Initial Phone Call Screen Interview (30 minutes). - I spoke with a recruiter regarding this position and was initially very excited and eager to speak about this role with this company. However, after leaving the interview with the recruiter a bad taste was left in my mouth, and I honestly left the call not really wanting to work for the company as this was my first impression. During the interview, I was put in a position to defend my ability to finish up my degree program as a part-time student and work for the company full-time. I felt that my ability was doubted and spent most of the interview trying to defend my ability to work and study (many people do this with flexible online learning programs). I should never have to defend or explain how I choose to use my time outside of working hours. The interview felt discriminatory and uncomfortable. The focus was not put on my skills and expertise which in my opinion was very unfair. Things like "I just can't wrap my head around how you would be able to do all of this and work for us" were said. Personal opinions and biases were the focus of this interview as opposed to my skills and qualifications. If a company cannot see value in me using my free time to upskill and learn, then that is a company that I would prefer not to work for anyway! After spending half of the interview trying to explain that my working on a degree could benefit the company, my opportunity to ask questions felt rushed and dismissed. If this company condones discriminatory practices, it sounds like I may have dodged a bullet. Please be careful with your recruiting practices. It is 2023 and many people work and attend flexible programs. Stop using old-school practices to view candidates. Times have changed.