Hard LeetCode-style interviews (often seen at top tech companies) are, by design, exceptionally difficult, focusing on niche algorithms, complex data structures, or "have-you-seen-it-before" problems within a short, high-pressure timeframe. Many developers, even senior ones, struggle with these, often viewing them as flawed, high-pressure "theater" rather than a reflection of day-to-day engineering skill.

I had 3 interview rounds and all of them were leetcode medium-hard style including behavioral questions. Overall process was slow and took around 2 months. Interviewers were nice and helpful.