Hiring process started quite well, Talent Acquisition reached out with standard questions on skills, education and background discussing my career in fair detail over a phone call. Post the call, I was requested by HR to prepare a 90 day sales plan based on public information for the hiring manger with no other input from the company. It took a lot of research and 5 days work to prepare a plan and submit. Post submission, received a rejection email after a couple of days with a simple explanation that the company is looking for candidates working within the existing industry and brands. Sounds strange, TA knew what industry I came from, why would you ask a candidate to present a detailed plan? Ask for what clients has the candidate worked with prior moving to engage for next steps? Or provide a brief. Funnily, I come from the same Industry. (SaaS, AI, Retail & working with Brands) If you are a candidate, please ask a few pertinent questions before agreeing to any unnecessary request for lengthly work. Match the company's propect list with your known contacts, you are being hired for who you know not your skills, experience or your education.