An interview is an environment where neither party is present to impress the other. It is merely a brief time to understand, evaluate, and share knowledge that might benefit the company being hired for.

Here are a few positives:

• The questions were basic, allowing professionals with 1-2 years of experience to answer them.
• The interviewer did not rush, moving to the next question after adequate time.
• When I was stuck, I requested a hint, which was provided.

Let's focus on aspects that provide insight into work ethic, peer relationships, the working atmosphere, and the level of empathy shown towards employees, especially from management such as a Lead.

For every question asked, I made sure to vocalize my logic and potential solutions. I even went to the extent of typing out my thoughts as I spoke. One cannot immediately start coding based on a question; thinking and forming logic are necessary. Despite this, the interviewer seemed 'paranoid.' The interviewer even had the audacity to ask, 'Why are you not on video?' to which I responded politely and logically.

This experience made me uncomfortable and I lost all confidence in proceeding. I honestly wanted to end the interview then and there, but that would have seemed unprofessional, so I continued.

This also raises questions about the organization's cultural values, as each employee is an extension of the company.

When an organization cannot 'trust' a potential employee during a simple interview process, how can one expect to work effectively?

I am glad I did not hear back. Even if I had, I would have politely declined to move forward.

To the HR:

1. Train your 'professionals.' Please ensure they are qualified and personally equipped to handle interviews.
2. An interview is an environment where the interviewer is not given a timeslot to showcase their own capabilities.
3. Empathy – Kindly consider this. It will take your organization a long way.

To future interviewers:

Invest in a webcam, especially one that offers a 360-degree view.

Nothing which needs to be put here.