Recruiter Process: The recruitment process began with a recruiter contacting me, and it took two weeks to schedule the first interview. One recruiter coordinated the scheduling, while another conducted the initial call. Initial Recruiter Interview: After waiting 10 minutes on Google Meet, I contacted the coordinator to confirm the call. The recruiter eventually joined and apologized for the delay. Despite the late start, we had a productive 20-minute conversation discussing the role and how my 20 years of experience could contribute to their needs. I was transparent about my strengths and whether the role aligned with my skills and interests. The conversation ended positively, with plans to move forward to the next round. First Interview: The interview began with a brief introduction, including casual conversation. I was questioned about my lack of direct industry experience despite my relevant background, which I clarified. Interestingly, the interviewer had no prior industry experience themselves, according to their LinkedIn profile. The discussion then moved to a previous role of mine and its related technology, which I was happy to clarify. However, the interviewer made unprofessional and judgmental comments that I found inappropriate and surprising—remarks that could easily raise HR concerns. Shortly afterward, they ended the interview, citing they didn’t want to waste my time. The entire call lasted only 10 minutes. Key Takeaways The impression I got was of a company culture characterized by ego and a male-dominated environment. Having managed teams throughout my career, I cannot imagine treating anyone so unprofessionally in an interview setting. Although the experience was disappointing, I see it as a blessing in disguise. It underscored the importance of cultural alignment and professionalism in the workplace, even during the hiring process.