Yes, it is hard to get a job at IBM. The company is known to have an extremely rigorous hiring process, with four interview rounds lasting one hour each. The difficulty rating for the interview process at IBM is rated 2.9 out of five. Their above-average salaries also make it relatively difficult to get a job at IBM.
Interviews will include several rounds of team interviews in a panel format with team members and leaders, and a panel format with department heads and executives, followed by a one-on-one with the department head. They are extremely selective in who they hire, and the entire process will take several weeks.
Most positions require you to pass company assessment tests, as well as present an impressive work portfolio. They seek candidates that are seasoned professionals or ones that have exceptional demonstrable skills in their areas.
You have to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma to work for IBM; however, some positions require a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and experience.
Sales representative positions are amongst the easiest to obtain at IBM. Candidates must have at least five years of experience working in security intelligence, data privacy, or complex software solutions. Candidates must have a demonstrated ability to manage a territory and orchestrate a diversified set of resources.
A consistent track record of successful selling is a must, as well as a demonstrated ability to develop strong client relationships. The average salary is $106,000 per year.
Research scientist positions are among the most difficult to obtain with IBM. The salaries for these roles range over $150,000 at the senior level and are in the top 10% of salaries for the company.
For a quantum research scientist position, a Master's degree is required. Candidates must also have at least four years of the following:
Experimental physics in a laboratory environment
Programming experience with Python/Matlab/C
Scientific communications experience giving presentations and writing papers
Experience cryogenic experimental systems (preferably dilution fridges), microwave circuit design and analysis, and simulation and testing of quantum logic gates are preferred. The average salary is $208,000 per year.
Typical salary ranges for positions at IBM are:
Advisory project manager: $123,000 per year
Solutions architect: $148,000 per year
Account manager: $117,000 per year
Business development executive: $187,000 per year
The company's arduous hiring process, selective nature, and high salaries all make it difficult to get a job at IBM.
