The interview process at Lyka stretched over 4 weeks, beginning with a quite pleasant HR round. This was soon followed by a take-home test that was scant on instructions yet expected to be completed within two hours. Despite assembling a robust part 1, complete with Express server setups, PostgreSQL connections boilerplates, and thorough unit tests, I was critiqued for "over-engineering." This seemed misplaced given the vague task scope and the fact that the role was for a TypeScript backend developer.
What was initially described as a 90-minute pair programming session turned out to be just 45 minutes by the time we actually started, forcing us to rush through the coding. Before diving into the code, I had detailed my database and API design to clarify my approach. Despite this, post-session, HR reiterated their critique about my work being over-engineered, and commented on my lack of a TDD approach and pre-coding design. This feedback was ironic, especially since they had proceeded with me after my initial "over-engineered" submission.
I had clearly demonstrated clean, fully covered unit tests and had openly discussed my database and API design during the interview, which makes the inconsistent feedback even more baffling. The experience could have been far less confusing with clearer instructions and more realistic expectations regarding the backend TypeScript role. If a detailed design and TDD process are expected within a cramped 40-minute window, some clear guidance beforehand would be immensely helpful.
Overall, the process was unnecessarily lengthy and perplexing. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're prepared to navigate vague requirements and mixed feedback.