Microsoft Senior Software Developer interview questions

Fairly straightforward - email communication with recruiter who set up technical screen with a Lead. Virtual onsite interviews with 4 people (including hiring manager) after clearing technical screen. All the interviewers were great, the recruiter though never responded to any of my emails. They only emailed me when they had to set up interviews, but never answered my questions on what to expect in the interview or any feedback after the interviews. Overall experience during the interviews was great, thoroughly enjoyed speaking and solving problems with potential teammates during all 5 interviews.

I was referred and had a recruiter reach out about a week later. I scheduled a call with the hiring manager and asked in advance what this call would consist of. I was told that it would just be a resume review. When I got on the call, I was asked how well I knew some of the optional requirements and then asked a leetcode hard with only about 15 minutes left. However, it was one I had seen before so I was able to give correct answer. After that I spoke with the HM for well over the time limit about the job and their personal experiences working for MS. I was almost certain I was going to be moving forward since I really enjoyed the chat I had with the HM and was able to solve the question even though I was asked it by surprise. The only thing I can think of is that I didn't know some of the optional requirements that well. In that case then I think they should have been required instead of optional, to not waste anyone's time. I was also ghosted until I followed up multiple times .