This was the weirdest interview experience - it started fine - recruiter had reached out to me about it a while back and I went through 4 rounds - recruiter call, hiring manager screening, peer technical interview, presentation and then silence. Ghosted for 5-6 weeks so I assumed they moved on and then after nearly 6 weeks, I got a call saying they'd like to make me an offer. I should have just said no right there but market is bad and I thought I should not burn bridges. Recruiter offered a call with the hiring manager so I can get more context into why it took them this long - I assumed it was me being 2nd choice which also doesn't feel great..so naturally I wasn't too enthusiastic during the call. The hiring manager also sounded checked out and annoyed to have a call. He seemed in a rush and said the delay was due to "restructuring" exercise they do every year. I said I understood but wish they kept me in the loop a bit more during the process. The hiring manager said he understands but didn't ever apologize. He just seemed annoyed I asked for this call and I got the feeling he was checked out too. I should have just said no right there but I tried to negotiate the verbal offer a bit over email and got a call the next week saying I didn't sound too "enthusiatic" about the role and negotiating the offer left a "bad taste" in their mouth. I wouldn't recommend applying here. It shouldn't take 6 weeks to decide on someone and negotiating salary is NORMAL. I get the market is bad but treat people like humans and do better next time, Ping. I am glad I didn't get it because they seem like a mess.
