I was approached directly by the CEO regarding a senior product role and had a very engaging initial exchange. The early conversations were genuinely impressive, there was clear thinking around the product vision, and my feedback on the system was acknowledged and appreciated. Based on that, I was invited to a deeper discussion (including a potential conversation with the CTO), with the indication that the formal interview process would likely be a formality. However, after that point, the process stalled completely. The suggested discussion never materialized, and there was no closure or communication on next steps despite follow-ups. It’s unfortunate, because the opportunity itself seemed interesting, and the initial interaction set a high bar. A more structured and respectful candidate experience, especially at senior levels, would go a long way in building credibility. Pros: Interesting product vision (Service-as-Software, AI-led delivery) Leadership is open to ideas and feedback in early conversations Cons: Lack of follow-through after initial engagement No clear communication or closure in the hiring process