I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Abacus Group in Oct 2025
Interview
The interview process was honestly one of the better ones I've had in terms of both people/soft-skill competence with customers and detailed, but not textbook, technical questions for practical work. All associates and parts of the interview process were excellent.
The post-interview process felt like pulling teeth. Getting accomodations for medical appointments during work hours, mandating multiple background checks due to their clients, and the straw that broke the camels back, absolutely zero flexibility/negotiation for PTO. They offered employment at the highest salary level possible in their posting, but 17 days is their firm starting number for PTO. I accepted, my employer countered, and I offered a chance for negotiation. I gave my thoughts, at their request, and even said, with higher PTO, I'd accept a lower salary counter.
They denied that possibility and I did not start with them.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
If you used azure traffic manager to direct customers to 3 separate DataCenters for VPN access, how would you handle the certs for the VPN access, also, wildcards are not allowed.
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Abacus Group (London, England) in Sep 2025
Interview
I spoke with the recruiter over video, and had a great conversation. My experience and skills were a perfect fit for the job, Then I had a second round interview with the hiring manager, at their company offices. The second interview was a strange experience. Initially the hiring manager was somewhat friendly. At some point she saw something on her laptop, and froze, and then started to become quite curt, and cold. She fired a few questions at me and then wrapped up the interview 20 minutes early. I was rather put out since I'd travelled all the way there for a 1 hour interview that ended up being only around 30 minutes. I waited a few weeks and then got a rejection email. I later noticed that they had just reposted the role a month later. I don't think they know what they want. So I would be careful interviewing with them.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
This role is hands-on; you have to manage an incredible amount of tasks, with little support. Can you talk me through a situation where you effectively managed a similar situation?
I applied online. I interviewed at Abacus Group (London, England) in Aug 2025
Interview
Phone screen with HR went very well. Scheduled for video interview with a manager in London UK. This interview went very well until we needed to “get to the compulsory questions”.
After 30 years in IT, supporting Fortune 10 organizations, I failed the interview on DHCP/DNS questions. No questions about technology important to the role.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Describe the DHCP address negotiation process. What can DHCP provide in addition to basic IP addressing?