HR gave a very competent description of the role, which I rarely meet.
After the screening interview I had a technical interview. It was a project in which I had to adjust the code and write tests. The link to the project code was in the invitation to the interview. I was very busy and did not notice that the code is available for download. The HR did not point that out in the email. Usually access is given during an interview.
The main criterion in the interview was TDD programming style, which in my opinion applies when you are familiar with code or entities and business tasks. I saw that the code was available 20 minutes before the interview and I had to install the necessary tools and build in a fast manner.
I used the BDD descriptive style voicing the test scenario, as the existed data preparation and validation code deviated from the traditional functional Unit testing with isolation and mock objects.
I liked the fact that I immediately got a feedback about strengths and weaknesses. In general, the interview was professional, with a good review.
However, my candidacy was rejected in favor of the other candidates. Probably due to the budget. Of course, how much truth it cannot be verified.
I had to justify my hourly rate with HR for the interview.
Higher interest rates on loans force companies to cut costs. With the money supply shrinking and the IT market stagnating, this can mean laying off and/or hiring employees with cost savings. That is, an experienced, low-paid employee.
The overall picture is complemented by competition for hybrid roles, dumping, rampant activities without hiring for rating or investor reassurance, increasing stocks buybacks. This picture is confirmed by my familiar managers working in IT companies.
I am leaving a neutral review because the interviews were unsuccessful for me, despite the positive aspects.