First, I had a phone screen with the recruiter. We talked about the role and company culture, had a brief discussion about salary expectations and benefits, and an overview of the rest of their interview process. (15 minutes)

Second, I had a phone screen with someone currently in the role I was applying for. It was very technical, and we dove into REST API design, databases, and ORM systems. There were a couple of minutes for questions at the end. (1 hour)

Third, I was asked to come to their offices for a face-to-face interview, which had three parts.

First, I met with someone in the role above what I was applying for a technical screen. We went over database design, API design, and system architecture for a fabricated project.

Second, I met with an HR manager to talk about career pathing and culture fit.

Third, I met with a director-level manager about career pathing and culture fit again. The second two interviews spent a lot of time talking about strengths and weaknesses.

I was told at the end of this I would be receiving an offer, but not today, as they were still trying to sort things out on their end.

A few days later, I was asked to come back to the office, and was told that all parties were very excited.

I was presented an offer for a lower position, at 25% lower pay than was expected (less than the 25th percentile for the location and title).

Both managers presenting tried to make it sound like a great offer, and said they had been low-balling numerous other employees (listing at least a dozen names and stating these hires had been very high performers).

One of the managers even joked that he would stop talking about the ancillary benefits because he didn't want to sound like a used car salesman.

If you brag about how you low-ball others and it works out, either you don't have faith in your interview process, or you are knowingly hiring good people and being cheap. Neither sounds good to prospective employees.

If you have to joke about not sounding like a car salesman, you should probably re-evaluate how you present your offers.

They have a good location in LoDo, interesting work, and what sounds like an awesome culture. But it's not surprising their office is still empty and most of their positions have been open as long as they have, given my experience.

How did you resolve past disputes between your co-workers, or between yourself and a co-worker?

What is your weakness (without turning it into a positive)?