The process started well with a screen call from the internal recruiter, who was professional, friendly, and communicated clearly throughout. They set good expectations and made the initial stage feel smooth and welcoming. However, the in-person interview with the Product Manager was a very different experience. The conversation was heavily focused on “AI everything,” with little depth around actual product thinking or user-centered design. At one point, designers were referred to as “pixel pushers,” which came across as dismissive of the role and its impact. What was more concerning was the admission that there was no real product or design experience, alongside a focus on having sold companies in the past. This made it difficult to understand how product decisions are made or how design is valued within the team. Overall, while the recruiter represented the company well, the in-person interview raised serious concerns about the company’s product culture and respect for design as a discipline.