They were looking for candidate able to provide remote technical support to approximately 300 accounts in Spain, 20 in Portugal and perhaps other locations.
First, I had HR phone interview in Spanish, a second interview in English with the Technical Support Manager through video conference and a third phone interview with the Product Manager in Portuguese.
After completing interviews in Spanish, English and Portuguese (my mother language), I was told that they decided not to move forward with my application because "I would find difficulties in communicating in Portuguese with clients from Portugal". Apparently, I am perfectly able to communicate in Spanish and English, but not in my own language. Unsurprisingly, they hired a Portuguese applicant instead.
I deeply disagree that Cepheid is an equal opportunity employer and they must know that discrimination based on national origin/ancestry is strictly prohibited and unlawful.