URGENT UPDATE: A young computer science student’s rejection from a dream job at Anduril has ignited a powerful conversation about authenticity in job interviews. Ibrahim Shah, 22, received feedback from a recruiter stating he appeared “aloof and indifferent” during the interview process.
Shah, a student at the University of California, Irvine, applied for an early-career software engineering role and made it through two rigorous interview rounds before facing rejection on October 21, 2025. The feedback has left him reflecting on the importance of being genuine, especially under pressure.
“I was anticipating really hard questions, and that’s pretty much all I was thinking about,” Shah explained in a conversation with Business Insider. His focus on the technical aspects clouded his ability to connect during the behavioral interview, resulting in a tone that came off as detached.
Shah detailed his experience, sharing that the initial phone screen felt casual and positive. However, as he prepared for the technical round, anxiety took over. “If you were being interviewed for a role where you’re going to make life-changing money that would change the trajectory of your family, that would probably make you a little nervous,” he said.
“My main takeaway is that it’s better to be nervous and authentic than to pretend like you have composure,” Shah added, emphasizing the need for candidates to show their true selves during interviews.
Shah’s post on social media about his experience quickly went viral, garnering nearly 1 million views. His candid admission about the pressure of technical interviews resonated widely, prompting a wave of responses from others in the tech community.
In the wake of his rejection, Shah has received interest from numerous other companies, including Perplexity and Thinking Machines, indicating that his story has sparked curiosity among potential employers.
Anduril co-founder Matt Grimm acknowledged the discourse surrounding Shah’s experience, stating that the company often faces misconceptions about its culture and hiring practices. “We get a lot of nonsense hater flak, anons just chirping about what they think we do at Anduril,” Grimm said in a follow-up tweet.
Shah’s journey serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in job interviews and the emotional toll they can take on candidates. His experience highlights the need for authenticity as a core value in the hiring process.
As job seekers continue to share their experiences, the conversation around how to balance nerves and authenticity in interviews will likely grow. For now, Shah’s story underscores the importance of staying true to oneself, especially when aspirations are on the line.
This developing story continues to attract attention, shedding light on the challenges faced by young professionals in today’s competitive job market. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving narrative.
