I was genuinely excited to interview with Twilio. Ahead of the interview, I received a detailed prep guide emphasizing how important their values (The Twilio Magic) are in how they hire and operate. The message was clear: be ready to share how those values resonate with you. Here’s the exact note I received: "Be sure to review our Interview Prep Guide (especially our company values, the Twilio Magic, on page 7)... I'd love to hear how any might resonate with you when we connect." I took that seriously. I studied the material, reflected on it, and came prepared to have a values-driven conversation. But once the interview started, none of it was mentioned. Not a single question about alignment, values, or cultural fit. Instead, the interviewer seemed more interested in hearing praise for Twilio than in understanding my actual experience or how I could contribute. It felt one-sided and superficial. Despite having years of directly relevant experience, I was never given the chance to meaningfully discuss it. To make matters worse, the interviewer went on at length about next steps, panel interviews, and their role as the main point of contact only for me to receive a generic rejection email the very next day, with zero feedback. It gave the strong impression that the decision had already been made, and the interview was more of a formality. Frankly, it felt like they weren’t looking to hire at all, just checking boxes or, as is increasingly the trend with companies lately, simply gauging the market under the guise of hiring. It was a waste of time and energy for a process that clearly lacked authenticity and purpose. Twilio markets itself as a values-driven, people-first company. But from my experience, the interview process didn’t reflect that at all. It was disappointing, frustrating, and a missed opportunity for genuine dialogue and evaluation.