Disappointing Microsoft SDE2 Interview Experience

I am writing to share my experience interviewing for a Software Development Engineer II position at Microsoft. The process began with an online assessment containing two coding challenges, which I completed successfully. There was a significant delay before the next interview stage was scheduled. During this time, I accepted an offer from another company and resigned from my previous role.

Microsoft contacted me three days before my notice period ended to schedule the subsequent interview rounds. These consisted of two coding interviews, one system design interview, and one behavioral interview. These rounds were completed quickly.

Following the interviews, I received a verbal offer. However, the formal offer letter was not immediately provided. After a week of follow-up, I spoke with the recruiter. I disclosed that I had recently joined a new company but expressed my strong preference for Microsoft. The recruiter indicated this was not a problem and that the final decision rested with me.

The recruiter then requested my previous and current company's payslips. After I provided these documents, the recruiter contacted me to discuss them. At this point, the recruiter's demeanor changed, and they stated that because I had recently joined another company, Microsoft might pause the offer, with a final decision to be made .

passed without contact. When I followed up, the recruiter stated I would receive an update soon. In a final communication, I was informed that the position was closed.

I am disappointed by this experience. I would like to understand why I was interviewed and given a verbal offer if the position was ultimately closed, why there was such a delay in providing updates, why the decision seemed to change after reviewing my salary information, why the specific level (L61 or L62) was not clarified, and why there was no discussion of salary negotiation.