2 things I want to highlight:
1. No pre-interview call was conducted asking for current and expected. When I inquired about the budget, no details were given whatsoever.
2. My CV from 1.5 years ago got shortlisted, which was now outdated. Even though I replied on the thread with the new one and also highlighted the issue, each and every interviewee had my old CV and were surprised to learn where I was currently.
The interview process was as usual. I invested 8+ through out the interview process and at the end, I recieved the same old rejection template email. Part of the reason I think might be my budget ( which btw was market competitive and only 10% hike on current), but one should at least have the courtesy to maybe call and tell the real reason or negotiate. I'm glad I didn't join this.