Four interviews involving the team lead, department head, HR representative, and the CEO, I found the majority of the interviewers to be cordial and professional. However, I must express my concerns regarding the conduct of the CEO during our meeting. Regrettably, it became apparent that the CEO was inadequately prepared for our scheduled discussion. Upon entering his office, I noticed that he had only just begun to review the written feedback provided by the other interviewers, indicating a lack of prior preparation. Considering the significant amount of time and effort invested in traveling to their office, this lack of readiness was disappointing. Moreover, during my self-introduction, the CEO interrupted me on two occasions to attend to incoming phone calls. These interruptions adversely impacted the flow and effectiveness of my introduction, preventing me from presenting myself in a comprehensive manner. Such actions during a crucial stage of the interview process were disrespectful and unprofessional, creating a sense of disregard for my presence and candidacy. Consequently, from the outset of our interaction, I experienced a perception of being rejected, stemming from the CEO's behavior and the overall tone established during the interview. It is crucial for individuals in leadership positions to exhibit professionalism, attentiveness, and preparedness during interviews to ensure a fair and respectful assessment of candidates. Creating an environment where candidates feel valued, respected, and given a genuine opportunity to present themselves is essential for organizations to attract and retain top talent. I hope that this feedback will be taken into account, as it reflects my sincere desire for improvement in the interview process and the establishment of a more positive candidate experience.
