[dsotirovski]

Applied(and went thru the all the ropes) twice in the last 6 months for Java software engineering positions(senior) in two companies respectively.

Rejected the first time, low-balled below my communicated expected salary the second time.

The interview processes felt a lot like tech hazing - multiple interviews, a coding assignment, and an arbitrary review of said assignment compared to the job responsibilities. At the end, I felt plenty invested(both emotionally and timewise) to the point that I amused the idea of accepting the low-ball offer. I guess that even might have been the company's strategy.

I continue with my freelance work and looking.

*edit: I am in the EU.

Best of luck with your search!