The recruiter had high-energy, which made for a great first impression. However, the initial call was more like an overview of the role rather than an opportunity for them to assess whether it was a good fit for both sides. The second step was a take-home challenge involving their API, which was straightforward and well-structured. The third step was an interview with the hiring manager, where I was unexpectedly joined by another manager shadowing with their camera off. This made the experience a bit awkward, as there was no prior notice. The interview consisted of behavioral questions followed by a technical exercise involving Linux commands and SSH access to a test server. When I asked how often scripting or SSH access is used in the role, I was told that it’s rarely, if ever part of day-to-day responsibilities. It was unclear why the assessment focused on skills that don’t directly apply to the role. While I understand they may be looking for a more technical candidate, the test felt misaligned with actual job expectations. Ultimately, I was already hesitant about the role, and this interview confirmed that it wasn’t the right fit for me. The overall experience left me feeling like I dodged a bullet, as the hiring managers didn’t create a welcoming environment, and the process lacked transparency.