It started out with me being contacted by recruiter, probably because of an old copy of my Resume somewhere online, and I was asked if I would liked to send in an updated Resume for this opportunity.
Two weeks later I was told that the manager was impressed by my Resume and wanted to schedule an interview.
I told recruiter that I am not an US citizen but I am a green card holder and asked if that is Okay, to which I am told that it is Okay. I even double checked the job description and it does confirm the opportunity is opened to US citizens and permanent residents (green card holders).
I suited up and arrived at the site 30 mins before the interview. As I was checking in with the front desk, the security didn’t even want to check me in at first (probably because I am not white), and I informed them respectfully that I am a green card holder, then they finally agreed to call the manager to confirm while started interrogating my citizenship as if I was at the immigration office, to which I found extremely odd and potentially illegal.
20 minutes later, the manager I was supposed to interview with came downstairs and told me that they would not be proceeding with the interview as they would hire US persons only, to which I responded that I am a US person under the statue of law as I am a green card holder (permanent resident). To which he responded that ... but we would prefer US citizens. (I highly doubt that it was the real reason)
So there I was, looking like an idiot in a nice suit, was shown the door before even making it pass security.
If you think this is as bad as it can get then you are wrong. Given the whole circumstance, I would still cut the manager some slack because at least he acted apologetically and respectfully.
After the manager left, the security staff continued talking to each other about me behind my back at the front desk as if I was not there, with their voice echoing the entire lobby for anyone that was there to hear, while I was waiting for my ride.
It was the most uncomfortable and humiliating experience I ever had, and I would’ve waited outside if I could, just to save myself from the humiliation, but it was 20 below zero with wind chill as low as 50 below, so I wouldn’t’ve made it.
I can’t believe I dressed up, took time off work, and made it all the way there in extremely cold weather to be humiliated without any reason, especially considering I was contracted by them first.