I had applied for a position and was initially contacted via email by an Associate Director for what was described as a screener interview. I clarified this with them, asking whether the interview would focus solely on matching my experience to the role, and was reassured that it would mainly assess my fit, with perhaps a couple of competency-based questions. However, when the interview took place, it turned out to be a full first-stage interview, with two people asking a mix of technical and competency-based questions. This was not what I had expected, and had I known it would be more in-depth, I would have prepared more thoroughly. Additionally, I was taken aback by how deeply they probed into what I had been doing during the months I had not been employed. While I understand the need to address gaps in employment, it felt a bit invasive, especially considering the current state of the job market, which I’m sure they are aware of as well.