1 out of 5 stars – Unprofessional senior hiring process Interview experience for a senior People leadership role (2025) My experience with the hiring process was far below the standard expected for a senior role and raises serious concerns about the organisation’s level of professionalism and internal hiring maturity. Lack of preparation and no strategic framing The interview provided no clear explanation of the role, its mandate or the organisational context. There was no structured conversation about responsibilities, expectations or success metrics. Instead, the discussion was limited to information already visible in my CV, which suggests that the interviewer was not prepared for a senior-level conversation. Minimal engagement and limited leadership presence There was no evidence of curiosity, strategic thinking or genuine interest in senior talent. The exchange felt transactional and shallow, without any exploration of relevant leadership topics or the organisation’s challenges. For a senior process, this reflects a noticeable lack of ownership. Generic rejection messaging after a live interview Following the conversation, I received a standardised rejection email with no personalised feedback or reference to the actual interview. This type of communication is common in junior processes but inappropriate for executive-level recruitment. Feedback is acknowledged formally but not addressed substantively I provided detailed feedback regarding the interview experience. The response I received reiterated general statements without addressing the specific points raised. This indicates a tendency to rely on corporate language rather than meaningful reflection or accountability. Signals about the organisational culture The overall process creates the impression of a company that is still developing fundamental people practices. The inconsistencies, lack of structure and superficial communication suggest limited experience with senior hiring and a culture that is not yet aligned with executive-level expectations. Conclusion Senior candidates should be aware that the hiring process currently does not reflect the depth, preparation or professionalism typically expected in leadership recruitment. The experience raises questions about the organisation’s internal standards and readiness to engage with experienced candidates.