The interview process took three weeks and consisted of three rounds: an initial phone screen, a Teams interview, and an in-person interview that included a 30-minute assessment test. I was told I was one of the top two candidates for what they called an entry-level position requiring three or more years of experience (which, let’s be honest, is already ironic). After going through multiple interviews, completing an assignment (despite them already having my portfolio), and driving there in severe weather, I received a rejection call from the Art Director. Their reason? They decided to go with a candidate who had five years of experience—for this so-called entry-level role. I should’ve laughed and hung up right then and there. Companies need to stop dragging candidates through endless interviews for positions that don’t justify it (low pay too if I may add). What more could they possibly need to know by round 3 that wasn’t already covered in the first two? If the job wasn’t a good fit, they could have decided way earlier instead of wasting everyone’s time. Looking back, I don’t think I dodged a bullet—I dodged a massive red flag. If their hiring process is this frustrating, I can only imagine what working there would be like.