I am a former Cognizant employee with 6+ years of AI/ML experience and was excited about the opportunity to return. Unfortunately, the interview was the most unprofessional experience of my career. What happened: Greeted the interviewer with "Good morning" – received no response First statement from interviewer: "Are you really having skills or faking just for interview?" No technical discussion – was handed a paper to write irrelevant AWS code When I requested to share my project experience and awards, was told "Don't waste my time" Entire interview lasted 4–5 minutes with constant rudeness and shouting Was not allowed to speak or demonstrate my actual skills My Take: Having received offers from multiple Big 4 firms where I was treated with respect, this experience was shocking. Rejections are normal, but being subjected to hostile, degrading behavior is unacceptable. The interviewer (blue shirt, seated near hand wash area) displayed zero professionalism and created a harassment-like environment. Advice for Cognizant: Screen interviewers for basic courtesy and professionalism. This reflects poorly on your employer brand. Advice for Candidates: Be prepared for potentially disrespectful treatment. Document everything if this happens to you.

The recruiter reached out to me. There were a total of 2 rounds of interviews. After 1st round of interview, they scheduled my last technical, which happened on the following weekend. The interviewer did not join the call. They rescheduled it further 4 times in the coming week, but the manager who was supposed to conduct the interview did not appear. The recruiter apologized, but then never scheduled that round. I felt my time was wasted in the process.