I applied online for an Events Manager Position in October. Approximately a week later, I received an email requesting a phone interview with HR. We scheduled and confirmed the interview. While the HR contact was 30 minutes late for our phone call, the conversation was pleasant and covered my background and questions about how my experience applied to the role. At the end of the phone call, the contact said she would like to schedule an in-person interview with the person the position would report to.
The following week the in-person interview was conducted. The interview went very well and the contact said he would like to schedule the next in-person interview.
Following the interview 2 timed exams were sent that needed to be conducted at home. One was a Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving exam, similar to a GMAT exam. The second was an Excel Proficiency exam. Both took approximately 2 hours each to complete.
Following the submission of these 2 exams, I followed up with the HR contact who became quite slow to respond and also mentioned there was a delay because the HQ was moving from SLC to Denver. After sending 2 follow emails approx. 2-3 weeks after that email and receiving no response, I received an automated email saying I was not chosen to proceed.
I was rather shocked and frustrated upon receiving this automated email given that I made it through 2 rounds and 2 tests which took approximately 6 hours of my time. Additionally, I was told I would be brought back for a third in person interview. I would think that if a candidate spent this much time, they would at least get a personal email stating the company is not moving forward and with some feedback.
Additionally, I felt the exams were a waste of time and made no sense for the role I was applying for. While Event Managers to handle budgets and data in Excel, the exam is not a true indicator of the role.