I was contacted fairly quickly after submitting my application for this role. I was contacted by the head of talent and a first screening call was arranged. Interview went okay, I was definitely nervous - as one usually can be. I was told the interview process would entail 4 stages, and that the next step would be a longer Teams call with the team. After a 25-30 min call, which included questions about my experience, goals and overall expectations, I was told I would be contacted later on that same day, or the next. Now, mind you, this screening call was early on a Monday, and I thought they must be at the end of the process to tell me that I would receive and answer so shortly. I had also notified the person about me being on annual leave that Thursday and Friday. When nothing happened by the end of Wednesday, despite de applicant portal status showing ‘in progress’, I was pretty certain my application was rejected. I believe that all interviews are an opportunity to practise, and I felt good I had the chance to do this, despite being rejected. What I am absolutely against, however, is when the people involved in recruiting processes do not follow through what they say. Recruiting is hard, that is clear, but it is hard on both sides. The employee told me of being aware how difficult some applicants have it after restructuring processes, and I really thought this would be an opportunity to even request feedback if I was rejected. To my surprise, despite making the person aware I would be away Thursday-Friday, I received an email on Friday at 5:45 pm to let me know the job had been given to someone and the role was now closed - but that it would be nice to keep my contact. Now, if the process had 4 stages, the person chosen would have had to complete this from the Monday I had my screening call, to the Friday evening I was rejected. Why wait until the end of the week? I know this might seem like a small detail, but it is the type of red flags I look for when it comes to places where mental health, wellbeing and overall just common sense are part of the work culture and not a bonus. I did not reply to this email and I would personally not attempt to apply to any other roles with this organisation.
