I rarely leave reviews, but given how tough the job market is and how many negative candidate experiences are shared online, I wanted to acknowledge Golden Hippo for doing it right. I found the role on LinkedIn and was contacted for a recruiter screen just a few hours later, which was an impressive turnaround. My initial conversation with Claire, the recruiter, was thoughtful and conversational. She asked about my background in communications, my experience with SEO and PR, and what drew me to Golden Hippo. About a week later, I had my first-round interview with the hiring manager and a member of his team. The discussion was engaging and substantive — more of a strategic dialogue than a standard Q&A. They asked several behavioral questions but were genuinely interested in how I think about storytelling, brand strategy, and leadership. The second interview was with a member of the PR team and someone from SEO. This round explored how I approach positioning, the evolving role of PR, and how SEO and AI intersect to shape modern brand visibility. The questions were sharp and insightful, and it was clear the team was deeply knowledgeable in their fields. The final interview was with the GM of the Pet Category and lasted about an hour. It was a wide-ranging and engaging discussion about the company’s direction, the evolving pet space, and what success would look like in this role. We discussed opportunities for stronger cross-functional alignment, strategies to elevate brand storytelling, and the qualities of a leader who could make a lasting impact within the team. Although I wasn’t selected, the process was one of the most transparent, efficient, and respectful I’ve experienced. Every person I met was professional, warm, and genuinely passionate about their work. I left with a strong impression of the culture and leadership at Golden Hippo and would absolutely welcome the opportunity to work with the team in the future.