I applied for a backend developer role and was given a take-home assignment involving a dynamic programming problem and simple REST APIs. The task was straightforward, but the feedback I received after submission made it clear they were looking for reasons to reject rather than properly evaluate. They criticized the project structure, insisting that all models should be crammed into three specific files instead of keeping a modular and maintainable approach. Apparently, personal preferences were being passed off as “Golang standards.” Then they went on about missing documentation, even though everything was already clear and functional. What stood out the most was how they expected a full-fledged production system. The job was for a backend developer, yet they were expecting a complete UI, anti-abuse measures, advanced error handling, and even graceful shutdown handling. Nowhere in the job description or task requirements was any of this mentioned. If that was the expectation, they should have been upfront instead of moving the goalposts after submission. It was obvious they were less interested in backend skills and more focused on nitpicking details that had nothing to do with the role. Anyone considering applying should be ready for vague expectations, irrelevant criticism, and an evaluation process that seems more about rejecting than hiring.