It was a 4-round process in which the 1st was with the chief of staff, 2nd with director of sales, 3rd with sr account exec. All 3 of these interviews were very good, professional, respectful of time, and informative.
The 4th / final interview was the worst I've been on in my professional career. I was asked to develop a complete marketing campaign strategy on their "stardust" product, demonstrating my knowledge of the product, ideal customer, omni channel strategic approaches, targeted market, product adoption, and customer engagement. I was to great a complete presentation to panel of employees on site and, "plan to be there 4-5 hours" - this prompt was sent me 32 hours before my final interview
They wanted a free, complete marketing campaign out of me. Unbelievable ask.
I decided I was not going to acquiesce to these demands and I have a strong stance on doing free work for anyone. I instead was planning to show them my past work and present a new single-channel (social media) concept I had been playing with which I am quite happy with.
I showed up, was greeted in a short, cold manner by the front desk administrator. I waited to be called back and was taken on a tour of the facility by the director of sales, then ultimately to the boardroom for my panel presentation.
I saw confused looks when I had no tangible material to present (as somehow in 32 hours I was expected to create, unreal). I was to present my entire concept verbally.
As I was waiting to begin, they were busy ordering their lunches on their phones and it didn't seem they were very happy with me from the jump since I didn't have tangible material to present. Finally the owner said, "oh you can begin now" as if they were waiting on me.
I began and almost immediately they seemed to be tuning out, almost in a disgusted manner as they were already out on me from my room entrance. Owner was not engaged at all, and slouched in his chair lazily, Then the questions began, they picked at my presentation trying to trip me up seemingly. They continually asked about multiple channels, something stood my ground in not giving them the free work they were annoyed they didn't get.
The tone then got passive aggressive. One guy tried to dig at my social media prowess to which I had to deep breath and remain composed as this experience has shifted to trying to embarrass me. I answered professionally, shutting down his attempt with numeric data. He said flatly my concept wouldn't work, yet he has zero understanding of social media, to which I replied, "then why even have social media platforms if you're not going to dedicate any effort or understanding to it?
A few more passive aggressive questions rolled in, then owner said with an attitude, "are we good here?" (to the panel). They answered yes and left the room. 2 people thanked me. The others left without saying a word.
I should've walked out much earlier, I should've had enough self respect to not even show up to begin with after the absurd campaign request.
I waited and was told it was a concluded by the chief of staff who returned to the room and was kind, at least.
I hope they either change their ways or they don't, and another see's this and doesn't have to go through this process like I did, trust me, you deserve better.
