I felt uncomfortable with the interview experience. The interviewer asked me questions such as why flexible working arrangements are important for a fresh graduate and how a fresh graduate could remain disciplined in such arrangements. While I felt the questions themselves were valid, when I tried to answer, my responses were not accepted, and the interviewer kept pressing me toward the answer he seemed to want. This made the session feel less like a genuine two-way discussion and more like being tested against a fixed expectation. Overall, the experience gave me the impression of being judged rather than listened to, and I felt a lack of respect during the conversation. To clarify, I am not a fresh graduate but have over 4 years of experience in digital product environments, so the line of questioning also felt misaligned with my background.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why flexible working arrangements are important for a fresh graduate and how a fresh graduate could remain disciplined in such arrangements?
I applied online. The process took 5 weeks. I interviewed at Pand.ai (Kuala Lumpur) in May 2024
Interview
They first contacted me for a physical interview. Then after that interview, they got back to me a week after and said will not be proceeding. A week after that, I was contacted again for a second interview with the CEO, via video call. The discussion with CEO was pleasant, and seemed positive. However they didn't get back to me until I follow up 3 working days later. I had some request and inquired for adjustments but my next meeting was immediately cancelled and only conveyed by the arranger. The offer retracted.
Honestly the whole process wasn't the best experience, as it was not efficient. However, I believe the company have so much potential and I'd grow a lot with the role. Unfortunately my priorities not aligning with their requirements right now.
Another thing that I find funny is that an AI tech company needs so much physical presence and took quite sometime to move things around. I think they're missing a lot of good talents by not giving more perks. I do hope that the work culture will shift as the company scales and wishes the very best for them.
I would love to revisit the opportunity once my priorities shift in the future.
