This was one of the most disappointing interview experiences of my career. The interviewer worked within the Talent Acquisition and HR function, which made the experience particularly surprising given that they represent the first point of contact for prospective employees. Their conduct throughout the interview felt unprofessional and fell well below the standard I would expect from someone in such a role.
The interview began with the interviewer joining the call 10 minutes late, without offering an apology or acknowledging the delay. Throughout the conversation, they frequently appeared disengaged, often typing while I was responding to questions. On several occasions, I provided detailed answers only to feel that my responses were not being actively listened to or considered.
At one point, while I was speaking, the interviewer interrupted the conversation to say, "Wait one minute, it's the CTO," before continuing to type and divert their attention elsewhere. This created the impression that the interview was not being treated with the level of professionalism, focus, or respect that candidates should reasonably expect.
I was asked questions that bore no relevance to my skills, experience, or ability to perform the role. Many of the questions felt unprofessional and overly personal, making the interview feel more like a cross-examination than a professional discussion about my suitability for the position.
The interviewer portrayed both the company and its employees in a highly negative light. During the conversation, they made several concerning remarks, including statements such as, "Stakeholders here are impatient and need educating" and "The TA team does not work collaboratively, and I rarely see or speak with my peers within the function."
These comments created the impression of a disconnected and challenging working environment and did not reflect positively on the company culture or the level of collaboration within the organisation.
To the HR and Talent Acquisition leadership team, I would encourage a review of this individual's interview approach. Additional training on candidate experience, professional interviewing techniques, and representing the company in a positive and constructive manner may be beneficial. Basic standards of professionalism, courtesy, and candidate engagement should be consistently upheld, particularly by those responsible for serving as the first point of contact for prospective employees.
