1) Spoke with a recruiter to make sure I am a sincere candidate. When asked about salary range, recruiter said, $130 to $180k, possibly more depending on the right candidate. I point out that my current title is higher than that of the position, but that I'm willing to downgrade titles if the position is an equivalent or reasonable jump for me career-wise. The HR person assures me that yes, he thinks this role is the right fit for me. 2) Video chat with hiring manager. I took him through my portfolio, he asked why I was interested in the role and company, then he answered a few of my questions. He said they were looking for someone with a business background, as their team has a lot of industrial and interior designers. He said he knew the reputation of my alma mater well and was impressed by my background and experience. I asked about the org's commitment to DEI, and how that manifested in his group in particular. He said he advocated for them to join a diversity and design association, and has hired a POC and female in the past year. 3) Video chat with two strategists who would be on the team. They answered a lot of questions about the culture and how projects are run. They seemed nice enough. 4) Video chat with hiring manager and two more senior strategy leads. I went through my portfolio again, answered why I was interested in the role and organization, then I asked some questions. Note that by this point I have met with five people, all white, 4/5 men, with the single female being the lowest on the totem pole. 5) I get a phone call from HR - they like me but think I'm more "regular level" than "senior level." Then they say the salary would likely be $140k. How do I feel with this new information, they want to know. But they assure me it's NOT a job offer. Incredibly insulting. After, I look up folks working there with this title - none are nearly as credentialed or have the business experience I do. Which leads me to believe there is a ton of bias here: clearly they think someone more senior is someone with paler skin and a deeper voice. I'm not interested in working somewhere that gatekeeps to uphold the white patriarchy. Bye.