atolls Product Designer interviews, decoded.

So, the interview process had three main parts. First, there was an HR screening where they asked me about my background and experience and gave me an overview of the job. Then, I talked with the design manager who went into more detail about the role, the company, and the team, and asked me some technical and design-specific questions. Finally, I had to present a case study to a panel of five people from the team, and then there was a Q&A. It felt pretty structured and clear, like each step built on the last.

Got an invite, then it was cancelled last minute due to a system glitch. They said I'd get a new invite 'shortly', but hours passed. I emailed asking if I was still considered, still no response. Five hours later, I emailed asking to withdraw my application. They finally replied explaining the delay and still wanting to interview me. Later, I was interviewed and rejected for 'not enough experience' and 'communication issues', with vague, rude feedback. The interviewer seemed inexperienced, reading from a script, yet paradoxically praised my extensive experience. If I lacked experience, why interview me? Unprofessional and discriminatory.

They had a screening interview, then a 30 min tech interview with the hiring manager. After that, there was a 1 hour portfolio presentation to the team, which involved 1 project. The final interview was scheduled for 1 hour, but I didn't make it that far.