Nintendo’s Challenging Hiring Exam: Insights from a Rejected Applicant

An individual who faced rejection from Nintendo has disclosed the significant challenges posed by the company’s hiring examination.

For countless enthusiasts who grew up immersed in Nintendo’s gaming universe, landing a job at this iconic company often seems like a fantasy. With Nintendo recently securing its position as the third most desirable employer in Japan, the allure of joining their ranks has never been stronger.

However, securing a position is no straightforward task. This reality is illustrated by the experience of Murahashi Kuriki, a science PhD and current professor of Information Engineering, who encountered disappointment when he applied in 2015 following the completion of his master’s degree.

In a detailed post on X, Kuriki reflected on the demanding nature of Nintendo’s recruitment process and elaborated on why he was ultimately unsuccessful.

Nintendo’s Unique Hiring Approach

Nintendo is known for having an exceptionally rigorous hiring process.

As reported by Automaton, many prominent Japanese corporations typically use a filtering system based on candidates’ university backgrounds. This practice often results in a bias toward graduates from specific institutions.

In stark contrast, Nintendo is known for its inclusive hiring practices. The company seeks talent from diverse academic backgrounds, eschewing traditional filters based on educational credentials.

Kuriki’s experience with Nintendo’s hiring exam clarified why they can afford to bypass these filters. He noted the high difficulty level of the screening tests, asserting that they alone suffice to separate the qualified applicants from the rest.

He stated: “I had heard that Nintendo doesn’t filter applicants based on academic backgrounds. However, upon facing their recruitment exam, the initial web-based test was extremely challenging, making it clear that no filter is needed since this alone eliminates many candidates.”

What did the examination entail? After passing the initial aptitude assessment, which covered general subjects including math and English, Kuriki proceeded to a “technical interview, ” which included a “practical programming exam.”

Kuriki described the programming test as an exercise that required deep consideration of programming algorithms, admitting that it was tremendously difficult and where he ultimately stumbled.

The programming portion featured five challenges, ranging from fundamental loops to more complex algorithmic tasks, all to be completed within a tight timeframe of just 30 minutes.

After Kuriki’s insights gained widespread attention, former Nintendo employee Motoi Okamoto, who spent a decade with the company, contributed to the conversation:

“It goes beyond mere academic qualifications. Nintendo appears to be focusing more on hiring individuals who possess innate intelligence and a genuine passion for crafting entertaining games, reflecting the company’s brand ethos, ” he remarked, as translated by Automaton.

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