I applied online and expressed flexibility regarding salary, emphasizing that my primary goal was simply to be given an opportunity to be considered. Unfortunately, I never received any response, even as I continued to see the same position reposted week after week and month after month. As a candidate with a near 4.0 GPA, the lack of communication was especially discouraging. I also invested over $500 in professional attire, shoes, and travel expenses in preparation for the process. I would appreciate more transparency and communication throughout the hiring process, as the experience left me feeling overlooked and uncertain about where I stood.

An initial call (recruiter or manager) to confirm basics: your background, your interest in the role, your availability, behavioral questions.Depending on role, they might do a more comprehensive interview loop: more senior leadership, maybe product or technical review, maybe presentation of past work or portfolio.