I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at SWIFT in Jan 2025
Interview
TLDR: 2 extra rounds of interviews were added during the process. Discriminated against based on how I looked. This goes against their company values & DE&I.
I had a screening teams call in January. During the call, I was told the process was 2 stages.
Stage 1: a task with the hiring manager.
Stage 2: a final stage interview.
Instead, I had 4 rounds of interviews.
Stage 1: hiring manager and one other
Stage 2: Task (no clear commutation as to why the task was moved to this stage.
Stage 3: A final round interview.
Stage 4: A second surprise final round interview. I questioned this and was given a vague response that the MD of comms would like to meet with the final 2 candidates.
In reality, the people at stage 3 are well-versed at building teams. They know how to interview. This role sits within delivery, effectively at the bottom of the chain.
I've applied for more senior roles with less rounds of interviews. There was something odd here.
After the final round interview, I had to chase to find out if I got the job. I received a two line response relating to where I stood.
'we can’t proceed further with your application....' and that they found an inactive YouTube channel which was a factor in the decision.
They failed to elaborate on what it was, which leads me to question if the decision was based on my appearance on the YouTube account.
At no point did they consider addressing the channel with me, this displays narrow mindedness which goes against one of SWIFT's values: Open-minded & curious
This feels personal, considering I made it through to the final stage, I clearly was suitable for the role. It's obvious the person who made the decision didn't act accordingly and placed judgment.
The lack of feedback nor even a 'thank you for your time' shows the true underbelly of SWIFT.
Before each interview, I was given guidance through interview questions to prep for. On paper it's useful. In reality, these questions were ignored by the 6 people who interviewed me.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
tell me about a project that went well, tell me about a project that didn't go well
I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at SWIFT in Feb 2025
Interview
The process took three months - and it turns out they are starting recruitment all over again as they've decided on a new job spec.
I had my first video conversation with HR in late Jan. Following this successful chat, I was then invited to speak with two members of the team in early Feb.
I was asked to prepare a presentation for two team members for late Feb. I was also asked to send my presentation 24 hours in advance, to which I delivered. However one of the team members was not present due to illness, and another employee was brought in at the last minute - someone who was not familiar with the presentation brief or even my CV.
After this presentation, I did not hear anything for 5 weeks. It was only after steadily following up with the HR team was I able to get any feedback and an invitation to the next round.
I then had a meeting with a director in late March and had a positive meeting . However, I had to again constantly follow-up to get any feedback.
I was then told in mid-April that the team has decided to restart the recruitment process, as they developed a new job spec!
Overall extremely frustrating. I would be weary of joining a team who can't decide of a job rule before inviting candidates. And if they're treating candidates like this before hiring, just imagine how you'll be treated after joining!
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Experience on leading social media campaigns and strategy