The application requires you to give significant detail about some challenging piece of work you've done, along with your CV. You're application isn't even glanced at or scanned by automation because you immediately receive an email to setup a technical challenge. Red flag number 1. Red flag number 2: The challenge is a faceless, video-recorded 90 minute task. The challenge itself is also fairly difficult. I completed the challenge without any errors and all tests passing. I showed usage of relevant debugging tools and a good degree of expertise. Red flag number 3: After 4 days, I received a template rejection and was instructed that no feedback can be received. I wondered how I could be rejected to move to the next stage with relevant experience and a near-perfect technical exercise if there are seemingly *thousands* of job postings for this company. I can only assume they are simply not willing to pay what they advertise, and are looking to outsource to much cheaper countries (I am from London). I highly recommend to not even bother wasting your time with this.

Initial Communication: My experience with Speechify's hiring process was disappointing due to its lack of personal interaction. After submitting my application, I received an automated email several weeks later inviting me to a technical challenge. The optional recruiter screening was skipped, leaving me without any discussion about role alignment or company expectations. Challenge Setup: The invitation gave me just two days to schedule the challenge within a week. Unfortunately, the confirmation email lacked essential details like the date and time. The setup promised an employee presence during the challenge, but there was actually no online meeting, so no person at all. Instead I was asked to record my screen, and enable my camera and microphone. Technical Challenge: The challenge itself felt poorly organized. The instructions were scattered across a README file, a folder with screenshots, and code comments. For a one-hour task, this felt excessive and inefficient. Admittedly, I wasn't at my best that day, so maybe the task would've felt a bit more achievable on other days. Despite this and the disjointed guidance, I managed to complete as much as I could before the deadline. Feedback: It took two weeks to receive any feedback, which arrived as an impersonal email suggesting I read several books and reapply in 60 days. The recommendations (at least those relevant for an iOS Engineer) were for basic resources, several of which I had already reviewed in the past, some of them critically. Conclusion: I've never encountered a hiring process that felt less human. I highly recommend Speechify reconsider their automated approach and invest in personal engagement, streamlined instructions, and prompt, tailored feedback. This would ensure candidates feel valued and that the company presents itself as a desirable employer. Unfortunately, based on this experience, I will not be reapplying.