Recruiter was very helpful and nice. Some of the staff involved were nice. The process was very lengthy. A phone interview, a set of questions to submit answers to, a video interview (very awkward and uncomfortable.. not enough time to formulate a logical response to questions), an inconvenient after hours pop up interview with a staff member that didn't have the ability to attend the interview (although very pleasant, she called me an hour earlier than scheduled which caught me off guard) and lastly a 5 hour long panel style interview with the other candidates as well as the staff. The other candidates being there was a bit awkward however it wasn't as bad as I initially anticipated. Secondly, a very new, inexperienced staff member was a part of the interview process. This young lady should NOT have been a part of this process. She was a bit uncouth and defensive. I can't really comprehend why ALL of the staff had to be involved, including the staff that this position would manage.
The other staff members were very professional and welcoming. The plant manager as well as HR Manager were very kind. There were 3 candidates involved, including myself. The plant manager promised that he would respond early the next week. Well....Monday passed, Tuesday passed, Wednesday passed and most of Thursday passed. I had to reach out to the recruiter just to be told that this position was given to someone else. I have no issues with not being the chosen candidate, I have MAJOR issues with my time not being appreciated/respected enough to at least inform the other 2 candidates that they were not chosen. After I stated my case to the recruiter, the plant manager and HR rep did respond. Provided feedback. From what I gathered, I "intimidated" the staff and my extra efforts to show my actual interest and desire in obtaining this position was taken negatively. I was told that another candidate was chosen the week before Christmas. On last week, this position was REPOSTED.
In the end, I believe that the decision made is SOLELY based on whether or not ALL of the staff "likes" you, not your abilities, background, what you can contribute. This is disheartening because I truly wanted this position and for it to be reposted after being told a candidate was chosen has left me SPEECHLESS.