Disappointing and Disheartening Interview Experience – A Warning for Candidates with Strong Backgrounds**
I was incredibly excited about the opportunity to join BoldScience I was a direct referral from their Associate Director of People Ops and went through a very lengthy ( I went thru 5 rounds when the recruiter only told me 3), multi-stage interview process that included building a full presentation in detail, completing a detailed Excel-based assessment that was sprung on me last minute, and multiple panel interviews from the hiring manager to the CPO— all of which I took seriously and prepared thoroughly for. The salary for the role was also not listed and when speaking with the team the hiring manager advised they did not have one and still were trying to calibrate so thru out the process I did not get the salary range.
The hiring manager praised my expertise, my preparation, and said I’d be taking work off her plate also even stating I was exactly the type of partner she was looking for. I was transparent throughout about my goals, flexibility, and desire to be a long-term fit. However, after 2 weeks of engaging and being told an offer was the next step, I was ultimately passed over with the rationale that the role “might not challenge me enough.” That feedback felt dismissive and frustrating, especially because I directly addressed this concern during the interview and was told it wasn’t an issue.
It was clear that I was fully capable of succeeding in the role and aligned with their needs. What’s more disappointing is that the process made it seem like I had already earned their trust and confidence, only for things to shift unexpectedly. I left the experience feeling misled and undervalued.
If you're a highly qualified professional who brings strategy, systems thinking, and process ownership to the table — be mindful. This company may not be ready to support or retain top talent who think beyond the immediate task list.