Step 1: Interview with internal recruiter. This was a top-level interview to align expectations. It was an incredible experience working with the recruiter.

Step 2: Hiring Manager Interview. I spoke with the team lead/hiring manager to discuss more nitty-gritty details. We had a nice conversation. After the call, I received an email stating they liked my technical background and skills. They also felt the senior position would be more appropriate after our discussion.

Step 3: Take-home assessment. This was easily the best take-home assessment I've encountered. The company is very understanding about the time constraints people realistically face with life, family, and current jobs. I was given a week to complete it.

Step 4: Team Interview. I was under the impression this would be a more technical interview. However, it was not. It felt like the same "icebreaker" questions from the previous interview, which I don't mind, but it was disappointing considering it had already been covered and was advertised as a technical interview where I could showcase my skills. This was off-putting. I want to be very clear: the team was wonderful, and I loved talking to everyone. It's just the process felt a little strange.

Due to scheduling conflicts over a holiday weekend (things happen, and the delay was entirely fine with me), I inquired about submitting the assessment over the weekend. This request was quickly denied, which seemed like a significant red flag.

Ultimately, I did not get either position due to my perceived lack of "technical abilities." I never had the opportunity to demonstrate them, so this definitely left a negative impression.

Can you create a simple HTTP web server?