I recently interviewed for a position at Blackpanda and observed a few notable aspects of the process. While the company presents itself as professional, there seemed to be a strong emphasis on candidates having direct B2B or cybersecurity experience, which I felt overshadowed the relevance of my broader skills. I also noticed some concern about candidates’ proximity to their office, even though the role was remote, which may suggest a preference for those living nearby. Interviews with management at the main office were professional and open-minded, but local interviews felt more rigid, particularly in their preference for strict cybersecurity backgrounds. One aspect that stood out was the urgency they conveyed about filling the role, yet the process extended over five interview stages and took more than a month to conclude. Additionally, I was asked personal questions, such as my civil status and whether I had children, which felt a bit personal and might cause some kind of bias. Another point I noticed during the interview was that the local team repeatedly referred to a role lower on the career path than the one I was applying for. This was disappointing, especially since the questioning was thorough. It seemed there was a misalignment in their understanding of the position I was actually applying for. Though they are a startup, they mentioned the possibility of taking on tasks outside the job description, and asked if I am okay to do it. Nonetheless, they maintained a polite and professional approach throughout the process.