This was honestly one of the worst interview experiences I've ever had and I feel there was a degree of gender bias involved. The initial phone interviewer was so impressed with my experience that he recommended me for two positions higher than the one for which I applied. I was then given a case study that I spent at least six hours preparing. During my case interview I felt like the reviewers were completely disinterested in me and didn't want to be there. One guy asked me if I was a professor (I taught about a decade ago) so I know he barely looked at my resume. He also left the call before the interview concluded. They do not answer any clarifying questions during the case study review. They did not ask me any interview questions and they would not give any constructive criticism of my presentation. I took a day off of work to prepare for this interview and put so much effort into it only to feel barely seen or acknowledged. All three of my reviewers were male and this is a male-dominated field. When I followed up with the firm because I felt unseen in this process I was told it was acceptable for all men to review me because they are given diversity training. This is first interview I've ever had that left me feeling a little robbed and depleted. I regret going through this process.

First contacted by a recruiter and then did screening interview. They were interested particularly in my experience in human-centered design, which they said was the main focus of their work. Next week I spoke with a director in the firm. Very friendly and open discussion where I shared my background and interests. He seemed impressed with my experience. Within two weeks, the recruiter scheduled an interview for me with two of the founders. I was given a case study less than 24 hours before that call that described a business problem that I had to diagnose. I read it, researched it, and prepared to explain my approach to tackling the challenge. The interview with the two top guys was cordial. Since the firm had expressed interest in my human-centered design skills, I used an HCD methodology to analyze and tackle the case study. I clearly missed the mark because the recruiter emailed me the next day and said there was no offer. Everyone was very polite and kind.