I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at AirApps (Carnaxide) in May 2026
Interview
A recruiter reached out to me on LinkedIn for a QA role. The position sounded interesting, although full on-site, it was conveniently close to where I live, so I gave it a try. During the first conversation with the People Team, I was honest about something that matters deeply to me: flexibility.
As a mother, I believe I should be able to occasionally leave a little earlier to pick up my children or support their needs — especially when it comes to things like therapy appointments every Friday.
The response?
“That would be a deal breaker.”
I was told the company works strictly from 9AM to 6PM, and if someone leaves earlier, every single minute must be compensated later. Even leaving 15 minutes earlier was described as a major exception.
They continued highlighting the benefits package, but at that point, I realized something important:
For me, the real deal breaker is a lack of flexibility, trust, and empathy for people and specially after I mentioned I have a neurodivergent son, that requires support and of course he will not drive to the therapy!
I fully respect structure, accountability, and working hours. But in 2026, especially in technology, supporting employees with real-life responsibilities should not feel like asking for special treatment.
Flexibility is not about working less.
It’s about working like a human being.
Are we replacing AI for human feelings??
Anyway… red flag identified early !
I applied online. I interviewed at AirApps (Lisbon, Lisbon District)
Interview
They give you no response when you apply to the job. Then they close the job application and open again the next few days. I can say I applied to the same job 3 or 4 times. No reply from the company. Not even to say you’re not a fit. It seems like they just open these job applications so people have the idea the company is always hiring and therefore growing.
I applied online. I interviewed at AirApps (San Francisco, CA)
Interview
After applying fairly soon received an interview, Had an interview over Zoom with a German reciruiter for the organization. The interviewer said I was a great fit and would hear about the next steps soon. Later the next day I got a rejection letter.