The process consisted of two rounds: First Round: A video interview with the hiring manager. The conversation was pleasant and the hiring demonstrated strong leadership qualities, which initially gave me confidence in the team’s culture and direction. Second Round: A panel interview with the hiring manager and the team. The panel asked thoughtful situational questions that allowed me to showcase my approach to problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and delivering results. I left feeling optimistic about my alignment with their need Positive Takeaways • The team members were personable and asked well-structured, relevant questions. • The role itself seemed challenging and impactful, particularly for someone passionate about data-driven compensation practices. • The values discussed — service, collaboration, and continuous improvement — seemed to align closely with my own. Areas for Improvement • Communication & Transparency: After investing time preparing for two interview rounds, I learned I wasn’t selected by checking my applicant portal rather than through direct communication. It would have been more professional and respectful to inform candidates promptly via email or phone. • Timeline Management: The process felt prolonged and somewhat unclear. While the team mentioned that decisions were still pending, it became evident after some follow-ups that they had already moved forward with other candidates. Overall Impression While the interview experience itself was mostly positive, the lack of transparency during the final stages left me with concerns about internal communication and candidate experience. Candidates invest significant time and effort preparing, so a little more clarity and timely updates would go a long way in improving the process.