An HR representative from Microsoft reached out through LinkedIn and suggested I apply for one of their open roles. Strangely, when I applied, the application's closing date was displayed. However, the HR representative later stated they had re-posted the role to attract more candidates.

After three weeks, the HR representative contacted me again, saying the hiring manager liked my CV and wanted to invite me for the next round of interviews. The first round was a technical/coding interview that lasted around 1.5 hours, followed by a 30-minute break, and then a second interview focusing on design for 1.5 hours, all on the same day.

Overall, the interviews were okay, but initially, they were scheduled for one hour. They kept asking if we could extend the session by 30 minutes, stating they wanted to ask more questions, which I found quite unprofessional. Additionally, conducting two interviews on the same day was an exhausting process, to be honest.

After the interviews, the HR representative called and informed me that the outcome would be declared after two weeks. They asked if I had anything planned for specific dates (two dates were mentioned) if I were successful. Essentially, I had to fit my schedule around their availability on one of those two days, putting everything else aside to accommodate two interviews on the same day with different interviewers.

I was selected for a third round, but by then, it was too late. All other interviews were in their final stages, completed, etc. This was even though the processes were initiated weeks after my initial Microsoft application.

Several strange things were noted during and after the interview process:

The HR representative repeatedly asked which company offer I had received and if it was as significant as Microsoft's. When I declined to disclose this information, she mentioned she could check my status on LinkedIn, which I found to be quite an "evil mindset."

Furthermore, the technical and design interviewers did not seem knowledgeable enough regarding the answers to their own questions.

Overall, it was a lengthy process, taking over two months for stages one and two to complete. There were many red flags at very early stages. As an experienced professional, I would personally be hesitant to work in such a culture. I have interviewed with many other big tech companies but have never experienced such a bureaucratic process. Hopefully, this will be helpful for others who are interviewing or considering an offer. Thank you.

• Past project experience (nothing particularly to mention)
• Coding exercises