The discussion started with the hiring team initially following up with me after looking at my profile on LinkedIn. Since they were looking for a DBA who had worked in gaming, and my role and skills matched, they chose to schedule the next rounds.

• Round 1: Technical - Telephonic - Database Skills The interview was conducted by two people who seemed to know only the basics and were trying to assess my skills. They were surprised with my abilities and scheduled me for the next round.

• Round 2: Technical - Telephonic - General/Hiring Manager This round involved a normal discussion. I moved to the next round.

• Round 3: Hiring Team - Telephonic - Expectations This round covered the usual salary range expectations.

• Rounds 5 - 9 [On-site] - Various types - Technical and Interpersonal Skills The same two DBAs conducted rounds again, the same hiring manager conducted a round again, and a few Program Managers and other developers conducted rounds as well.

Overall, I felt I was overqualified given their skills or what they were looking for. I would not have joined unless they had paid me a bomb.

The most "dumb" question to ask in 2020: What's the difference between MyISAM and InnoDB?