Typical screening call with the internal recruiter going over the role, 1st stage with a member of the team and a 2nd stage with a task and additional hiring manager (his boss). Initially the internal recruiter was great - really sold the company and the prospect of working for JLR. I was genuinely excited.
In the first stage you will receive script based questions. I was told they had to follow set questions. Really got the impression that he didn't want to get to know me as a person or that he's never interviewed anyone before. Remember JLR - recruitment is a 2 way street. Inject some personality into your teams, tell me why you're a great employer.
Sounds like everything has to be done by the book with no deviations... No challenging questions at all. Or any questions about getting to know me, who could end up working in their team. Culture fit is crucial.
Second stage was completed with their manager involved, where I had to complete a presentation based on a particular topic showing my approach (basically showed the product lifecycle - product practice 101!!). To my surprise, no questions on what I actually presented. I was primed to start delving into certain areas and to fight my corner. Nothing. This is where I knew something wasn't right...
Instead I received generic questions by his boss - Why you and not the next person through the door, if you had 10 features, how would you prioritise them, how would you say no to someone if you're in the middle of a project. Didn't quiz me on my approach to the task at all.
During the questions, the boss was seen to be bored and scribbling in their book - conveying a discern interest in the meeting. It was clear the meeting was the last in their diary for the day and just didn't want to be there. Or, he took a look at my CV and written me off already - he did mention at the end that he was reviewing my CV prior to walking into the room (late I may add).
With each answer I provided, I couldn't tell if they had just been told they've won the lottery or lost a family member...Completely dead pan. Again supporting the fact that they just didn't care.
Meeting was carved out for 60mins and we were wrapping up by the 48min mark after I asked my questions. So it's safe to say that I clearly didn't impress them with my 4 years of being a PO and conveying how I use data to articulate problem statements and validating solutions...Which was the backbone element to the task. Personality clash I feel. Someone possessing one!
3 days on from the interview, I received a generic email saying thanks for completing the assessment, we'll come back to you in a few days. Then I received the email saying I wasn't successful but let us know if you want feedback. So I have requested this.
The business has proceeded to advertise for a product manager role (we all know there's no difference between PO and PM) advertising for a higher salary as well. Doesn't look like they know what they want...
My advice, be cautious when looking to apply. If you have an interview and they're not engaging with you, to really understand you - then this is a red flag my friend. The best interview process is to get the person to relax, to bring out their true selves.
