I spent weeks in FalconX’s process—screen, panels, and a front-end take-home project that took real time. Multiple interviewers openly said the work is chaotic with constant shuffling of priorities. On top of that, the recruiter scheduled an interview I never confirmed, so the interviewer showed up at the wrong time—super awkward and avoidable. After all that, the recruiter finally told me they don’t have the budget for the role. So why run a marathon process, assign a project, and waste everyone’s time if the headcount isn’t even real? Be transparent from the start. Pros Some interviewers were polite. Got quick scheduling at first (until it wasn’t). Cons Long, time-consuming interview loop. Required a front-end take-home, then pulled the plug. Recruiter scheduled without my confirmation; interviewer joined at the wrong time. Interviewers themselves described chaotic work and shifting priorities. Final rejection reason: “no budget.” Advice to Management Only open roles with confirmed budget. Stop assigning take-homes unless you’re serious about hiring. Fix recruiting ops—don’t schedule candidates without confirmation. If the org is chaotic, acknowledge it and show a plan to stabilize priorities. Respect candidates’ time and communicate risks early.