Datadog Solutions Engineer interview: presentation cancelled after the role was filled

I reached the presentation stage after initial screens and a HackerRank assessment. It was due to be in person, and I put considerable effort into preparing something I felt confident presenting.

Late the day before, a message said the role had already been filled and I didn't need to come in. The timing felt awful after all the preparation I'd done that week.

Later, HR said they appreciated my presales background and technical skills but wanted more specific experience in observability. To me, that felt like the requirements had changed after I'd been told I'd be considered. It made the preparation seem wasted.

I never received an offer. The rejection itself bothered me less than the timing and the apparent change in requirements after I'd already invested so much effort.

Location: New York, NY. Overall feedback: negative. Offer status: no offer.