I interviewed with Lantern a few weeks ago and went through five rounds of interviews, including a panel interview and a take-home presentation assignment that required significant time and preparation. The team members I interacted with were all kind and professional, and I received positive feedback on my presentation from leadership. What was disappointing, however, was the length and structure of the interview process. After what was presented as the final interview, I was asked to complete an additional interview for a different but similar role because leadership felt I could be a strong fit elsewhere. After completing that additional round, I received a generic rejection email stating they decided to move forward with other candidates. Shortly after, I noticed the original role was reposted. I fully understand companies may decide another candidate is a better fit, but requiring candidates to invest this much unpaid time, including multiple interviews and detailed take-home work, without clearer direction or decision-making earlier in the process felt unnecessarily exhausting and discouraging. Candidates’ time and effort should be respected just as much as the company’s. While the people themselves were pleasant, the hiring process left me with the impression that the organization lacks efficiency and consideration for candidate experience. Just as they ultimately decided I wasn’t the right fit for them, I can honestly say that after experiencing their hiring process, I would not choose Lantern as a company I’d want to bring my talents to in the future either.