The entire process was full of red flags.

1. I made it clear I'm not open to roles below Senior, but then recruiter promised it would be determined based on performance. No thank you. Still he/she passed the ball to the hiring manager during his interview.

2. The hiring manager held defensive when he was questioned on the recent attrition during April, but then the company is still hiring on the other side.

3. There were no clear cut answers on how the company is battling the economical downturn and plans for growth.

No thank you! I forfeited after this round.

Educate your interviewers on the company's future since that is extremely important for them to convey it to candidates. Interview is not just for the candidates, but also for the company to get to know its vision.