These companies did not freeze hiring. They took on OP with a trial work period. We are not talking about a take home project during the interview stage. This o

These companies did not freeze hiring. They took on OP with a trial work period. We are not talking about a take home project during the interview stage. This only happens when a company in unsure about a candidate and wants to give them a chance. It's clear what has actually happened here and everyone telling the OP it's just the economy is not doing them any favors in the long run.