Interview timeline: Applied 9/24. Received response 9/25 asking to setup a screening call with the HR recruiter. Had positive phone screen 10/2. Didn't hear anything back, so followed up on 10/10. Received a prompt response saying that the hiring manager was out of office. 10/11 received a request to schedule an online Teams interview on 10/22. Had a positive and pleasant interview with the department director and manager on 10/22. They asked for some writing samples, so I sent my portfolio immediately following the interview. Received a call from the HR recruiter on 10/28 to schedule an in-person interview, which I scheduled for 11/7.
On 11/7, I had my in-person interview. It started well, as I met with the director and manager, who I had previously interviewed with. They complimented my portfolio and stated that they had no further questions, and gave me the floor to ask my questions. We had a very pleasant, positive discussion. Based on my experience, I had the impression that they were leaning strongly toward hiring me. The director went to get the VP, who also wanted to meet me. She came back with an "assignment" that she had hastily scrawled on a post-it note. She handed me the note and explained the assignment. I knew from experience that it would take a significant amount of time, so I asked for some clarification about the task. She seemed surprised by that, but she answered my question. Indeed, the assignment, with the required research, took me somewhere around 5-6 hours, which is a bit much for a pre-employment "test," in my opinion.
At this point, the VP came in. We exchanged pleasantries, and she mentioned that the manager and director had told her a lot about me. However, it became clear that she had read my resume or cover letter, nor had she seen my portfolio. She asked me a few nebulous questions, but didn't really give me an opportunity to answer properly. In addition, several times, she mentioned that they had a "young team," which I took to mean that I might not fit in because of my age. It was a bit uncomfortable. If she had meant that they team was inexperienced, she should have used that term instead of highlighting their age. As we talked, I got the sense that she was not impressed with me and she didn't think I would be a good fit. Which is fine. I've been in that situation many times before myself, as I have extensive experience interviewing and hiring people; however, I would have at least taken the time to review the candidate's resume, cover letter, and portfolio before making a decision. I would also have given the candidate time to answer the questions and actually listed to his/her answers before breaking in with whatever I wanted to say. At the end of the interview, the VP invited me to come back in to meet the team, and I agreed that would be fine. She said she'd like to hear what they had to say. But that meeting never happened. I thought this was bad form. It would have been better not to offer this.
Regardless, I completed the assignment and sent it in. I received an acknowledgement the following day from the director saying she would be in touch soon. A week went by and I heard nothing. Yesterday, I sent an email asking if I was still in the running. Today, I received the automated message stating that they were moving forward with other candidates who were more qualified for the position.
Naturally, I'm disappointed, but as a professional, I understand that interviewing and finding the right person is difficult. However, it was clear to me that they had not completely thought this process out before they started it. They didn't seem to have an interview plan, the assignment was not well-thought-out, and some of the VP's comments/questions were or at least bordered on inappropriate. The process was also slow and drawn out.
