Interview Experience: Below Expectations The overall experience was below satisfactory. The role appears to be a replacement position in Japan with a relatively lower compensation structure and limited opportunity to learn the end-to-end demand planning process from the ground up. The expectations were heavily focused on candidates with 3–5 years of direct Demand Planning experience, including hands-on expertise in Power BI, data analytics, and demand planning systems. The role is clearly structured for experienced professionals and NOT suitable for candidates transitioning from adjacent functions. There was minimal two-way communication during the discussion, as the hiring manager primarily sought candidates who already possess the required experience and strong Japanese fluency. This limited the opportunity for meaningful dialogue. Additionally, there were technical issues on the recruiter’s end, as an incorrect meeting link was initially provided, which caused a delayed start to the interview. A note to the hiring manager: regardless of a candidate’s experience level, professionalism and respect are fundamental. Hiring managers represent the company’s values and culture, and the interview process should reflect that standard.