Pros
The initial AI screening round was smooth and well-structured. The questions focused on culture and behavioral alignment, nothing too tricky.
HR outreach was professional and timely.
Cons
The final round with the founder was extremely off-putting. From the start, the interaction felt one-sided and dismissive.
Instead of a collaborative or insightful discussion, the conversation quickly turned into condescension and criticism of my past work without much context or willingness to understand it.
The founder gave off a strong superiority complex. Think “I’m the next Steve Jobs” energy, but without the humility or clarity to back it up.
Overall, the interaction made it clear this wouldn’t be a healthy or constructive environment to work in.
Advice to Management
You can build great companies without trying to belittle the people you interview. Candidates are evaluating you as much as you are evaluating them. Don’t lose sight of that.