TLDR: I've been writing for 12 years and this is the most filthy, most selfish, and most deceitful interview process I've had the misfortune of ever going through. For the full story, read on. I applied in June 2020. Within days, I was asked to fill a five-page application form and return it with my academic transcripts, certificates, and latest payslip. I asked if the job supported remote flexibility; the person I corresponded with said yes. I was asked to sign in 15 minutes before the interview. While the person was very friendly, I was suddenly I could do marketing instead of technical writing, saying the company already had a full-time technical writer. I asked if they were hiring a second. My question was sidestepped. I found it odd. But stranger things were to come. The main interview was with someone involved with strategy. The person conducted an awkward procession of first questions, including whether I wanted freelance work. As I answered, I had the most curious sensation the person wasn't really listening. The person then lobbed an abrupt game-changer at me: The position had been closed months ago and they had forgotten to remove the advertisement. A long and intense moment of silence followed. I was told the relevant department had been working on website content, but they all felt it was not...very good, and the reason why they'd gotten in touch was because a company executive had personally received my stray application (more question marks exploded in my mind at this juncture) and felt I could help improve on content. I was then asked to rewrite a full webpage as a sample. The page was lengthy, the writing was weak, and I knew I'd have my work cut out for me. Writing an entire webpage? This was an actual job. I asked if this would be paid. Hesitation. The interviewer then said that perhaps this might be not paid? At this point, I was getting confused. These two company representatives had so far been vibing 'inefficiency' in capital letters. Like Jesus, I tried to 'take the wheel' by steering the conversation toward some semblance of structure. I offered to rewrite a couple of sections instead, and the person agreed. After the interview, I received an email me asking me to rewrite...basically the entire webpage. What happened to the two sections we'd agreed on? I gently raised this, and tried to cooperate by sending both thoroughly rewritten sections that night. The reply was the oddest thing ever. "I'll review this with the team," the person said, before flinging a haphazard screenshot in my face. "Here, I saw this on LinkedIn. Another company is hiring a technical writer, why don't you apply?" The role was for someone with electronics engineering experience. A week later, I followed up for updates. No reply. Everybody's time is precious. It takes time to assiduously fill in a five-page application form with numerous personal questions, then prepare sensitive documents. Is it ethical to make someone share so much sensitive information, knowing the job position has long been filled? Does it show integrity to lure someone into an interview, knowing the person has no idea the job doesn't exist? If you want a serious career or the chance to work with good people, steer clear of Elixir. Postscript. This is a tiny thing, but I was slightly taken aback that both people were not fluent in English. From the poor enunciation exhibited during the interview to the incorrect grammar and sloppy spelling seen from email correspondence...it was not professional. I suggest the company mandates the use of a spellchecker for staff members who are not able to communicate effectively in English. It would add a lacquer of gloss to the organisation.