The interview felt surprisingly smooth. The hiring manager opened with a few warm questions about my background, which helped break the tension right away. Most of the conversation focused on how I approach problem‑solving and collaboration, and I appreciated that they seemed genuinely interested rather than just checking boxes. There were a couple of challenging moments—especially when they asked for an example of handling a tight deadline—but it pushed me to think clearly and stay composed. Overall, the atmosphere was professional but friendly, and I walked out feeling like I had a solid understanding of the role and the team culture.