I recently went through a grueling 5-round interview process for an entry-level position paying $20/hr. It felt like peak corporate insanity. Here’s how my last month unfolded: 1. I started with a 30-minute recruiter screen that went really well; I was told I was a "strong fit". 2. Next, I had a 45-minute grilling session with the hiring manager focused on how I handled difficult stakeholders. 3. Then came a 4-hour take-home assignment, which felt like free labor for their actual pipeline. 4. After that, I had a 1-hour panel presentation where I explained my assignment to three people who clearly hadn't read it. 5. Finally, I wrapped up with a 30-minute culture fit chat with a VP who kept their camera off the entire time. In total, I invested about 10 hours in preparation and interviews. The outcome? I received an automated rejection email on a Sunday night at 11:42 PM, stating that while my profile was impressive, they chose to move forward with someone whose experience aligned more closely. It’s baffling how entry-level hiring has turned into an Olympic decathlon. Companies seem to expect top-tier qualifications and immense commitment for wages that barely cover local rent. At what point do we start refusing to participate in such extensive interview processes for non-executive roles?