Very awkward interview process. Initial HR screening interview had a warm and easy-going atmosphere, subsequent interview with department was icy. I was interviewed by two people who could not have made it more obvious that they did not want to be there. Felt a bit like I was being interviewed just to fill a quota or something of the sort. Most people consider me very personable but the people interviewing me did everything possible to not engage with me outside of standard questions. Hate to say it but I wonder if they already had an internal candidate picked out?

I truly wanted to rate this a more positive interview experience than what I have indicated here. I applied, and heard back about a phone screen within two days, then another phone interview with the hiring manager two days after that, and an in-person the following Monday. I truly enjoyed everyone I spoke to, and they seemed to be very courteous of my time. That quickly fell apart after my in-person interview. Fast forward nearly a month of complete radio silence, keeping up with my HR representative for updates, and I got a generic form email with a pass for the position, with no real feedback at all. Seems like they have some processes to work out regarding their hiring process, it was a complete “hurry up and wait” and I would have hoped a company of this size and stature would have a better way to handle its candidates. Don’t get me wrong, Bridgestone is impressive, and I had a positive experience with the people I met with and their new building is amazing. I just felt the interview process was not the most upfront, and slightly disingenuous.