I interviewed for a UX Researcher role at King’s Stockholm office. The position was for a game that did not yet have an established UX research team, so the technical interview was conducted by senior members of the UX research organization from another team.
My experience left me concerned about how feedback was formed and communicated. Some conclusions felt based on assumptions rather than the full context of my approach. For example, I was told that proposing a mixed-methods research approach combining specific methods is “not something we do at King,” and this was used to question my suitability as a researcher.
One piece of advice for future candidates: make sure the hiring manager for the specific product or team is actively involved in the process. When interviews are conducted solely by researchers from the same team, especially where there is a direct reporting relationship, power dynamics can unintentionally influence the evaluation.
After the process, I formally requested a review of my recruitment process and the feedback, and provided supporting evidence for context. I repeatedly clarified that I was not asking for the decision to change, but aiming to contribute to better hiring practices. Despite this, my concerns were dismissed and I was told the interviewers’ judgment stands.
Overall, I hope the company invests in better interviewer training and takes greater care not to waste candidates’ time. The role has been reposted several times over the past six months and has recently been reopened again, so future candidates should approach the process with caution.
I do want to highlight that the recruiters and People team were responsive and professional in their communication. While my concerns were not acknowledged, they did take the time to respond to my inquiries, which I appreciate.