PayPal | Software Engineer | India | March- [No Offer]

I was contacted by a recruiter to take an online test on the HackerEarth platform. I may have applied online sometime ago. The online test was typical, focusing on data structures, algorithms, and problem solving. After qualifying the online test, there were three online face-to-face rounds focused on data structures/algorithms, Java frameworks and microservices, and high and low-level design respectively. Each round was an elimination round, as mentioned by the recruiter. I was unfortunately rejected after the first round. The first round was supposed to be focused on data structures/algorithms, but I was asked questions from core Java as well. I believe I had a very good first round, was able to finish the round before the allotted time, and had a healthy discussion with the interviewer. Later, I learned that they were hiring for a senior Java Developer with 3+ years of experience. If this was the case, they may not have shortlisted my resume for the online test in the first place. This was a classic example of a hiring flaw that resulted in a waste of time for the candidate. Interview questions were focused on problem solving, data structures, algorithms, and core Java questions. I have 1.5+ years of experience.