Started off great, recruiting team was engaged. Then quickly went downhill. Would have a phone screen, then not hear back for 2 weeks. Then just an email with a random time for another phone screen. (maybe seeing if that time works, or letting me know who I am speaking with would be helpful) Then- a random "writing" assignment that was sent to me. No background as to what it is, when it is due, and what stage of the interview this is. Just a PDF with 3 very long, current SW issues they are trying to solve. Sure, they are offering to pay (way less than my hourly rate) but the reason being "to see my writing style" However, every single question is 100% design issues they are facing. They are using this as a way to get great candidates with YEARS of experience to give them the how to on how to address their SW issues. This is unethical and not a representation of a candidate's writing abilities but rather getting ideas and very specific answers to questions they are facing. PS anyone could use AI or outside contacts to answer these issues and have zero clue how to solve these issues in real life.

Typical initial interview questions with a friendly in-house recruiter. I thought it went well, but I never heard back from them. I was told they were expanding so they needed multiple SWEs, but I checked and the job application has been removed so I guess they found the people they were looking for.