Job Seeker Rejected by Anduril After ‘Aloof’ Interview Feedback

UPDATE: A shocking rejection has left Ibrahim Shah, a 22-year-old computer science student from UC Irvine, reflecting on his recent interview experience with Anduril, a defense technology company. Just days ago, Shah learned he was deemed “aloof” by a recruiter after making it through two rounds of interviews for his dream role.

Shah’s journey took a turn on October 21, 2025, when he received feedback stating he sounded “indifferent to the role.” This revelation has sparked discussions about the emotional toll of job interviews and the importance of authenticity. “I recognize I sounded this way but I was just nervous about the technical,” Shah expressed, highlighting the pressure of high-stakes interviews.

The aspiring software engineer initially shone during his phone screen, confidently articulating his desire to work at a company that contributes to real-world impact, particularly in collaboration with the U.S. government. However, as he prepared for the intense technical portion, his nerves took over. “I was anticipating really hard questions… that would probably make you a little nervous,” he remarked.

Despite his extensive preparation—studying 80 coding questions—the anxiety led to a less emotive performance. Shah admitted that his composure faltered when it mattered most, which ultimately affected the interview’s outcome. The recruiter’s candid feedback struck a chord, pushing Shah to reassess his approach in future interviews.

In a twist of fate, the fallout from his Anduril experience has not been entirely negative. Following his candid post on social media, which garnered nearly 1 million views, Shah has seen a surge in interest from other tech companies. “It seems like everybody is trying to interview me now,” he shared, noting that organizations like Perplexity and Thinking Machines have reached out for potential opportunities.

Anduril co-founder Matt Grimm acknowledged the situation on social media, expressing support for Shah and addressing the broader conversation around job interview pressures. “We get a lot of nonsense hater flak…,” Grimm tweeted, emphasizing the importance of meaningful feedback in the hiring process.

Shah’s experience serves as a poignant reminder that vulnerability and authenticity can be more valuable than a facade of calmness in high-pressure situations. He concluded with a powerful takeaway: “It’s better to be nervous and authentic than to pretend like you have composure.”

As the job market continues to evolve, candidates are reminded to embrace their genuine selves during interviews. Shah’s story is not just about a rejection; it’s about resilience, learning, and the unexpected paths that can lead to new opportunities.

Stay tuned for updates on Ibrahim Shah’s journey as he navigates the tech landscape following this impactful experience.