The hiring manager interview for a backend engineer role at Realtor.com was unfortunately a poor experience. Despite clearly outlining my backend expertise, the interviewer persistently focused on ML, leading to a significant mismatch with the role's expectations conveyed by the recruiter. The interaction felt unproductive and somewhat unwelcoming.

The interview process was quite thorough from a technical perspective, and in line with what you would expect from most large companies. Some positive highlights were the opportunity to have a quick chat with people I would work directly with, having the opportunity to understand the culture of the company as well as an interview process allows, and at least touch base with people in related areas to the main daily work thread.

- Was reached out by external recruiter and after that with lead tech person and did initial interview about my background. In both cases I've expressed my concern that I come from different tach stack that company does. In both cases each one of them reassured it was fine by the company. - Next step was home assignment (pretty common algo question with couple solutions + utnitests) where I spend few hours of my life. Got confirmation its done very well and team eager to meet me. - Scheduled 4 hours interview with 3 different interviewers one after another in same day and then communication details were not sent to me. - As a result 2 interviewers didn't showed up at all - After rescheduling one of them didn't showed up second time (great way to improve first impression) - So basically my vacation day (since interview with this company was very important to me) scheduled for interview was just thrown away. - The most ridiculous part: on a initial interview I've mentioned I come with different tech background than required, but was reassured it is ok. Feedback on rejection was that I've received was: candidate has no experience in our field. Most unprofessional recruitment process that I've seen in whole my career (8+ years in the field).