The process started strong: an organized, transparent recruiter and a thoughtful, values-driven hiring manager. After the first interview, I was told the team was excited to move forward. Unfortunately, the final round felt very different. I was asked to begin by leading with my own questions, which felt more like a formality than a genuine continuation of the conversation. In hindsight, the interaction felt so disconnected that I question whether the final round was ever meant to be evaluative. A cross-functional manager entered with closed-off body language and asked questions in a sharp, defensive tone. The energy in the room shifted noticeably. Rather than feeling thoughtfully evaluated, I left feeling unsettled by the sudden shift in tone and approach. There was little effort to re-engage or reset the dynamic, and the interview ended on a strained note. I followed up to express continued interest but received a generic rejection the next day. I still believe in the company’s mission and hope their interview process continues to evolve to reflect the values they promote.