After the HR call, the next step was an R1 interview with my skip level (a Director of Engineering), combining a coding task + cultural assessment. Unfortunately, it was a bad experience. The interview started with no greeting or introduction. The questions were designed NOT to explore strengths, but rather to validate a pre-formed bias. When discussing my work history, the focus was disproportionately on perceived red flags (e.g. short tenures), rather than understanding the context or aspirations. The coding task was an Easy LeetCode problem, but the time limit was NOT communicated, and I was cut-off when thinking through my approach, which felt rushed and mechanical. Overall, the interview gave the impression that the decision was already made beforehand, and the session was more of a formality than an open opportunity to engage.

A pretty standard phone call with a recruiter. Then a 1-hour video call with the hiring manager - an easy leetcode coding exercise, plenty of experience and behavioral questions. Overall it all was pleasant. The negative rating is because even before the technical interview, in a somewhat standard "how to prepare" message from the recruiter, I was told that there wasn't going to be any feedback later. And the rejection after the interview was with a generic message. It is common for companies not to provide any feedback. Even when it is about senior positions. But "common" doesn't mean "good".