The only reason that I am stating that this interview was difficult is because of the hiring manager and the panel. The questions were extremely simple. I applied for this position and was contacted by the recruiter. The recruiter set me up with the hiring manager for a Teams interview. Hiring manager interview. I had a ring light that was causing blue rings in my glasses. He asked "can you please fix the light so I can see your eyes?" I did so and then stated that I could not see him. He stated "That is for a reason. It is not necessary to see me, I can see you". I answered the questions easily. Since I had been in leadership positions for the past 10 years or so, he asked why I wanted the individual contributor position. I stated that you can be a leader without managing people and I was very interested in the position. Next interview with the hiring manager. "My people have reviewed your LinkedIn profile and are wondering if you are going to come in and try to manage them. What will you do to prevent that from occurring?" I had to reassure him that I was always part of a team and would support whatever way that I can. Panel interview hiring manager did not show: I answered all of the questions, since I have been in supplier quality management for over 30 years with a masters degree, it was simple. I was asked "How are you going to ensure that you do not try to manage us?" I stated that I am part of a team, there to support, I would be cognizant of my behavior, and would ask them to call me out if they saw me trying to manage them. I was cordial, professional, and interviewed well. The rejection came - "You would be better as a manager than an individual contributor". I was applying to be part of a team, not to deal with anyone's insecurities. I would have declined if I was offered the position. In addition, the salary was below industry standards.