Ashby promotes a product designed to help companies excel at hiring, yet their recruiting process was somewhat unimpressive. Here are a few bulleted highlights that stood out: • The main hiring manager showed up to every interview in a sweatshirt and beanie. I personally love a sweatshirt and beanie but these items would not be my choice during an interview, nor would I be impressed as a hiring manager if a candidate dressed this way. Since I was prioritizing dressing professionally for the calls, it felt somewhat disrespectful. • During the interview process, I spoke to several individuals. It stood out to me that despite having gone through several rounds of conversation, I was asked to "detail my background and experience" for every single person. During the final interview round when I spoke to 4 people in one day, I effectively gave the same spiel 4 times in a row. This inevitably took up several minutes of each call and therefore felt like an ineffective use of time, so I found it odd for the process of a company that claims to be a leader in hiring. • I also found it insulting that during almost every single call with a new person on the team it was mentioned that they were bouncing from "back-to-back interviews." I didn't ask if these were interviews for the same position I was applying for, and I assume they very well may not have been. While it may have been true, and just an aside comment about how busy their days have been, I found it to be odd commentary to share with a candidate. It made me feel unimportant. • The challenge portion of the interview was convoluted, and given that it was described as a real problem to which I'd be walking into, I felt uncomfortable knowing I spent hours creating strategy that I then sent off to the Ashby team, effectively preparing IP that they can use whether they choose to hire me or not. Further, I was never provided feedback or even praise on the work I completed. (For reference, other companies I've interviewed with have offered gift cards as a sign of appreciation for completing such a strenuous work, especially given the work was not hypothetical, but realistic in its potential application). • Speaking of feedback, after being sent a notification from the hiring manager that Ashby would not be moving forward with my candidacy, the offer to provide feedback was mentioned. I responded confirming that yes, I would be greatly interested in setting up that call yet they have not responded to me since. I actually put off completing this survey for several days, anticipating I would do so after that call, however now I assume it will never actually happen since it's been over 10 days since it was offered. • Finally, I inquired about the timeline and consideration toward the end of the process and was told by the hiring manager that I was in a cohort of 3 others who had also completed the project and final interview round, but that an additional cohort of 2-3 were just extended the opportunity to complete the project. Again, this seemed odd practice and information to share with a candidate, the implication being that the project was sent to additional individuals even though the team already had several projects in-hand which were assumedly good enough to send forward in the process, but not good enough to explore additional candidates? Overall, while the set up and organization of the process felt well-thought, it seems there are still areas of opportunity for Ashby when it comes to consideration of the candidates they are engaging with in terms of how they navigate their interactions and respect of a candidates time and effort.