it was actually my first phone interview EVER, so I was quite worried. the guy asked me three questions: first something easy on options. I didn't answer since had zero experience at that time. second was something easy on probability, involving Bayesian formula. I was too freaked at the time because of the first question. got a bit confused and didn't solve all of the parts (after I put down the phone, it was a 5 minute question, actually) third question was "how to make a fair coin out of a biased one". that's a very famous question which unfortunately I didn't know at that time. I tried coming up with something but with a questionable success. the guy didn't give me any hints at all, and so the interviewed was finished. that was a quick and obvious rejection, no questions asked. the interesting information is that one year later they don't even give me an opportunity to interview again -- now I'm in the system, and they rejected me immediately. the moral is -- if you're really interested in them, be sure you are ready before you interview. one lousy bad morning, and you get "stupid" on your tab.

Easy problem, arrogant interviewers who failed academia. Mysterious standards and many lies. I think it's safe to say the process makes people rethink leaving academia. Avoid it at all cost unless you want to regret leaving research.