Review of Snapchat's Recruitment Process
Over the past five years, I’ve applied to Snapchat on three separate occasions for roles I was genuinely excited about. After considerable reflection, I feel it’s important to share my experience with their recruitment process not out of frustration, but in the spirit of honest, constructive feedback.
First Application
In my first application, I progressed to the third stage of interviews. Unfortunately, this is where things began to fall short. One of the interviewers was visibly distracted, changing her shoes and preparing for another engagement during our conversation. At one point, she asked if I had worked for one of the “Big Four” tech companies, explaining that they tend to recruit from this particular “academy.” It left me with the impression that, despite my 20+ years of experience, my candidacy wasn’t being fully seen or valued.
Second Application
Three years later, I applied again. This time, I received no acknowledgment at all no confirmation of application receipt, no status update, and certainly no feedback. While I understand the volume of applicants can be high, the absence of any response or closure was disheartening and, frankly, avoidable.
Third Application
Most recently, I applied again, optimistic that perhaps the experience would be different. I was invited to a first-stage interview. However, the recruiter switched off her camera at the start of the conversation . The meeting lasted around 15 minutes, during which I tried to share my enthusiasm for the role and what I could offer. Days later, I received a standard rejection email and that was that.
Across all three interactions, what has stood out to me more than the outcomes themselves is the consistent absence of respect, attentiveness, and basic courtesy. I’ve taken the time each time to prepare, show up, and express genuine interest in the company. To be met with disengagement, indifference, or no communication at all is disappointing.
Kindness and professionalism cost nothing, and yet they are everything in recruitment. When candidates especially those with decades of experience make the effort to show up and speak to your brand, it should never feel like they’re speaking into a void.
These experiences have led me to conclude that Snapchat is not the right organisation for me. I share this not in bitterness, but in the hope that the company reflects on how its hiring processes reflect its values. People especially those eager to contribute deserve to be treated with respect and dignity throughout every step of the process.
Sincerely,
A former applicant and observer of culture