I applied online for the HR Manager position based in New York City and was contacted by someone in HR to schedule an interview. Unfortunately, the interview experience left me with some concerns: 1) Lack of Interest in Work Experience: The interviewer mentioned he wasn't interested in discussing my past experience because he preferred to focus on the future. While I understand a forward-thinking approach, it felt unusual — especially for a mid-senior HR role — to disregard over seven years of progressive HR experience entirely. Past performance and experience are typically key indicators of fit and capability, particularly in non-entry-level positions. 2) Difficult Communication Environment: The interviewer was based in Luxembourg, which in itself wasn’t an issue. However, the conversation took place in an open office area rather than a private or quiet setting. Combined with background noise and a noticeable language/accent barrier, it was genuinely difficult to understand much of the discussion. It would have been more effective — and professional — to conduct the interview in a quieter setting to ensure clear communication on both sides. 3) Unprofessional Commentary on Former Colleague: At one point, the interviewer commented negatively on the performance of the previous HR contact for the U.S., implying they hadn't done a great job and that U.S.-based employees were left with a poor experience. While I appreciate honesty, it struck me as unprofessional to speak poorly of a former colleague during a first-round interview. It also raised concerns about internal alignment and culture.