Speechify Software Engineer interview: proctored timed assessment and screencast

The early technical step felt unusually uncomfortable because it was heavily proctored and camera-driven. I had to keep my camera on during a timed assessment, and the recording requirements made it feel more like surveillance than collaboration. It was an independent test, with no live interviewer helping while I worked.

The assessment required a screencast. There were rules against AI tools and certain other help, although I could search documentation. The lack of conversation, strict constraints, and constant recording threw off my flow more than the coding itself.

I did not receive an offer. The process felt invasive and brittle. Even when I tried to comply and focus, the camera and recording logistics made it hard to feel good about the experience, whatever my actual technical ability.

Location: Boston, MA. Overall feedback: negative. Offer status: no offer.