The interview process started with a take-home test, which had to be completed within 48 hours. After passing that stage, the next step was a 3-hour onsite interview. For someone currently working full-time, I found it difficult to justify travelling to the office and spending 3 hours during the working day for a role I may not get. Thought Machine did not seem willing to compromise on this, which was disappointing. That said, the recruiter was very understanding, flexible, and gave me plenty of time and freedom when arranging the process. Overall, it was a positive experience, and I really like the company’s vision. However, the time commitment made it hard to continue, especially as I am currently leading a project in my current role, so I decided to withdraw from the process. Good luck to others who are able to make the time for the onsite interview.

I interviewed for a Software Engineer role at Thought Machine in London. The process consists of a take-home coding challenge followed by an onsite covering code review, DSA, and system design . Throughout the interview I answered all questions confidently and received positive signals from the interviewers across every round. Despite this, I was rejected with no meaningful explanation. After investing considerable time and performing strongly by every measure I could assess, the lack of transparent and actionable feedback was frustrating and frankly disrespectful of candidates' time. For a company of Thought Machine's calibre, the post-rejection experience should match the rigour of the interview itself. The role is worth pursuing if you are technically strong, but be prepared for a process that may not close with the clarity or professionalism you would expect.

Had a 30-minute interview with the recruiter and a coffee chat with the hiring manager. Nothing complex, just conversations around my experience and role fit. I genuinely thought it went well, only to receive an automated rejection email saying I wouldn’t be progressing further. When I followed up, they said they felt I “wouldn’t enjoy the role” because I don’t come from a fintech background. What confuses me is that there was nothing on my CV suggesting I had fintech experience in the first place, so why shortlist me, schedule multiple conversations, and then reject me for something already obvious from the start? It really makes you question whether some hiring decisions are less about actual role fit and more about safe, biased hiring based on a preferred profile or preconceived idea of who they want. Avoid this place at all costs.