Started off with a very challenging online assessment, the SHL interactive exam, Took me 5 days to prepare for it. Then got invited to do a first round with a recruiter. She explained the role and went into my intro and from the intro drew a conclusion that I did not have adequate people management experience and hence rejected me on the spot. Very disappointing as she had made up her mind without even going deeper into my experience.
Good things: Recruiter was honest and transparent, didn't waste time
Bad things: She could have clarified the requirements and whether I meet them from my application. The process felt extremely shallow and like they were looking at a checklist and trying to tick things rather than understanding a candidate's true potential. Can't blame her much,
My takeaway from this is. Do not be honest about your shortcomings. Fake it till you make it! Say yes to whatever they want until you get the role. The recruiters follow a very shallow set of criteria.