Went through 5 rounds. The recruiting process, aside from the recruiter not showing up to the first meeting due to technical problems, was very well organized and fast.
I put over two working days into the two case studies, which was quite an investment, but I thought it would be worth it. Looking back, I couldn't help feeling that the amount of work expected from candidates was also a way of testing how much candidates are willing to prioritize work above everything else.
I genuinely liked everyone I met throughout the process. They all seemed professional, friendly, and enjoyable to talk to, which made me excited about the opportunity.
The final interview with the CRO gave me a clearer impression why the necessity to work hard was emphasized so often: It felt like another stress test, rather than a getting to know each other. And as a young woman with ambitious career goals, I was asked whether I had plans for any longer leave in the coming years and whether I could realistically commit to the company for the next *four* years. Those questions left me with the impression that there is a strong expectation for employees to prioritize work above other aspects of life.
Aside, from the founder's perspective, relatively short positions are seen as a "red flag," no matter how well you are able to justify it.
Overall, despite meeting many great people, I left the process feeling that the culture would not be a good fit for me. After the very last interview I felt really exhausted and decided that I do not wish to feel challenged in my day to day and hence left the process on my own terms.