My interview process with SiriusXM began in December 2023, when a recruiter reached out expressing strong interest in my skill set and experience. During our initial conversation, we aligned on expectations, including the salary range, and I was told that formal interview steps would follow soon. In February 2024, the same recruiter contacted me again to inform me that the role requirements had changed and that the process would be delayed. This was understandable, so I agreed to wait. However, I did not hear back until October 2024. At that time, I was told that the role had reverted to its original scope but with a lower salary than initially agreed upon. Despite this change, I expressed continued interest and asked to remain under consideration. After another long period of silence—nearly a year—I was contacted again in June 2025, this time to begin the formal interview process. I completed four interviews successfully; both interviewers and recruiters described my performance positively. In fact, three of the interviews took place while I was abroad on leave, but I accommodated the tight schedule because I was told the role was "urgent" and they needed to hire quickly. I was then scheduled for a fifth interview. However, on the same day, I was informed that they had decided not to proceed with my application because I come from a consulting background and another candidate had more product-based experience. This was surprising, as this background difference could have been assessed in the very first interview rather than after four rounds and significant time investment from both sides. I fully understand that hiring for senior roles can be complex, but being taken through an extensive interview process—after multiple periods of complete silence—only to be declined for a reason that was apparent from the start felt frustrating, disappointing, and unprofessional.