Recently, I interviewed with a company for a position I truly wanted. I first met with HR for about 30 minutes, then had a second interview with the Head of Operations. Both interviews went really well, and I was genuinely excited about the opportunity. I had done extensive research on the company and felt confident in my understanding of how they operate.
After the second interview, I didn’t hear back for a while. I followed up a few times, and eventually HR replied saying the next step would be two 15 minute multiple choice behavioral tests. I was fine with that and took it as a sign they were still considering me.
When I received the tests, I realized they weren’t multiple choice at all. They consisted of math questions that had to be solved manually. I did my best, but I couldn’t complete everything within the time. This was a red flag for me, since the tests were not what had been described. Still, I completed them and informed HR.
Two days later, HR told me there would be another interview a 90-minute session with the same Head of Operations and someone currently working in the role. Once again, I prepared thoroughly, just as I had for the first two interviews.
On the day of the interview, I was surprised. The person currently in the role said he was overwhelmed that day, apologized in advance, and mentioned issues with his laptop charger. His camera remained off for the entire interview. I was honestly shocked if he wasn’t in the right headspace, I don’t understand why the interview wasn’t rescheduled.
The interview itself was disappointing. Most of the questions focused on whether I’d had issues with colleagues in the past, rather than my experience or skills related to the role. The Head of Operations barely asked anything, and when he did, it was simply asking the other interviewer if he had questions. Those questions were basic and showed that my explanations about my past roles and companies hadn’t really been listened to.
At that point, I realized I likely wouldn’t be selected not because of my experience, but because there was a clear lack of attention, engagement, and respect throughout the process.
Despite everything, I still sent a thank you email.
Two weeks later, HR emailed to say my experience didn’t match what they were looking for, but that the team was happy to meet me. What surprised me most was that she listed the wrong team members not the people I had actually interviewed with.
The entire process took over five weeks. I put in so much time, preparation, and emotional energy, yet it felt like there was never a real intention to hire or even to communicate properly.
