I once interviewed with a company that I really liked. And they liked me. They were doing really weird abstruse AI shit, heavy algorithmic stuff. The head guy was a Ph.D. in whatever field they were in, and I interviewed with him and some really good engineers. The questions they asked were HARD algorithmic questions, right up there with Google. I was a nervous wreck throughout.

They passed. They were kind enough to offer feedback. They said they liked my responses and felt I had the right skill set, but I didn't sound confident enough. Which is just... how am I supposed to feel, in an interview deliberately designed to be challenging, going up against the top minds in their field? Am I supposed to wear a douchey, smarmy grin throughout this process and act like this whole deal ain't no thing? Maybe I really wasn't smart enough for the job because they're looking for someone with the smarts and background to solve their problems without breaking a sweat.

Again, if you are not the exact perfect cinnamon roll of a candidate the company is looking for, do not expect to be hired.