A disappointing interview process. Candidates are asked to complete a coding exercise without any upfront communication about the format, which turned out to be a standard algorithm test. The hiring managers claim this is meant to 'mimic real-world collaboration,' but in reality, it feels like a high-school pop quiz. While this academic approach might be suitable for interns or junior developers fresh out of university, it is entirely inappropriate for senior roles. Senior candidates should be evaluated on system design, practical experience, and architectural thinking, rather than their ability to memorize standard algorithms.