"I was asked to complete a pre-interview project that required significant time and effort. I spent over 5-6 hours ensuring the project was production-ready, as this was the expectation. However, when it came to the interview, my work and effort were barely acknowledged, which was very disappointing.
During the interview, the interviewer repeatedly asked if I had written the code myself, implying that I may not have built the application on my own. This line of questioning felt inappropriate, as it questioned my competence and undermined the work I had clearly invested hours into. I felt that my skills were being unfairly doubted.
The interview, which was scheduled for 1 hour and 30 minutes, ended abruptly after just 15 minutes, without a meaningful discussion about my project or further exploration of my skills. I had expected a more comprehensive evaluation, and I left the interview feeling that I wasn’t given a fair chance to demonstrate my abilities.
I left the interview feeling disrespected and judged, both for my work and for who I am. The repeated questioning about whether I had written the code myself felt particularly dismissive, making me feel as though my skills were being unfairly questioned. This experience left me humiliated, and I believe that the interview did not provide a fair or professional evaluation of my abilities.
Additionally, I felt that I may have been treated differently due to my background or authenticity, as the interviewer’s attitude and questioning seemed to target me in a way that was not appropriate for a professional interview. While I cannot confirm intent, the way I was treated gave me the impression that my appearance, background, or identity played a role in how I was perceived, leading to unfair scrutiny.
I would encourage the company to review its interview process to ensure that it aligns with equal employment opportunity (EEO) principles and that all candidates are treated with professionalism and respect, regardless of their background, experience, or identity. Every candidate should be given the opportunity to discuss their work and demonstrate their skills fully, rather than having their abilities questioned prematurely. A more comprehensive and respectful approach would benefit both the company and potential candidates, ensuring that EEO standards are upheld in every interaction."