goal or challenge?

  • Action: What did you do?

  • Result: What was the outcome?



5. Adjustment for Different Roles

Depending on the level and nature of the role, the interview process may vary. For instance, non-exempt roles generally require fewer interviews, while senior leadership positions may have additional steps. Regardless of your position, our talent acquisition team is here to guide you through each stage and answer any questions you have.



Additional Considerations

  • Transparency: We believe in open communication throughout the hiring process. If you ever have questions, need clarification, or would like feedback, don’t hesitate to reach out.


  • Your Opportunity to Ask Questions: We encourage you to be yourself during the interview and ask thoughtful questions. We want you to understand what it's like to work at Twelve, and we want you to decide if we’re the right place for you.



What Happens After Your Interview?

We aim to get back to you as quickly as possible after your final interview. If we decide to move forward, we’ll make you an offer and share details about benefits, compensation, and next steps. If we don’t proceed, we’ll thank you for your time, keep your details on file for future opportunities, and encourage you to stay connected with us.




Candidate Experience Survey:

If you've made it to the hiring manager interview stage or further, we'll send you a brief candidate experience survey. We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete the survey honestly. Your feedback helps us improve our process and ensure we provide the best possible experience for every candidate.



If you have any questions that aren’t addressed here, feel free to reach out to us at talent@twelve.co. We’re happy to help!

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