After submitting my job application, I heard back about a week later with a working session assignment to complete. The assignment focused on evaluating content marketing skills (e.g. social media, email, copywriting, etc.), but completing it did not guarantee moving forward in the process. About a week after submitting the assignment, I was invited to a first round interview with the hiring manager. The next step would have been a panel interview with the marketing team, but I did not move forward to that stage. After receiving a rejection email, I was sent a feedback survey, and I wanted to share what I shared in the survey I was sent: 1. Requiring a project or assignment after the application stage and before any interview is a lot to ask from applicants. It takes a lot of time and effort. If assignments are part of the process, I would recommend saving them for the final stages when there is already mutual interest. That feels more respectful of applicants’ time and energy. 2. Even though I was informed beforehand about the interview format, the experience felt more robotic than conversational. I understand the value of asking everyone the same questions, but the lack of engagement made it difficult to respond naturally or feel like myself. It felt like a one way virtual interview. The interviewer was kind, but I believe the process would benefit from a more human and interactive approach. Interviews are still conversations between people, and allowing for that connection can shape how candidates show up. 3. I was told I would hear back within a week after the interview, but I did not get any updates until almost four weeks later. After putting time into the assignment and interview, the long silence felt discouraging. Even a short update would have made a big difference.