The job description covered the entirety of human resources in one role, which was indicative of their unrealistic expectations for the level given to the requisition. They should have opened it as a Director of People and Culture and may have received more applicants in line with their needs. After countless interviews, reference checks far too early in the process with impersonal and broad questioning, and a vague sample writing assignment, the company decided to hire zero of the final candidates, close the req and reassess their needs. It was a complete waste of my time and efforts.

Applied online and received an invitation to interview almost two months later. Initial interview was with the COO. The conversation was relaxed, open and extremely positive, ending with a clear invitation to move forward in the process. The next day I received a request for a writing sample and more info on my salary expectations (the range was posted). After submitting the sample and notes on compensation, I followed up a week and a half later when I hadn't received a response. Three business days later, I received a boilerplate rejection message -- "not a reflection of your abilities or potential" but deciding not to move forward with my candidacy.