I progressed through several interview stages, including a Teams interview and an in-person interview. I was then invited to take part in a full-day trial, which was unpaid. When I asked for clarification about the unpaid nature of the trial, I was informed that the trial date had been postponed. Two weeks later, I was notified that my application no longer aligned with the company’s vision and that the trial invitation had been withdrawn. Transparency, respect for candidates’ time, and fair hiring practices matter. I hope this feedback encourages reflection and improvement.