Overly Rigid, Red-Flag Interview Process — Proceed with Caution I recently went through their interview process, and it was one of the more concerning experiences I’ve had professionally. The hiring manager had an expectation of perfection on an assignment that came with zero direction or input — yet expected it to be “board presentation–ready.” When I asked clarifying questions, there was no feedback or guidance. I was also told I’d need to complete a six-hour external personality assessment where they would “try to find inconsistencies” in my background. The HR team admitted they’ve had massive issues with hiring and that this was a new, experimental process. That lack of clarity showed. After I decided not to move forward, I received an oddly defensive note saying they had “decided to pass on me anyway.” The whole experience felt like a preview of a culture that values control over collaboration and perfection over progress. I’m grateful I trusted my instincts — it felt like I dodged a major bullet. Pros: None that I experienced. Cons: Micromanaging leadership, disorganized process, unhealthy culture signals. Things got stranger from there. I was told I would need to complete a six-hour external personality assessment where, in their words, they would “try to find inconsistencies in my experience.” That alone felt invasive and unnecessary for a professional role. The HR team even admitted they were having major issues with hiring and were “trying out a new process.” That was a huge red flag — especially since there was no clarity or structure to what that new process actually was. After I decided not to move forward (for obvious reasons), I was told they had “decided to pass on me anyway.” The tone was dismissive and defensive — which only reinforced my decision. Overall, the experience gave me a clear sense of what the working environment would be like: highly rigid, lacking collaboration, and driven by control rather than trust. I’m genuinely relieved I dodged what seems like a very unhealthy workplace culture.