It was apparent from the start of the conversation that the interviewer had already determined I was not a fit. The interviewer did not introduce herself or provide any meaningful overview of the role, and repeatedly emphasized being short on time. The conversation consisted of only a few surface-level questions, with no effort to explore how my experience might translate to the position. As a candidate, I would have appreciated that being communicated directly rather than proceeding with a rushed and performative discussion. When I asked about the role itself, the interviewer stated directly that there are "no deliverables". From a business standpoint, work without defined deliverables is simply a drain on resources with no way to measure value or progress toward client goals. For an operations-focused role, that was a remarkable thing to hear from someone conducting the interview. As someone with extensive experience running a business and leading hiring processes, the lack of structure, preparation, and engagement suggested that operations expertise is greatly needed here — though the interview process did not reflect an ability to effectively evaluate it. Overall, the experience felt dismissive and did not provide a meaningful opportunity to assess mutual fit.

I had 6 interviews over a few month timeframe. Everyone I met with was very friendly and spoke positively about their experience working for SEI. I mainly went in with an open mind, as they reached out to me vs me to them. By the 3-4th interview, I bought in and could see myself working with the team. I did my case study, got positive feedback and thought I nailed it. Had done many executive presentations to leadership over years as a manager and product lead. The end of the process was abrupt and unexpected. I got the vibe in retrospect I was in a pipeline to nowhere, or their budget dried up and they were just phishing for talent. Overall a positive experience and everyone was super cool. I originally just went in for the practice. I compare this experience to dating the homecoming queen for 2 months, then she emails you saying "its not you, it's me". Process just fizzled out with no constructive feedback. That part disappointing.