I applied for an engineer role with Applied Materials in Singapore in January 2022. The interview process, from start to end, was the worst I have ever experienced. Here are the red flags:

1. The HR recruiter called me on Friday, expressing their interest to proceed with my application. There was a pre-interview assessment test. The assignment was sent to me in the afternoon, due on Sunday evening.
2. The HR recruiter asked if they could match my current salary.
3. During the virtual interview, there were supposed to be four interviewers. One didn't show up, one came in late, and two didn't turn on their cameras. The one who was late was munching his food in the middle of the interview.
4. A minor gripe: The HR recruiter spoke with colloquial Singapore English. Although I could understand just fine, it was appalling that he didn't do a favor to his company by presenting himself professionally.

Advice to the HR and hiring managers:

• If the best you could offer is to match the current salary, we could just stop engaging instead of wasting each other's time.
• Please be mindful that your candidate has a full-time job. Pre-interview assessments are alright. Give the candidate ample time to prepare; do not expect them to submit within 2 days, much less Sunday!
• If the interview is technical-driven, 1 hour is barely enough. If the questions are heavy on mathematics, explaining them verbally does not help the candidate understand you clearly and provide the best answer possible.
• Do not eat during the interview process! This is grossly unprofessional. Candidates make efforts to dress up well and ensure their background is interview-ready; the interviewers should be expected to treat it as seriously.

Why would you like to join the semiconductor industry?