BioRender Interview Questions
& Process

The interview process took about 6 weeks total, with 2 initial casual conversations and then 4 formal interview rounds. HR was great about keeping me updated on timelines and was always professional, and I really liked meeting the people I'd be working with. However, looking back, the process felt a bit disorganized. Right from the start, they thought I might be a better fit for a junior position, but they still had me go through 3 more rounds for the EA job. After I didn't pass the technical part, they shifted to interviewing me for the junior role, but in the end, they decided against hiring me because they didn't have the capacity to train someone at that level. It was frustrating not having a clear path. I spent several weeks preparing for interviews for a role that, as it turned out, wasn't really available.

Applied online but got no confirmation. Emailed stakeholders directly, and one said HR had sent an interview setup email, which I didn't get. Found recruiter on LinkedIn, messaged, and set up a chat. Confirmed my email address had a typo. Another talent rep joined, then a third who seemed to be covering for the second. After a phone screening, I met the hiring manager, who mentioned a work exercise was being developed. Waited a couple weeks, then reached out. The recruiter updated me about internal changes and expedited the process because I was interviewing elsewhere. Met the hiring manager again and a VP within days. Didn't get an offer. Noticed issues with initial communication and lack of a clear point of contact, but the HR rep, Jess, was great, taking ownership, smoothing things over, coordinating priorities, and keeping me informed. They provided discussion topics beforehand, making prep easier. They offered an Uber Eats voucher for the interview day (though I didn't receive it). After rejection, they gave specific feedback beyond generic reasons, showing they value feedback and people. My impression is some internal process issues but a great, caring team working to improve. I felt treated like a person and had a chance to show my fit, even though I didn't succeed, which was on me.

The initial stages of the interview process were as one might expect, but then came a very lengthy life experience interview. This part felt like a deep dive into every single position I've ever held, which I found to be quite pointless given my 20+ years of experience. They asked to speak with leaders from all my past roles, which seems unnecessary, especially trying to recall people from over a decade ago. It really showed they don't know how to properly assess candidates. The questions also had a condescending tone and hints of micromanagement. They wanted to proceed, but I decided not to continue with further discussions.

The second step with the hiring manager was pretty bad. It started off chill, and he said it wouldn't be in-depth, just a casual chat. But then, I think maybe some xenophobia came into play. He didn't really check my resume properly and dismissed my experience in a country that's currently having political issues, saying he wouldn't count my year there towards my total sales experience. He then pushed me to answer a question about the company's clients/ICP, which I obviously don't know since I don't work there yet. I initially said I couldn't answer but he insisted. I did my best, but his response was dismissive and included something factually wrong, implying I was lying or trying to make me look silly for not knowing something I already said I couldn't answer. I corrected his false statement politely but firmly. He couldn't handle that and just shut down the conversation. I was pretty blindsided by how disrespectful and dismissive the tone became so quickly; the only logical explanation seems to be xenophobia.