I was referred by an engineer whom I previously managed on a video software team. This was followed by a short phone call with a recruiter who asked questions mainly around management experience.

After the recruiter's call, another call was arranged with the head of engineering for a couple of weeks later. That person purely focused on asking about hiring and firing. There were no technical questions, and no questions about video development. At the end of the call, they said, "I have a different role in mind for you that I can't talk about yet. Thanks for the call."

I was very disappointed that no questions about developing video software or running a software team from a technical point of view were asked. It seemed like the head of engineering had already decided that they weren't interviewing me for the position to which I was referred.

Overall, the recruiters were organized and helpful, but the managers conducting the interviews seemed like typical Silicon Valley upper management – all politics.

Tell me about a time when an employee didn't work out.