After the interview with the recruiter, I was told the next step would focus on my experience and professional expertise with a product member. However, instead of a conversation, the interviewer started a surprise product "test"—a messy mix of product sense and execution questions. These tests are not inherently problematic, but they are typically scheduled in advance, as they require preparation and a different mindset than a standard interview. This approach felt poorly planned and out of place—this company is a niche B2B with a handful of customers, and these tests are designed for major scale B2C companies. Adding to that, the interviewer didn’t ask a single question about my background and left no time for discussion or questions at the end. A disappointing experience.

The Director of Product Management, to whom you are expected to report, gives you just one minute to introduce yourself, followed by three questions. At the end, you have only a minute or two to ask any questions of your own. The overall experience feels disrespectful for a senior role and fails to inspire confidence or excitement about joining the company.