Buyers Edge Platform interview questions

Call with recruiter to discuss previous work history nothing out of the ordinary, call with hiring manager that also consisted of a technical screening of Python (Pandas) and SQL. Pandas is nowhere listed on their job description, Python assessment had nothing to do with Data Structures and Algorithms. I emailed the recruiter 7 days prior to the interview asking if Data Structures and Algorithms would be covered on the technical assessment and they never responded (every company I have been applying to has been transparent about an assessment, telling you its about Data Structures and Algorithms, SQL, etc.). To my surprise the Python assessment was all in Pandas (not something myself nor other Data Engineering coworkers ever use). I was told to not solve the problem algorithmically but in Pandas, which I struggled because I had not used it in over 3 years and there was no communication that Pandas was something that was required for the job (again, not even put in the job description), so I missed some of the syntax and had to google a few things. I don't think this company wanted a real data engineer but more of a data scientist. The lack of communication and not mentioning of Pandas on the job description also tells me that they might not know what they are looking for exactly. I had more of a big data background so using Pandas would not have been efficient for many pipelines built over the years.

3 interviews total. One over the phone with a Hiring Recruiter, One in person with supposed manager, and one with someone who is unrelated to the department and is out of state. Each interview was literally the same exact questions as the previous interview so it really wasn’t new information the employer was receiving from the applicant. From the jump, I did not have 1 preferred qualification as stated only. Used language “if you pass this interview” which should have been a red flag because they are basically interviewing everyone who applies for the position rather than only interviewing those who “align with what they are looking for” which would have saved me quite a bit of time. As someone actively seeking employment, I would have rather preferred to not have shifted other interviews and made time for this companies interviews if I wasn’t even going to be actively considered. If you don’t have 100% of the qualifications for a specific role, don’t apply for it. The company will literally waste your time thinking you have even the smallest chance of receiving an offer.