The interview process included an HR phone screen and a technical screen with a live coding session. Next, I completed an offline coding project to build a REST API for a Twitter-like application, which I then presented in person.

The interview process was generally well-executed, and communication was excellent. HR was very helpful in keeping me updated on the process and explained that delays were due to vacations.

However, a miscommunication early in the process ultimately wasted everyone's time. I initially declined the role after the HR screen because the salary offered was too low. Two weeks later, HR emailed, stating they had spoken with the manager and could hire for the position as a Senior Engineer. Apparently, this was not the case.

When the final offer arrived, it was at the original rate HR had presented, so I declined again. I asked what happened to the Senior position and forwarded the relevant email to the hiring manager. Unfortunately, the HR employee involved had left the company, and I never discovered the exact point of disconnect.

Many hours were wasted on the technical screens, the coding project, and the in-person interview for a position two levels below my current role.

How to process a string of brackets and determine if they are balanced, i.e., all match.

Examples: {[]}()({[]})

Take-away game: determine how you can win based on X stones. You move first and can take 1, 2, 3 stones, etc.