I was approached by ByteDance for a role and initially had a positive impression of the process. The interviews were well-structured, and I met with multiple stakeholders across different functions. However, after reaching the final stages and receiving positive feedback, I was told my application would be placed on hold. Despite being told I might hear back in a few weeks, I was never contacted again. Given that the company initiated the process and invested several rounds of interviews, I would have expected more transparency and follow-through. The experience left me disappointed and questioning the company’s approach to candidate engagement.