I went through an extensive sequence that started with conversations with the hiring manager and engineering manager about my background, then moved into several live coding and architecture or system design exercises. The later technical stages included an "orange cloud" behavioral interview, PM and cross collaboration rounds, and a final C-level executive conversation about why I wanted the job and why I would be a good fit.
Everything went well until I was accused of cheating after I "did too well" on the system design interview. I offered to redo it in person by flying out to remove any doubt, but they still had me redo the system design interview online. The second attempt went well, although it wasn't as strong as the first, and I was cut off anyway.
What hit hardest was how it ended. When I tried to clarify what had happened, I felt like I couldn't defend myself, and communication then basically stopped. I had put in the work across many stages, so the final experience felt unprofessional enough to leave me blindsided, even though I had performed well throughout the process.
Location: United States. Overall feedback: Negative. Offer status: No offer.
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