Interview process was smooth - HR + first round with HM (45 min). It was a conversational interview and felt very friendly. They finally went ahead with someone that matched with what they were looking for. HM even sent me a feedback.

I applied online and was contacted by a recruiter, with whom I arranged a meeting. Unfortunately, he was delayed and initially dialed the wrong number, but fortunately, I happened to pick up the other line. During our conversation, he devoted a significant amount of time to discussing the company and highlighting its achievements, though he touched only briefly on the specifics of the position, mentioning that it was a backfill. When I inquired about the previous occupant of the role and whether they had left for a better opportunity, the recruiter responded with a somewhat exaggerated laugh, leading me to suspect that the departure might have been involuntary, and the position put on hold until now. However, this was merely speculation on my part. The recruiter did mention that the previous person hadn't been in the role for very long, just over a year. The salary and overall compensation package offered were lower than expected, and the recent removal of several perks, along with the absence of a 401K match, hinted at a company focus that seemed to prioritize other investments over its employees. I expressed concern about the salary and suggested that I might be overqualified for the role. In response, the recruiter proposed exploring a more senior position for me. When I asked about such opportunities, he mentioned a specific title, but hastily added that direct hires into those positions were rare and they were typically filled internally. Essentially, the role I was being considered for was the highest one currently available.