I was kept waiting far beyond the time I was booked to come. The person holding the interview (who never introduced themselves) interviewed the other candidate who was sitting next to me when it was actually time for my interview.
When it was finally time for the interview, I was told that we had to wrap this up In 7-8 minutes because of a meeting when the previous two interviews lasted ages (which is fair enough to those candidates). Glaring red flag, but shame on me for not saying "thanks but no thanks" and leaving then and there. The interviewer never introduced himself, and asked weirdly scrutinising questions, making it clear he wanted someone with conventional desk experience.
FYI anyone who knows a thing about copywriting understands that a holistic and varied background (which I had) will produce better writing than just conventional desk work. (Simon Dicketts, Tony Brignull, Mark Duffy come to mind...)
While some of the feedback was fair, and I certainly could've prepared better, I'm glad I rejected their skill test. I was patronised and treated unprofessionally and you think I want to put up with that 8+ hours a day, 6 days a week?
For context: At the time of the interview I was making more than 1K BHD at a job I absolutely hated, I really was willing to settle for even half that to be a copywriter. I've since gone on to win competitions in writing and work at an agency heading our copywriting area, leading creative campaigns, and collecting a salary more than the low-ball sum it was implied I'd settle for at Boxon. Good luck to the copywriters at Boxon, I sincerely hope you're treated fairly and are fulfilled professionally.
To the interviewer, do better. Respect another adult's time, and work with them to understand why they may not be a suitable candidate rather than drag them through a handful of minutes to undermine them. Lots of power/ego-tripping. Offer advice, some direction, if I wasn't a suitable candidate at the time, let me know and what I could have to reach your standards.
