Turning Rejection into Growth: What My Interview Feedback Taught Me"
When I first arrived in the USA, I was full of confidence and eager to start my job search in January 2022. Though the journey took longer than I anticipated, and I faced many rejections along the way, each 'no' became a stepping stone. I learned that rejection isn't the end—it's a part of the path to success.Over the course of eight months, I participated in several final rounds of interviews for roles such as Analyst, Operations, Product, and Growth. I reached the final stage in double-digit numbers and received valuable feedback for improvement. While some factors were beyond my control, I compiled my assignments, feedback, and the improvements
Note: To respect company policies, I will not disclose specific company names, roles, or assignment details.
The following sections outline the roles I applied for, the interview rounds I completed, the assignments I worked on, the feedback I received, and how I refined my approach based on that feedback.
Role: Founding Team (Product, Growth, and Operations) - Early-stage Seed Consumer Startup
Rounds: Final round and case study
Timeline: - 3 weeks
Assignment: Strategy for achieving $1 million GMV for the app
Assignment Highlights:
- Developed a comprehensive list of growth strategies.
- Created a GTM plan, growth hacks, and analytics framework.
- Drafted a rough financial model.
Resources I Used:
1. [Anurag Verma's Resources](https://anuragverma.gumroad.com/l/nkLaA) - Focus on first-principle thinking in growth and product.
2. Growth hacking blogs - https://growthhackers.com/
3. Slidebean's YouTube channel on growth.
Feedback:
- "Hi Arjun, you were definitely within our top 10-15 candidates, but it was a matter of relative performance during the interviews. Some candidates had more relevant experience or deeper insights into user problems, growth strategies, or precise CAC/LTV modeling based on independent data gathering."
Reflection:
- I realized that it's possible to calculate CAC before launching a product, and doing so could have strengthened my financial growth models.
Positive Feedback:
- The founder still stays in touch and says I was great!
Additional Information
Role: Growth Analyst with a Focus on A/B Testing - $100 Million Series B Startup
Rounds: Final round with the CPO
Assignment: Live A/B testing round
Timeline: - 2 weeks
Preparation:
1. Completed 50 mock interviews on Exponent Paid subscription
2. Studied A/B testing Book -A/B Testing: The Most Powerful Way to Turn Clicks Into Customers
Feedback:
- "Hi Arjun, we believe it's crucial for this role to fluently speak about statistics, data, and statistical interpretation. The role involves significant hands-on statistical analysis and requires a strong understanding of topics like sample ratio mismatch, statistical power, traffic mix, and selecting outcome vs. context metrics. We are looking for someone with more advanced experience in these areas."
Reflection and Improvement:
- To improve, I’m reading "Trustworthy Online Controlled Experiments: A Practical Guide to A/B Testing" and "Statistics for Business" by Robert A. Stine.
- I'm also reading "The Ten Equations that Rule the World" by David Sumpter.
Aakash Gupta wrote a blog on my feedback
Role: Operations Supply Team - Consumer Brand with $500 Million Revenue
Rounds: Final round with the CPO and CRO
Timeline: - 5 weeks
Assignment: Excel and SQL rounds completed, including pivot tables and joins (Leetcode easy level).
Preparation:
1. Leetcode ,W3,Hackerank for sql
2. Doing general data analysis just playing with it
Feedback:
- "Hi Arjun, you have a strong BI/Analytics background and demonstrated proficiency in Excel. You provided good examples of using data from multiple sources and creating dashboards that meet end-user needs. However, we were looking for someone with slightly more experience in the consumer industry and who can balance technical details for non-technical stakeholders. You’d be a great culture fit, and we encourage you to apply for roles more aligned with your expertise."
Reflection and Improvement:
- I'm working on using less jargon when communicating with non-technical stakeholders.
- I have completed the book "Storytelling with Data."
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Role: Data Analyst - Consumer Brand with $100 Million Revenue
Timeline: - 6 weeks
Rounds: Final round with the Chief Data Officer
Assignment: Live Excel and SQL round
Feedback:
- "Hi Arjun, you were a great candidate, but we ultimately went with a referral candidate who had the same score and points as you. The team really liked you."
Reflection:
- While I initially felt emotional and ended the call quickly, I’ve come to understand that rejections are part of the journey. I wasn’t actively looking at the company’s job page for more opportunities, but I now realize that timing and luck also play a significant role. I've learned to move forward with optimism, knowing that some things are out of my control, and I’m confident that the right opportunity will come my way.
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Role: Data Analyst - Media Company
Rounds: Final round with the manager
Timeline: - 1 week
Feedback:
- "Hi Arjun, your application was very strong in terms of technical analysis and professional experience. However, we proceeded with another candidate who had software engineering experience, which wasn’t required for the role but fulfilled additional needs in the department."
Reflection:
- Some factors are out of my control, and I did not pursue further preparation on Leetcode after this rejection.
Role: Growth Operations and Product (Chief of Staff to the CGO) - Consumer Brand with $1 Billion Revenue
Rounds: Final round with the CEO (Operations and Growth)
Timeline: - 5 weeks
Feedback:
- "Hi Arjun, you were great, but we could see enough analytical experience in product growth and operations. We hired someone who could also help with creatives."
Reflection and Improvement:
- I should have presented my creative portfolio for growth of memes and funny stuff , but I didn’t think it was relevant at the time.
Role: Founding Team - Startup with $1.7 Million Funding
Rounds: Final round with the CEO, CTO, and CPO (in-office)
Timeline: - 2 weeks
Outcome:
- I was offered a part-time role, but I rejected it.
Feedback:
- "Hi Arjun, we admire your tenacity, passion, and creativity. Unfortunately, we don’t have the capacity to bring on another member to our team right now. Please check out the [Z Fellows program](https://www.zfellows.com/) for other opportunities."
Reflection:
In hindsight, I realize that accepting the part-time role could have been a valuable opportunity, especially from an international student's perspective. It would have provided me with practical work experience in the U.S., helping to build my profile and making me a stronger candidate for future full-time opportunities. Embracing this stepping stone might have opened doors to long-term growth, both in terms of career development and networking.
Other rejection
- 4 Rejections: Due to lack of experience.
- 2 Rejections: Due to not being local to the area.
I know it’s frustrating to face so many rejections, but I always gave my best, and I’m determined to keep improving. 😊