The interview process was 4 rounds - first HR screen, then an interview with engineering director and a project manager, next a "technical interview" with 2 engineering directors and finally a culture fit with SVP of HR. The technical interview wasn't really technical, it was about how I would lead a team of 5 engineers, divide work, mentor others etc. There was also a Coderbyte test I had to complete. The interviews were pretty low pressure and conversational. I got an offer but it was way below market value. When I sent a counter offer, they said they wouldn't change their offer. The next day they called with another offer but it had so many stipulations that protected the company and put me at risk.

I applied directly, and every interview went quite well. The entire process, including five interviews and lengthy delays in between, took more than a month and a half. The majority of the interviews centered on accountability, respect, and communication. These were the company's stated core principles, which made the utter lack of communication throughout the process all the more disappointing. I felt like my time and effort were completely disrespected, which I believe says a lot about their professed core values and the reality of working there. A major red flag, and I must admit that I'm glad I escaped a blatantly toxic environment. Nevertheless, when a business promotes a particular culture but openly disregards those ideals, it is disappointing.