The hiring process was structured across multiple stages, each with a distinct focus: The HR interview primarily assessed cultural fit and motivation. They wanted to understand whether my values and personality aligned with the company culture, and why I was genuinely interested in the role and the company. The case study was designed to evaluate both my level of seriousness and my expertise. It was important to present the solution professionally (e.g., in a PowerPoint format), demonstrating that I put thought and effort into it. The conversation with the team lead was in-depth and covered a wide range of topics — from my motivation and past experience to more traditional interview questions (such as strengths, weaknesses, ways of working, and collaboration style). It was the most detailed part of the process and gave me a chance to demonstrate both my strategic thinking and practical knowledge. The final talk with the founder felt more like a cultural and strategic alignment check. It was an opportunity to get to know the leadership vision, learn about the current state of the company, and discuss salary expectations and contract details.