I recently received a phone call regarding an entry-level position I had applied for, about a month after submitting my application. The conversation was with the person responsible for Human Resources at the company. The discussion started with references to details that were already clearly listed on my resume, such as my academic background. While this wasn’t necessarily an issue, the approach felt rather formal, and the interaction didn’t feel particularly engaging.
Additionally, some of the questions asked seemed somewhat personal for an initial conversation, such as inquiring about my marital status and whether I have children. While I understand that these topics may be relevant in some situations, they felt out of place at this early stage of the process. Moreover, asking about my place of residence seemed unnecessary at this point, considering it was an initial interaction and the position in question didn’t require special circumstances.
When I expressed my interest in a role that would allow for a hybrid or fully remote work model, the response seemed less than understanding. The interviewer emphasized the company’s work model, which differed from what I was seeking, and there didn’t appear to be much room for further discussion on the matter. In the end, after I explained that the position wasn’t a suitable fit for me, they continued to ask whether they should forward my resume further, disregarding my decision.
Overall, the experience was disappointing, as it felt that the process lacked the necessary respect and professionalism. While I understand that each company has its own way of conducting interviews, I believe the approach could have been more considerate and transparent, leading to a more positive candidate experience.