Outbound recruiter hit me up. After reading the JD and hearing some of the backstory of cultural and product transformation, I figured why not. First major learning! Know what you're getting yourself into immediately (YMMV based on role). The role title changed several times (including again while I was in play), hadn't been filled in ages, and folks were politely trying to not trash talk the previous person in role. Ok. Nothing too crazy yet, given the ridiculously low standards a lot of employers have these days in terms of candidate experience (esp nontech companies trying to transform themselves). Real doozy was after talking to two people (one a recruiter) for a total of 1 hr, they flew me onsite. At this point, I had coordinated with 5 individuals (not including my initial interviewer) to get me there. Second major learning! And totally my fault for not pausing at this point. But, I was pumped at the idea of helping redefine a company with household name recognition and a killer footprint and said why the hell not?!? I want a challenge. :) Doesn't erase the fact they don't know what they're doing and really need help creating an expedited and candidate friendly experience. Didn't let this phase me (including not knowing whether I'd even be interviewing 24 hrs shy of my departing bi-coastal flight). Get there and it is something akin to what I imagine an interview by the FBI would be like. Round after round after round (interviewed with a total of 15 folks within 8 hrs) of folks just barking off questions from hard copy packets to trip you up, get bite sized answers with no context, and some folks leaving no time for answers to your questions. I've never in my career experienced such an old school, non-tech way to attract tech talent. Third major learning! If it feels like you're being overwhelmed and attacked, chances are, your gut is right. Ask yourself continually "is this a company and are these folks I'd want to work for and with?" and listen closely. One person was taking notes on their laptop...one..at a company touting itself as the leading change agent in the automotive technology space. Very cultish culture. Folks who hire on tend to stay (fantastic employer ratings, long tenure, perks, etc.) but outsiders beware! They don't like us much, esp if we have differing opinions on their interviewing process or don't exactly fit what they're looking for... Came away actually thankful an offer wasn't made. I wish them the best but will use these learnings to help steer me to a culture I want to be a part of. Best litmus test for the candidate's fit assessment is also the interview...being treated like a child by your top potential superior on the loop (felt like he was peacocking to the rest of the leadership team instead of bothering to sell me on the role or even be friendly), abandoned at different points in the interview flow in the building, having a schedule so jammed up that I felt I deserved a tour of duty award at the end, and the ever uncomfortable "coffee" the next day when you know you're not getting an offer and wish above all else just to be on a plane going back home, where you don't feel like such a leper. Fantastic place for folks who hired on before the restructuring started. If you're coming in new, Godspeed and best of luck because you'll need it. If you don't know someone personally or haven't worked there before, you'll likely be a one man island. (Caveat: above is only for tech role. Not sure how this translates to other domain areas.)