SUPER NEGATIVE experience. I don't know how Microsoft could fall down so low.

I was interviewing for Software Engineer 2, for which I applied before joining another company as a Senior Software Engineer. Before the interview process, I told the recruiter my compensation package expectations for this moment. He said it was okay.

A week after the last interview round, I received an offer that was much lower than I expected. I started to bargain and mentioned in an email to the recruiter that, according to internet resources, the compensation package he provided was more corresponding to a Software Engineer 1 than a 2. He mentioned that "a lot of info online is not that accurate as it should be." Okay.

I asked straightforwardly, "Was I suggested an L61 or L62 position?" He answered, "Unfortunately, I am not authorized to talk about the Levels when discussing comp with candidates." Okay.

We scheduled a second call to talk about the details (we had been discussing the offer via email for about a week). AND EVEN BY PHONE, he was saying in the beginning, "We usually just say Software Engineer in the offer." After five minutes of questioning, I found out that I was suggested a SOFTWARE ENGINEER 1 (L60) position, not a Software Engineer 2. AND IT IS FINE BY ME, BUT WHY WERE YOU HIDING IT FOR A WHOLE WEEK????? IT REALLY LOOKED LIKE CHEATING.

He even said that I would find out my grade only after joining. WHAT??? SERIOUSLY?? AM I A SLAVE??? WOW, MICROSOFT. HOW COULD YOU?

I am not a child, and I am fine to be rejected. I am also fine to be suggested a lower offer than I was expecting, BUT IT IS CHEATING TO INTENTIONALLY HIDE THE POSITION.

The questions were easy.