The Process:
1. Video Application: The initial stage required a video submission. While modern, this raises concerns regarding unconscious bias and the visibility of protected characteristics early in the process.
2. Initial Call: Standard screening call.
3. Technical Challenge: I was assigned a "6-hour" technical task that addressed what appeared to be a current, real-world technical issue the company is facing. The task took significantly longer than the estimated 6 hours and was uncompensated.
The Result: Despite completing the time-consuming challenge, I received a generic rejection email. I was not given the opportunity to present my findings or walk the team through my logic, and no specific feedback was provided on the work I submitted.
Advice to Management:
Respect the time of senior-level candidates. If a candidate spends a full day (or more) solving a technical problem for your company, the bare minimum should be a short technical review call or specific feedback. Using candidates to solve current internal technical issues without compensation or engagement is poor practice.