I interviewed for a software engineering role on the FreeFlyer team. There were several behavioral interviews (done over video chat due to COVID) and a coding challenge, as well as two interviews that were more regarding experience and technical background. I let them know multiple times via email and phone that I suffer from social anxiety and would greatly appreciate being notified if I fail to explain or word something properly. Every single time, they said I was a strong candidate and there were no concerns or uncertainties on their minds regarding my application. They seemed enthusiastic and genuine. As for the minor concerns regarding my background that they did raise, I addressed them each multiple times. In the end, they nevertheless rejected me because there were concerns as to my communication ability and my technical background. Again: every time a concern was raised, I did my best to clarify the situation, and double-checked with each interviewer, being told explicitly on multiple occasions that their concerns were alleviated and I was doing well. To be rejected after so many interviews, so unceremoniously, and after all the assurance I was given, felt like everything I said went in one ear and out the other -- and that they genuinely did not care about me, my values or my disability. In many ways, it was much worse than not being contacted at all.

I did a take-home coding assignment. After that, they reached out for a phone screen followed by a soft skills/upper management interview. Then there were a few in-depth technical questions.