The process required a significant amount of candidate time and effort, including multiple interview stages, a take-home assignment, and additional review or follow-up steps.
The main issue was the lack of communication after the later stages. After completing the requested work and interviews, I did not receive a meaningful update for nearly a month. The process eventually ended with a brief rejection and no useful feedback.
The amount of work expected from the candidate did not feel proportionate to the communication, transparency, or final outcome. I would encourage the company to set clearer expectations upfront, reduce unnecessary steps, and provide timely updates, especially after asking candidates to invest substantial time in assignments.