I was recently interviewed for a role where the hiring manager led the conversation. Honestly, the interview felt more like a checklist exercise than a true dialogue. It seemed she had a bank of preset questions she needed to get through, many of which were repetitive, even after I had already provided answers. Personally, I value interviews that feel like meaningful conversations about past experiences, where the employer is genuinely assessing fit — and equally, where the candidate has the chance to evaluate the company and its culture. I wasn’t moved forward to the next round, but I’m not concerned, as the experience reinforced what I look for in an employer.

I had a 25-minute call with a recruiter. The recruiter started by providing details about the role, including key responsibilities and expectations. After that, she asked me a few questions, including "Tell me about yourself" and some behavioral questions. Toward the end of the call, she gave me the opportunity to ask questions, and I asked a couple, which she answered thoroughly. Overall, the conversation was straightforward and informative.