After applying for the position, I was then contacted 4 days later by the in house recruiter (by phone) indicating she would like to schedule an phone screen for the following week. Informed to look out for an email regarding our upcoming session however the email never arrived that day. So I contacted her the following Monday to which she indicated she forgot to send the email as it was a busy Friday and subsequently she scheduled the pre-sreen for the next day.
The Recruiter was very congenial and made the process relaxed by engaging in conversation in order to "break the ice" if you will. We went over my resume of course, followed by my interest in the position and essentially my ambitions. Totally easy engaging interview. I was also asked if I given the opportunity to progress in the process would I be able to have a F2F with the Hiring Manager. And I was completely honest, unfortunately I am not able since I am stationed in NJ and the position is located in FL. Willing to relocate that is why I applied, but unfortunately not able to fly down for a F2F. I also asked if the company would sponsor the trip and/or if the Hiring Manager would allow non locals to interface in a Skype type of interview since most companies have that flexibility to allow for such in the event if a potential candidate with the background they seek is unable to interview onsite. Sometimes the best candidates are not local and one should always consider and/or acknowledge and come to some type of accommodation or compromise.
At least the companies I've interviewed in the past allowed me to interview for a Cali and FL job without having me come to the office directly since I was essentially out of reach. Guess Charles Schwab is the exception. Since I am unemployed, there is no way I would be able to afford an RT ticket especially if I wasn't going to be refunded. The Recruiter indicated that the "Group" wasn't that flexible and prefer second interviews to be conducted F2F, which is inconsiderate if you ask me. She also indicated that she would ask on my behalf if they can accommodate considering my dire situation. For a company that is built on placing clients first, they surely do not place candidate needs first that are interested in working for their organization.
Sadly today, I received the infamous we're not moving forward with you automated letter. All because I am unable to get to FL due to my financial "situation". It is all good, I will not be applying for future roles knowing that there is no flexibility and consideration when it comes to potential candidates.