I received an email inviting me to schedule an interview around two weeks after submitting my application. They asked if I was available at one specific time. I was, so I replied confirming that time and included a few follow-up questions about their process and company.
The next day HR/Recruiting called me to talk through my questions. All went well, and I got a positive impression.
The interview itself was a Zoom call with the hiring manager. I thought it went well, and then I asked if I could get some information about their technical review in advance. I explained that it helps me feel less nervous during live coding if I know what areas I should prepare to demonstrate.
The moment I asked, the tone shifted. The interviewer seemed uncomfortable, then suddenly “lost connection” mid-sentence. I stayed on the call but he did not rejoin. I emailed to ask if he would reconnect or if he could answer a few remaining questions, copying the two HR contacts I’d spoken with.
I never received a reply. I followed up two more times over the next two weeks, but there was no response. The lack of any closure left a poor impression. What had started as a comfortable and open conversation ended without even a simple note from the company to say they were moving on with other candidates.
After reflecting, it seemed like my request for clarity may have been interpreted negatively, but at minimum the absence of communication felt unprofessional. Even a brief “thank you but no” message would have been appreciated.
