Target

Medium to Hard (technical rounds were challenging but fair)

Approximately 2-3 weeks from the first technical round to the hiring manager round.

• The technical interview rounds themselves were quite good and well-structured.
• Interviewers were knowledgeable, engaging, and provided constructive feedback/hints during coding and design discussions.
• The process involved an initial screening, a pair-programming-style coding round focusing on core Java and DS, a system design and DSA round (arrays, binary search, linked lists, file system design), and a final hiring manager round with behavioral and scenario-based questions.

After clearing all technical and managerial rounds (which took a few weeks), the HR process became extremely problematic.

I faced significant communication delays (weeks of silence) and had to chase the recruiter constantly for updates.

I received conflicting information regarding salary expectations.

After a long wait and personal follow-ups (including reaching out to other Target employees), an "informal offer" was made which was drastically low compared to my current compensation.

Even after declining this, there was a promise to renegotiate, followed by more silence and lack of closure for several weeks. The entire post-interview phase was very stressful and unprofessional.

Improve HR communication and transparency significantly, especially after candidates have invested time in multiple rounds. Provide timely feedback and manage salary expectations clearly and respectfully much earlier in the process. The current post-interview handling can be a major deterrent for talent.