Was contacted shortly after submitting an application online. Honestly, from the start I could tell it was going to be strange. The recruiter gave me 1 day notice for availability, and then only confirmed that day 2 hours beforehand, so I literally rushed home. Turned out to be scheduled through Microsoft Teams instead of via phone call, so I assumed if I wasn't contacted through phone then the point was obviously a video interview. I joined with my camera turned on ready to go and was told I didn't need to have my camera on, which is just unnecessarily awkward when that could have simply been said normally in the email, like other companies do ya know. Anyways, then the recruiter goes on to tell me how my application stood out from 800 candidates that applied (I wrote a tailored cover letter) and I was going to be highly recommended out of 15 selected. Talking me up. Hmm, ok!! Then I was told of the next steps which would be an interview with the HM and then lastly a panel round interview. After being talked up I felt pretty straight no lie, like 800 candidates wow gee thanks. I did receive prompt replies though and I appreciated being notified. But actually in fact the next step was not an interview with the HM. It turned out to be a take home assignment writing answers to a few questions. I just don't know what happens to transparency and honesty, gone are the days forever I guess. Recruiting has turned into such a mind game it's very weird to me how shameless and thoughtless it is now, especially when you know what good hiring practices feel like as a candidate it seems so strangely unnecessary. I spent a couple hours writing an extremely well written assessment response and even submitted it the same day. Then I was rejected lol it's the not the rejection that's the issue, it's just all so shaddy in general now. I won't apply here again or any company that has weirdo practices like this and think it's normal cuz honestly it's just not, sorry not sorry. Maybe don't post multiple postings for 1 job or close it off after idk a couple hundred applicants? Do you really need to position candidates like they should be honored that they are 1 out of 800 then not even know the correct info into your own processes to share with them... Like what. But they did respond quickly so that is for sure a big plus. Don't loose that cuz it's all you got