A recruiter reached out to me, expressing interest in my background and skills. I went through a 30-minute behavioral interview, followed by two 45-minute technical interviews. Despite positive feedback about my performance, the entire process took a disastrous turn when the recruiter informed me that they couldn't move forward with my application due to the lack of a degree in STEM, even though they had initiated contact with me. This experience left me disheartened, as I had invested significant time and effort in preparing for and participating in multiple interviews, only to be turned away based on a rigid requirement. It felt like gatekeeping, and I can't help but question the company's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. After all, they had approached me as they were searching for strong developers at all levels to join their team. Overall, my interview experience has left a negative impression. I hope that they will reconsider their approach to hiring and recognize the value that candidates from various backgrounds can bring to their organization.