1. Phone Screen with HR, 2. Phone Screen with C-level exec, 3. In-person interview + skills assessment, 4. ???
Steps 1 through 3 happened pretty quickly, and I was definitely impressed that the company was really adhering to their "Speed" core value, as turnaround times for feedback was generally in the 3-4 day or less range. After Step 3, I began to feel that something was up this time as it had been nearly 2 weeks and no word was communicated. Surely, there are multiple candidates interviewing for this position so its reasonable that turnaround times be longer than Steps 1-3. I follow-up with HR, and they are speedy to respond, and communicate that they will follow-up internally. A few days past and after another follow-up later, this time HR communicates that the feedback from the interviewer has been difficult to retrieve (out of office or away, etc…ugh, okay.)…but says the position is nearly filled, and suggests I check out another opening they have. They even refer my profile to another recruiter handling those positions. At that point, as a candidate, I'm feeling kind of confused and unsure of where I stand. A very off-putting experience nevertheless since I was interested in position X, but now you want me to consider a completely different role? So is that a "no" to position X? Just say so if it is, it won't hurt my feelings. Its been nearly one month with no follow-up from recruiter or clear "thanks for considering us, but we've chosen to not pursue your candidacy" email.
I'm not upset that I wasn't able to interview further with the company (in fact, I am genuinely interested in what they do and would have continued interviewing if they were more on top of things, even for the alternative role suggested). Communication and due care for the candidate experience goes a long way in my book and says a lot about a company….a company that is serious about hiring the best talent at least. This company delivered on the front end but something definitely went wrong midstream…
