Interview questions and the overall process were straightforward. However, after nearly two months and four interview stages, the experience ended in disappointment. At the start, I was told by HR that my salary expectations were within budget. Despite having seen a similar negative review beforehand, I decided to give the company a chance and see for myself — only to end up in a very similar situation.
It was only after the third interview that I was told the originally agreed figure wasn’t something their current TPMs receive, and that “we could negotiate.” After completing all stages, it then took another few weeks to receive a verbal offer — which turned out to be £10k+ lower, with no meaningful benefits (20 days’ holiday, no health insurance, and the minimum 3% pension). Although I was flexible and lowered my expectations slightly, the offer didn’t shift at all, so I declined.
It was frustrating to invest so much time and effort only for the terms to change late in the process, and for “negotiation” to mean no room for movement.
Please be transparent about what the company can offer from the beginning. It saves everyone time and avoids repeating the same experience that multiple candidates seem to be having.