The interview process started with a recruiter screen via video. It felt a bit scripted but not terrible. Next was a live coding session with a team member I’d be joining; it was easy. Then I met with the HM, who asked sharp, perceptive questions for over an hour, including a surprise live coding exercise that caught me off guard. After that came a take-home assignment, estimated at 8 hours, but it ended up taking 12. It involved building data in their platform, validating logic, answering prompts, and creating a 6-slide deck. The final panel included two team members (one only two months in), a technical manager, and the HM. Apart from the HM, the panel seemed disengaged. I presented my assignment and answered questions, then asked a few of my own. When given a chance to ask about me, no one did. I walked away feeling like the process had drained my confidence in the team and company. It seemed the company doesn’t effectively filter candidates before the final round, despite the heavy workload they require. The panel’s disengagement suggested overworked staff and poor decision-making.