Recruiter screen, hiring manager chat, technical interviews (coding/case study), presentation and onsite. Made it through the whole process and was told that they are considering me for Senior Analyst but that the recruiter would try her best to have me properly leveled to the Staff role I was originally interviewing for. I even asked for justification for the down level and was told that its based on their impression which I thought was unfair and unjustified given my (over a decade) years of experience and past experience as a manager. Anyway, I proceeded with the whole process and presentation with the encouragement of the recruiter (who I can tell was supportive and kind) but I certainly would've appreciated more candor and transparency that they were staying with the Senior level vs. Staff since I made it clear I had a competing offer which paid me at Upstart's Staff level and I didn't want to waste my time on crafting the presentation and with the onsite if there wouldn't be a competitive offer in the end. I was consistently told that the hiring manager could have a change of heart and told to proceed. In the end, the down level stayed and I still haven't been given a clear indication why - the recruiter stated that this was more a gut feeling from the hiring team which I don't buy and appreciate. I can understand if there was some uncertainty around tangible and concrete elements that I could work on as part of constructive feedback, but if the indication is that they had a "feeling" then I can only presume (based on my own opinion) that there are intangible factors at play (i.e. identity, heritage, etc.) which matter more than actual work and merit. This would be a hard pass for me since these values don't align with what I firmly believe and is a glimpse into Upstart's culture where I assume impressions and perception mean more than impact and contributions (based on the recruiter's feedback). I also know that this company also made a hire for someone who I encountered in the past who is especially racist, abusive, manipulative and controlling. This just confirms what I thought about this culture and would steer clear if you value merit over workplace politics. I'm not hopeful for this company and regret having spent so much time on the take home assignement and interviews. In the end, I would suggest that one really think through and ask questions around the culture and growth opportunities of this company and to be certain about proceeding with the take-home since there is a risk that they down level you based on impression and feeling as was my case. Unless you are quite desperate for a job I wouldn't do it and make sure you spend your precious time on a more worthwhile opportunity and fairer company culture. I certainly feel like I dodged a bullet.