I applied online, and a few days later, I got an email asking about my availability for an interview. They scheduled a Zoom interview on a random day and time with no regard for my availability. I also had no idea what to expect in the interview, as no details were given.
The interviewer logged in to our meeting over ten minutes late and did not apologize for making me wait. The interviewer did not ask me any questions about my experience or resume; instead, they launched directly into technical questions. Since I had never actually spoken to anyone from this company prior to the interview, I incorrectly assumed this would be an introductory interview and that there would be a more technical interview if this one went well.
It did not go well. I was only asked questions about data structures and algorithms. I wasn't adequately prepared for those questions (my fault), but the interviewer was so incredibly rude to me. Several eye rolls, dirty looks, and snide comments the entire time. At the end of the interview, I was given the opportunity to ask questions. I tried to be friendly and take an interest in the company and the interviewer, even though I knew it didn't go well and I wouldn't be getting an offer. Once again, the interviewer gave curt responses, mumbling and sounding annoyed the whole time.
While I recognize that I was underqualified and totally bombed the interview, I found the interviewer's behavior to be utterly abhorrent. There were zero attempts to make me feel comfortable from the beginning of the interview, and I have never felt so disrespected during an interview in my entire life. I was already embarrassed by how poorly I answered the questions, but the interviewer made me feel like garbage for having the audacity to try to be friendly at the end of the interview. I feel like there is some responsibility for an interviewer to try to make the candidate feel comfortable at the start of the interview, as it will help the entire thing go more smoothly.
Ultimately, I wasn't impressed with the communication prior to the interview, the tardiness of the interviewer, or the complete lack of decorum that the interviewer displayed.