The interview process up through the final round (virtual onsite) was well managed and enjoyable. The recruiter was quick to schedule calls and respond to any questions I had.

My story starts immediately after the final round.

I have never been treated so poorly or felt more disrespected by any company until Toast. Here's the timeline:

• Thursday: Final round interviews. I spoke with the recruiter right after my last call of the day, and they mentioned that they would get back to me the following day, Friday, with a decision.
• Friday (1 day after final round): Didn't hear from the recruiter.
• Tuesday (5 days after final round): I emailed the recruiter, who apologized and told me that "the feedback was great, and I'm just working through a few logistical challenges. I'll get back to you tomorrow."
• Wednesday (6 days after final round): Didn't hear from the recruiter.
• Thursday (13 days after final round): Having not heard from the recruiter in almost 1.5 weeks, I sent another email to hopefully get some kind of response.
• Friday (14 days after final round): The recruiter texted me asking for availability to chat that day. I replied, and they never called or confirmed.
• Monday (17 days after final round): At this point, I'd moved on, but I sent an email just trying to get any kind of feedback about the final round so I could fix any mistakes I might've made. The recruiter called me after seeing the email and told me that I hit every mark and did well during the interview, but... get this... that the role isn't available anymore (seriously?!?) and they're trying to find another team for me. The recruiter then told me that they were going to get back to me in a couple of days.

And of course, they never did.

My experience highlights a flaw in hiring: a recruiter can be a single point of failure where, if they are out of office, have left the company, or are even not in the mood, they can just "ghost" a candidate. Even a candidate who apparently passed all of the interviews.

I hope that my experience is a "one-off" and that anyone reading this doesn't have the same issues.

Would I ever consider applying to Toast again in the future? No, never.

Would I recommend a friend apply to Toast? No, and I would send them a link to this review.

Signed an NDA and cannot comment.