Based on my experience as a candidate, the interview process at Lyst was disappointing.
Candidates are asked to invest a significant amount of time preparing a presentation, presenting for 15 minutes, answering questions, and studying a 30+ page values document before the final interview. Candidates are expected to understand these values and answer questions based on them during the interview process.
Some of the values highlighted in the document include fairness, honesty, transparency, and empathy. These are admirable principles, and it is reasonable for a company to expect candidates to demonstrate them, provided that the company is equally committed to applying those values in its own interactions and processes.
I was told that I would receive feedback within three working days of my final interview. Nearly three weeks later, I have still not received any update or response from HR despite following up.
I understand that delays can happen and that hiring decisions are not always straightforward. However, when candidates are asked to dedicate substantial time and effort to a process, basic communication and expectation management should not be too much to ask.
What I found most disappointing was the apparent gap between the values promoted during the interview process and my experience as a candidate. While candidates are expected to learn, demonstrate, and be assessed against these values, I did not feel that the same standards were reflected in the way the process was handled.
I was also surprised by this experience given that Lyst is part of a Japanese-owned group, as I would typically associate Japanese business culture with professionalism, respect, and clear communication.
This is, of course, only my personal experience, but it left me questioning whether the values presented to candidates are consistently reflected in practice.